A STUDY ON
HALATION
Halation refers to a phenomenon observed in celluloid film where intense light scatters within the film, leading to a secondary exposure. This effect predominantly impacts the red layer of the film, with some influence on the green layer, resulting in a characteristic reddish-orange glow around the light source. The precise tint of the halation can vary depending on white balance adjustments and color grading processes applied during post-production.
The anti-halation layer is typically applied to the rear of the film base, although it can also be found between the light-sensitive emulsion and the base itself. Its primary function is to inhibit light reflection from the back surface of the base or any objects located behind the film. This serves to counteract the halo-like effect known as halation. However, it’s worth noting that even with the presence of this layer, a faint halo effect might still occur since the anti-halation layer isn’t entirely opaque.
SOME “REAL” HALATION EXAMPLES
OUTDOOR
TOP TO BOTTOM:
Jackie (2016) / Directed by Pablo Larraín / © Fox Searchlight Pictures
Bronson (2008) / Directed by Nicolas Winding Refn / © Vertigo Films
Never Rarely Sometimes Always (2020) / Directed by Eliza Hittman / © Universal Pictures
Moonrise Kingdom (2012) / Directed by Wes Anderson / © Focus Features
Spencer (2021) / Directed by Pablo Larraín / © Neon Topic Studios (US) / STXfilms (UK)
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The Wrestler (2008) / Directed by Darren Aronofsky / © Fox Searchlight Pictures
Bronson (2008) / Directed by Nicolas Winding Refn / © Vertigo Films
First Man (2018) / Directed by Damien Chazelle / © Universal Pictures
Moonrise Kingdom (2012) / Directed by Wes Anderson / © Focus Features
Spencer (2021) / Directed by Pablo Larraín / © Neon Topic Studios (US) / STXfilms (UK)
WINDOWS
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Solaris (1972) / Directed by Andrei Tarkovsky / © Mosfilm
Moonrise Kingdom (2012) / Directed by Wes Anderson / © Focus Features
Spencer (2021) / Directed by Pablo Larraín / © Neon Topic Studios (US) / STXfilms (UK)
No Country for Old Men (2007) / Directed by Joel & Ethan Coen / Paramount Vantage (Int.)
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Solaris (1972) / Directed by Andrei Tarkovsky / © Mosfilm
Wendy and Lucy (2008) / Directed by Kelly Reichardt / © Oscilloscope Pictures
Spencer (2021) / Directed by Pablo Larraín / © Neon Topic Studios (US) / STXfilms (UK)
No Country for Old Men (2007) / Directed by Joel & Ethan Coen / Paramount Vantage (Int.)
LAMPS
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Jackie (2016) / Directed by Pablo Larraín / © Fox Searchlight Pictures
Jackie (2016) / Directed by Pablo Larraín / © Fox Searchlight Pictures
Black Swan (2010) / Directed by Darren Aronofsky / © Fox Searchlight Pictures
Carol (2015) / Directed by Todd Haynes / © The Weinstein Company (United States)
Steve Jobs (2015) / Directed by Danny Boyle / © Universal Pictures
TOP TO BOTTOM:
Jackie (2016) / Directed by Pablo Larraín / © Fox Searchlight Pictures
The Wrestler (2008) / Directed by Darren Aronofsky / © Fox Searchlight Pictures
Black Swan (2010) / Directed by Darren Aronofsky / © Fox Searchlight Pictures
Carol (2015) / Directed by Todd Haynes / © The Weinstein Company (United States)
Steve Jobs (2015) / Directed by Danny Boyle / © Universal Pictures
CANDLES
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The Squid and the Whale (2005) / Directed by Noah Baumbach / © Sony Pictures
Jackie (2016) / Directed by Pablo Larraín / © Fox Searchlight Pictures
Spencer (2021) / Directed by Pablo Larraín / © Neon Topic Studios (US) / STXfilms (UK)
TOP TO BOTTOM:
The Squid and the Whale (2005) / Directed by Noah Baumbach / © Sony Pictures
Jackie (2016) / Directed by Pablo Larraín / © Fox Searchlight Pictures
Spencer (2021) / Directed by Pablo Larraín / © Neon Topic Studios (US) / STXfilms (UK)
AT NIGHT
