Modern Day Black and White Films: A Journey Through Time and Emotion

While color has been a staple in filmmaking for over a century, many directors still choose to work in black and white to tell their stories. This unique aesthetic can make a film feel timeless, allowing the focus to rest on emotions, characters, or the mood. Let's explore some notable examples and the reasons behind their stylistic choices.

What Are Some Modern Day Black and White Films?

One of my favorite modern day black and white films is "Zack Snyder’s Justice League: Justice is Gray." Although it is in color too, the black and white version includes several additional scenes that are not present in the color version. This unique format allows for an enhanced viewing experience, drawing deeper into the narrative.

Here’s a list of some of my favorite black-and-white movies made after 2000, along with the reasons I think they went for this stylistic choice:

Modern Black and White Masterpieces

Directed by Jim Jarmusch, this film aims to keep things simple and timeless. The monochrome palette helps maintain the film’s straightforward nature and allows for a more relatable, enduring storytelling experience.

Michael Haneke’s "The White Ribbon" uses black and white to match the film’s dark and strict narrative. The starkness of the scenes, in grayscale, amplifies the film’s themes and creates a mood that is appropriate to the storyline.

Michel Hazanavicius pays homage to silent film classics with "The Artist." By removing the color, he allows the audience to see the film through the eyes of a generation that experienced cinema without color, adding a touch of nostalgic charm.

Béla Tarr’s film is bleak and heavy, much like the story itself. The black and white cinematography makes the Midwest setting feel even more oppressive and adds to the film’s overall mood.

Noah Baumbach gives "Frances Ha" an old-school New York vibe through its black and white depiction. The monochrome palette captures the charm and simplicity of a bygone era, resonating with viewers who may relate to the nostalgic themes.

Pawe Pawlikowski uses black and white to make "Ida" look thoughtful and timeless. It serves as a form of tribute to the classic films, while also drawing attention to the story’s weight and depth.

Alexander Payne uses the black and white palette to fit the quiet and simple Midwest setting. The lack of color allows the viewer to focus on the characters and their interactions, creating a symmetrical blend of simplicity and depth.

Also directed by Pawe Pawlikowski, "Cold War" focuses on emotions and timelessness. The black and white format amplifies the film’s romantic and emotional themes, making every moment count.

Alfonso Cuarón uses black and white to make "Roma" feel like a nostalgic memory. The monochrome palette evokes the simplicity and beauty of a bygone era, allowing the story to resonate deeply with viewers.

Robert Eggers enhances the psychological tension in "The Lighthouse" with a stark monochrome. The dark, haunting imagery amplifies the film’s eerie atmosphere and emotional depth.

Kenneth Branagh uses black and white to show it’s a memory from the past. The film’s nostalgic feel is further underscored by the monochrome cinematography, drawing viewers into the story as if through a window into the past.

Joel Coen’s film matches the dark and haunting story with a monochrome palette. The black and white format aligns with the film’s themes, creating a stark and eerie atmosphere that complements the narrative perfectly.

Why Black and White?

Although color has been part of filmmaking for over a century, many directors still choose black and white to tell their stories. This unique aesthetic can make a film feel timeless, focus attention on emotions or characters, or create a mood that is stark, nostalgic, or haunting. Sometimes it’s a tribute to classic cinema, while other times it highlights light and shadow in ways color can’t.

Black and white strips away distractions, drawing viewers deeper into the story and making every frame more powerful and intentional. It allows the audience to focus on the narrative, characters, and themes without the visual clamor that color can introduce. This can lead to a more profound and emotional connection with the film.

Modern-day black and white films offer a unique aesthetic that resonates with audiences. Notable examples include "The Artist" (2011), a silent film that pays homage to Hollywood’s golden age, and "Frances Ha" (2012), which captures the charm of New York City in a whimsical way. "A Girl Walks Home Alone at Night" (2014) blends horror and romance while showcasing Iranian culture, and "The Lighthouse" (2019) delivers psychological tension in stark monochrome.

These films exemplify how black and white cinematography can enhance storytelling, drawing viewers into their distinct narratives and artistic visions. Whether it’s a tribute to classic cinema, a simple, rustic setting, or a haunting, emotional atmosphere, the choice to use black and white is a powerful storytelling tool that allows directors to connect with their audience on a deeper level.