Technicolor Nightmare
When HBO's series 'Euphoria' premiered in 2019, it immediately stirred up controversy due to its explicit content intertwined with creative cinematography. The show revolves around a group of California teenagers navigating their high school years, dealing with triggering topics such as drugs, sex, and trauma. 'Euphoria' presents a technicolor nightmare that reflects the environment shaped by social media for today's youth. While the majority of the characters in the show succumb to toxic influences with tragic consequences, it also becomes a viral television series.
Narrated by Rue Bennett, portrayed by Zendaya, a recovering drug addict with no intention of staying clean, 'Euphoria' introduces us to other characters and the issues they grapple with, including alcohol abuse, pornography, toxic relationships, self-harm, gender identity, and body image. One may wonder how people could watch or support a show with such a twisted storyline centered around teenage life. The answer lies in the show's cinematography.
'Euphoria' takes the trauma experienced during teenage years and intensifies it, putting it into an oven on broil; forcing viewers to witness the entire house burn down. Amidst the dark plots, there is a bright and artistic beauty showcased through impeccable cinematography. The show presents deeply tragic events, and as viewers, we are both disturbed by what unfolds and intrigued by its depiction. Despite being exposed to horrific, abusive, violent, and sexually explicit content, the creative elements used help us digest the challenging material. The beauty of the show stems from the creativity employed to pacify the audience. It creates a juxtaposition where we are infatuated with the visuals while simultaneously questioning whether we should continue watching. The show triggers a fight-or-flight response in its viewers, and it is the artistry that compels us to persevere and finish each episode.
Several artistic elements are worth noting to gain a better understanding of the creativity at play in the show, particularly in terms of color theory and the power of music.
Director Sam Levinson describes the show's visual philosophy as "emotional realism," aiming to visually portray the characters' emotions. There is a notable difference in the utilization of dynamic lighting between seasons one and two. Throughout the first season, a darker and cooler color palette dominates. Despite the use of dark and cool tones like blue and purple, the lighting is bright and contrasting. This creative choice conveys the internal conflict experienced by the characters throughout the show. The cooler tones evoke emotions such as sadness, guilt, and loneliness, enabling us to empathize with their experiences. In season two, a warmer and deeper color palette is introduced, creating a more intimate atmosphere. The focus shifts to showcasing the characters' natural skin tones, allowing us to truly see them. With less extravagant lighting and more raw and unfiltered shots, this creative decision delves deeper into the characters' backgrounds, helping us understand their motivations.
Another significant factor that influences the lighting in season two is the decision to shoot the entire show on film. About half of the second season was filmed on 35mm Kodak Ektachrome film, while the other half used Vision 3 500T stock. Levinson believed that shooting on film would evoke a sense of nostalgia, as if viewers were reminiscing about a memory, emphasizing the intimacy of exploring one's past. Shooting on film is no easy feat. In an interview, Barbie Ferreira, who plays Kat, explained that scenes in the show are meticulously planned. Every shot is choreographed, and lighting is extensively tested to capture the perfect frame. Lighting plays a pivotal role in the creative artistry of the show, but it is not the only element where color is utilized.
Color theory is an essential aspect of character development and is frequently employed in costume design. Jules Vaughn, portrayed by Hunter Schafer, Rue's love interest in the show, wears a wardrobe predominantly based on pastel tones like baby blue and light pink. This choice reflects Jules' journey with femininity as a transgender woman. Her struggle with transitioning and the quest for acceptance is visually portrayed through color. Another example is Maddy Perez, played by Alexa Demie, often seen in purple attire. Purple symbolizes royalty and confidence, aligning with Maddy's overt sex appeal and "Queen Bee" persona. Even without uttering a word, the show's creators visually convey the characters' personalities through intentional wardrobe choices.
Music also plays a significant role in the show's appeal. With Labrinth as the sole music producer, he had full creative control to compose original tracks, which are integrated throughout the series. Some of the show's most popular songs by Labrinth, such as "Forever" and "Still Don't Know My Name," gained popularity on platforms like TikTok and Instagram Reels. Alongside original compositions, Labrinth incorporates nostalgic tunes that resonate with older audiences, featuring songs like DMX's "Party Up" and "Blow The Whistle" by Too $hort. The use of these popular tracks helps bridge the gap between Millennials and Gen Z.
The season one finale showcases one of the most striking uses of music in storytelling. Spoiler Alert: Rue relapses into drug use, and her experience is depicted in the form of a music video as she sings Labrinth's "All For Us." This song perfectly captures the temporary joy drugs bring while representing the tragedy of her relapse. We witness how Rue internalizes her grief after losing her father, which manifests in her journey of drug abuse and addiction. As Zendaya begins to sing, Rue levitates off her bedroom mattress, and we are plunged into a chaotic sequence featuring a marching band and a choreographed choir. It is a simultaneously tragic and beautiful portrayal. This scene serves as a poignant conclusion to the first season, etching itself indelibly into the minds of viewers.
'Euphoria' is more than a cautionary tale about a generation growing up with social media; it is a masterclass in visuals and storytelling. The show exposes us to dark human experiences but makes them bearable and relatable through its artistic approach. While many may refuse to watch the show, for those who do, it is impossible to deny the pervasive creativity that keeps 16 million viewers returning for more.