Unleashing the Red Hulk: The Strategic Use of Color in ‘Captain America: Brave New World’

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CAUTION: This write-up delves into the finale of “Captain America: Brave New World,” currently showing in cinemas.

Brave New World.

Despite the challenge posed by the film’s antagonist being Red Hulk (played by Harrison Ford), cinematographer Kramer Morgenthau contends that the risky creative decision turned out to be effective. He elaborates, “We relied heavily on production design and costume design, and I avoided using red light until significant scenes like the lab or when Red Hulk appears. By withholding red for such a large portion of the movie, it creates a powerful impact.

In the upcoming “Captain America” film, William Hurt’s role as President Thaddeus “Thunderbolt” Ross from “The Incredible Hulk” is assumed by Danny Ford. As the story progresses, President Ross delegates Anthony Mackie’s character, Sam Wilson, with the task of reforming the Avengers and leading them. Simultaneously, it is revealed that President Ross has been secretly taking medication for an unspecified condition, which later turns out to be a ruse to expose him to gamma radiation, ultimately transforming him into the Red Hulk. This transformation occurs during a press conference in the movie’s climax, triggering a fierce showdown between Captain America and the newly-minted Red Hulk.

Production designer Ramsey Avery has faced similar instructions before, notably in the 2016 movie “10 Cloverfield Lane” where he deliberately reduced the use of red. However, this wasn’t an effortless feat. As you observe your surroundings, you’ll notice that red is ubiquitous. Cars, for instance, always have a red taillight, making it challenging to lessen the occurrence of red.

Avery explains, “We began by using blue as a symbol for tranquility and order. Then we moved on to other colors like green, yellow, orange, and finally red, each one progressively representing a decrease in control and an increase in chaos, symbolizing the unpredictable nature of the Hulk.

Instead of being removed altogether, red was strategically employed to provide clues about the unfolding events. For instance, when Ross accepts the election results initially, his tie features both blue and red colors. The costume designer, Gersha Phillips, carefully chose where to use red. As she explains, “The only individual we adorned with it was Harrison. We omitted it from all other background settings.

When Sam and Ross are inside the blue-hued room, the blue ambiance instills a feeling of control within Sam. Yet, upon exiting the room, a hint of red emerges. Avery observes, “As we depart, he immediately steps onto a red carpet, demonstrating its subtle influence.

Towards the latter part of the movie, Wilson and the latest Falcon, Joaquin Torres, embark on a mission to find the individual who made an attempt on the president’s life. Their investigation guides them to a secretive spot in West Virginia called Camp Echo 1.

The laboratory is owned by Samuel Sterns, a brilliant professor who was exposed to gamma-irradiated blood from Bruce Banner. As a result, he gained extraordinary intellect. The character known as Red Hulk was created by him.

Red gradually takes over as a significant color to symbolize Ross’ emotional responses to the pills. Avery explains, “Since Sterns dispatches his henchmen towards Captain America, all the warning signals are blaring inside. Therefore, we sought instances where red was appropriate to plant the notion of disorder and loss of control.

Morgenthau imbued the setting with a crimson hue to symbolize the concept of “poisoning akin to radiation” that he was inflicting upon the President. Additionally, he employed overhead lighting and optogenetic illumination, which served to illustrate Sterns’ manipulation and mind control over individuals such as Ross/Red Hulk.

In the moment when Red Hulk is unveiled in the White House’s rose garden, the team pulls out all the stops, particularly with the color red. The most striking change is Captain America’s new attire, which turns out to be a red, white, and blue design enhanced by vibranium wings. Morgenthau comments, “Spotting the Red Hulk is truly the grand finale.

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2025-02-22 02:48