Use of colour in the film Hero

In Hero, use of colour and narrative are intertwined, as the same story is told 3 times from different viewpoints, and a different colour is dominant in each retelling to differentiate them. This not only makes the story easier to follow, but ads to the drama and atmosphere of each retelling.

The ‘blue version’, for example is very calm and crisp, with some reflection and introspection, whereas the ‘red version’ is emotional and passionate, with love and betrayal being the main themes.

This kind of technique creates a very visually distinctive style and helps structure the piece. Similar uses can be found in games, with different themed areas helping break up the narrative and enhance the sense of progression.