Marvel’s Werewolf by Night (WBN) took audiences by surprise with its eerie black-and-white aesthetic. Unlike typical Marvel productions, this special presentation embraced a monochrome style reminiscent of classic horror films. But why is WBN only black and white? The decision was not random; it was a deliberate artistic and storytelling choice. This article explores the creative, technical, and thematic reasons behind the unique visual style of WBN, ensuring an in-depth understanding of its significance.
What Is WBN?
Werewolf by Night is a Marvel Studios special presentation released on Disney+. It introduces Jack Russell, a supernatural hero with the ability to transform into a werewolf. Based on Marvel Comics, this special diverges from the usual superhero formula, diving deep into horror elements. WBN’s unique storytelling and visual approach set it apart from other Marvel productions, making it a must-watch for fans of classic horror and cinematic experimentation.
The Black-and-White Cinematic Style
WBN’s striking black-and-white aesthetic immediately sets the tone for a vintage horror experience. Unlike the vibrant, colorful worlds of Marvel’s previous films, this decision immerses viewers in a dark and mysterious atmosphere. Black and white help highlight dramatic contrasts, deep shadows, and eerie lighting, creating a visually gripping experience that enhances the horror elements of the story.
The Homage to Classic Horror Films
One of the primary reasons WBN is only black and white is its homage to 1930s and 1940s horror films. Inspired by Universal Studios’ classic monster movies like Dracula (1931) and The Wolf Man (1941), the special evokes nostalgia for the golden age of horror cinema. This stylistic choice helps connect WBN to the legacy of legendary horror icons while giving Marvel a fresh and creative way to expand its storytelling.
Artistic and Stylistic Decisions
Director Michael Giacchino and his team deliberately chose black and white to enhance the artistic appeal of WBN. The absence of color shifts the audience’s focus to textures, lighting, and composition. Cinematic techniques such as high-contrast lighting and deep shadows make every frame resemble a carefully crafted painting. This approach heightens the dramatic tension and elevates WBN’s artistic merit beyond a typical superhero film.
How Black and White Affects Viewer Perception
The monochrome visual style plays a significant psychological role in how audiences perceive WBN. Black and white often evoke nostalgia, reminding viewers of old Hollywood classics. Additionally, the lack of color forces the audience to focus on details like facial expressions, movement, and shadows, enhancing the overall suspense. This visual style reinforces the eerie, gothic feel, making the horror elements more impactful.
The Influence of Film Noir
Another major influence on WBN’s black-and-white aesthetic is film noir. This cinematic style, known for its moody visuals and dramatic lighting, aligns perfectly with the horror themes of WBN. The use of deep shadows, stark contrasts, and intense close-ups creates an unsettling, mysterious atmosphere. Film noir techniques help WBN feel both nostalgic and innovative, blending classic horror with Marvel’s signature storytelling.
Censorship and Rating Considerations
A practical reason behind WBN’s black-and-white style is its effect on content censorship. By removing color, the visual impact of violence and gore is significantly reduced, helping the film maintain a lower rating. This allowed Marvel to explore darker themes while ensuring the special remained accessible to a broader audience. The black-and-white filter made intense scenes less graphic, keeping the horror elements within acceptable limits for family-friendly viewing.
Marvel’s Experiment with Different Genres
WBN represents Marvel’s bold step into new genres beyond traditional superhero action. By embracing horror, the studio demonstrates its willingness to experiment with different storytelling techniques. The black-and-white aesthetic is a key part of this shift, allowing Marvel to create something fresh and unexpected. This unique presentation opens the door for more genre-specific projects within the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU).
The Role of Practical Effects and CGI
WBN uses a combination of practical effects and CGI to create a visually authentic experience. The black-and-white format enhances practical effects by hiding imperfections and making costumes, makeup, and set designs appear more natural. The werewolf transformation, for instance, benefits greatly from this aesthetic, as shadows and contrasts help disguise any visual limitations, making the creature feel more real and terrifying.
Sound Design and Music in WBN
Alongside its striking visuals, WBN’s sound design and musical score play a crucial role in setting the mood. The orchestral score, reminiscent of classic horror soundtracks, builds tension and enhances the eerie atmosphere. Sound effects, such as echoing footsteps, howling winds, and distant growls, further immerse the audience in the horror experience. The black-and-white visuals and haunting audio work together to create a compelling, suspenseful world.
Director and Cinematographer’s Vision
Director Michael Giacchino had a clear vision for WBN, drawing inspiration from classic horror films and old Hollywood techniques. His decision to film in black and white was driven by both artistic passion and storytelling needs. Cinematographer Zoë White helped bring this vision to life by using specialized lighting techniques to enhance shadows and contrasts. Their combined efforts resulted in a visually stunning and immersive experience.
Audience Reception and Criticism
WBN’s unique approach was met with widespread praise from both critics and fans. Many appreciated the bold creative choices and the fresh take on Marvel storytelling. However, some viewers found the black-and-white style limiting, as it deviated from the visually rich worlds of typical Marvel films. Despite minor criticisms, WBN’s reception proved that audiences are open to innovative storytelling within the MCU.
The Future of Black-and-White Storytelling in the MCU
Given WBN’s success, it raises the question of whether Marvel will explore black-and-white storytelling in future projects. The positive reception suggests there’s potential for more stylized genre films, particularly in the horror and supernatural realms. If WBN’s impact continues to grow, Marvel may incorporate similar artistic techniques in upcoming films featuring characters like Blade or Ghost Rider.
The Significance of Color in the Finale
A standout moment in WBN is the transition from black and white to color in the finale. This change is a symbolic shift, signaling the end of the classic horror-inspired experience and a return to the modern Marvel world. The transition mirrors The Wizard of Oz, where color represents a change in reality. This storytelling technique adds depth to WBN’s narrative and enhances its emotional impact.
Technical Aspects of Filming in Black and White
Filming in black and white required significant adjustments in costume design, makeup, and lighting. Certain colors and textures appear differently in monochrome, so the filmmakers had to carefully plan every visual element. Special lighting techniques were used to create dramatic shadows and enhance contrasts, ensuring that the visuals remained dynamic and engaging.
Comparing WBN to Other Modern Black-and-White Films
WBN joins a select group of modern black-and-white films that use monochrome to enhance storytelling. Movies like The Lighthouse (2019) and Sin City (2005) demonstrate how the absence of color can create a unique atmosphere. While each film has its own style, WBN stands out for blending classic horror homage with modern Marvel storytelling.
Marvel’s Approach to Horror and Supernatural Themes
WBN marks Marvel’s first major venture into horror, paving the way for darker, supernatural stories. With upcoming projects like Blade, Ghost Rider, and the Midnight Sons, the MCU is expanding beyond traditional superhero narratives. WBN’s success proves that horror elements can thrive in the Marvel universe, potentially leading to more genre-blending experiments.
Conclusion
WBN’s black-and-white aesthetic is more than just a stylistic choice; it’s a tribute to classic horror, a creative storytelling tool, and a strategic decision to enhance suspense and mood. By embracing this unique visual approach, Marvel has successfully expanded its cinematic language, offering audiences a fresh and unforgettable experience. As the MCU continues to evolve, WBN stands as a bold example of the power of artistic experimentation in modern filmmaking.
