Interior Bathroom lighting (drama)

[Jasmin Gluhic]

Hey everybody!

 

Im new here. First I wanna say a big hello: HELLO!

 

Scene: INTERIOR/ 7:30 A.M. / BATHROOM

 

Anyway.. :D.... I have a little issue regarding a scene in which the main character is in front of the mirror. Its a tight bathroom, limited space so I am forced to light the scene a bit from the door (2-3 feet). The scene HAS to portray sadness, afterall, the character is sick of life and wants to reform into a better one. It has to be a darkish scene. I hope thats enough info.

 

I would just like to know what I could do to make that display the emotions I mentioned? (sadness, sickness, anger).

 

I would really love to hear your opinion. :)

 

dvdguy

[Adrian Sierkowski]

One overhead hard light down, a la vanity. depends what color the bathroom is though.... a white bathroom and you'll have light bouncing everywhere...

if the scene's about his own introspection, light it like an interrogation room; he's interrogating himself.

[Jasmin Gluhic]

One overhead hard light down, a la vanity. depends what color the bathroom is though.... a white bathroom and you'll have light bouncing everywhere...

if the scene's about his own introspection, light it like an interrogation room; he's interrogating himself.

 

Yes, the bathroom is white so theres not much control, however, maybe I could clip some black felt fabric out of frame so I get some light:dark ratio of which would be 1:1 or so.

 

Maybe I should post a sketch of the scene? Or a picture. To make life easier for us :D

[Adrian Sierkowski]

could be helpful ;)

[Brian Drysdale]

Soft overhead light with drapes hanging around the edge might work, tends to look like "The Godfather", but the reflective white walls might fill in the eyes.

[Jasmin Gluhic]

Ok you guys...Ive uploaded a short clip of my bathroom. LOL. Might seems funny a bit, but hey, its for a good cause :) .

 

View My Video

 

As you can see, its really a small space. Remember that I would like to portray all the emotions I mentioned, but since its morning, I wont need any above head light and besides I really want to use window light, however, NOT the window you see when I walked in my bathroom. I'll probably put something there to black it out, I was thinking of placing lights a few feet from the door or something smaller inside and out of frame. What do you think guys? :)

Edited May 19, 2011 by Jasmin Gluhic

[Vincent Sweeney]

A different direction to consider: Soft, gold light through the window, barely bringing up the room to exposure needed. Don't be afraid of silhouetting/largely back-side lighting at times. This can throw the scene into an even darker place, given the somewhat beautiful light trying to come in while his (hopefully believable) performance opposes it.