Lighting & Atmosphere

 

Creating the Film’s Atmosphere Through Lighting

Lighting is one of the most important elements used to create the emotional atmosphere of How We Used to Be. Since the film focuses on themes of heartbreak and reflection, the lighting needed to feel natural and slightly subdued rather than overly bright or artificial.

A major part of this approach is the use of diegetic lighting, which refers to light sources that exist naturally within the scene. Examples of this include streetlights, lights from buildings, and the lighting inside the ice cream shop. These sources help illuminate the environment while still maintaining realism.

Using diegetic lighting allows the film to feel more authentic while also emphasizing the isolation of the main character as he walks through town at night.

There may also be limited use of non-diegetic lighting, which refers to lighting added by filmmakers that does not exist naturally within the scene. This can help slightly enhance visibility or highlight specific moments, but the goal is to keep this subtle so the film maintains its natural aesthetic.

Additionally, filming during sunset and nighttime helps reinforce the emotional tone of the story. The gradual transition from warm sunset lighting to darker nighttime scenes visually mirrors the emotional shift happening between the characters.

By carefully using both natural lighting and controlled cinematic lighting techniques, the film aims to create a quiet and reflective atmosphere that supports the story being told.