Searching references for day interiors scenes

[Bartholomew B]

Hi all!

I'm starting a short movie in a few weeks and I'm searching for references to study.

Part of the story takes place in two locations of the same house (bedroom and living room), and we follow the protagonists through one day, from early morning to evening. According to the script, the house has no electricity, although the story is set in 2020. For the mood we need, half of the scenes will be darkly lit (shutters closed) and half will be full of light.

I'm afraid of making something too dull, since big part of it is set in just two rooms and I can't change most of the light, since is all set in one day (can't alternate between sunlight, overcast, etc.). Also, I can't use practicals, which is a way I love to add interest in the frame and to motivate light.

Could you recommend some movies to watch, maybe shot in a similar scenario?

Thanks

[Stewart McLain]

Two that come to mind are Tideland and Days of Heaven (although I think there aren't very many interior shots in Days of Heaven)  The interiors may not be entirely devoid of practical lights but I think they come close.  Barry Lyndon was shot entirely by candlelight and daylight.  

If I were in your shoes, I would probably try to work with the set designer to add some objects or furniture into the scene that reflect or scatter light.  Shadow patterns could also add interest too.

[Bartholomew B]

On 8/14/2022 at 10:40 PM, Stewart McLain said:

Two that come to mind are Tideland and Days of Heaven (although I think there aren't very many interior shots in Days of Heaven)  The interiors may not be entirely devoid of practical lights but I think they come close.  Barry Lyndon was shot entirely by candlelight and daylight. 

Thanks! I'll watch Tideland, seems a good reference. Days of Heaven was already on the list, while Barry Lyndon is not exactly the look we need.

On 8/14/2022 at 10:40 PM, Stewart McLain said:

If I were in your shoes, I would probably try to work with the set designer to add some objects or furniture into the scene that reflect or scatter light.  Shadow patterns could also add interest too.

Now that's a good idea! Reflective objects will help for sure. It's a perfect match with the sunlit scenes, because we'll have some morning sunbeams lighting the set. I think of serveral photographers who did this (early colorists mainly), but few movies. I'll look for them.