Most commonly, black and white, being on opposite extremes of the chromatic scale, carry distinctly opposing connotations. White is usually associated with light, purity, and goodness, while black represents the darkness, terror and evil. Lighting is the method in which architects and directors create light and dark in their work. When controlled with precision, white and black in both architecture and film can create very specific atmospheres and evoke very powerful feelings. The use of black and white, in different contexts and especially when juxtaposed next to each other, bring rise to a variety of meanings and significances.

The following will explore the use of black and white independently and in contrast with each other in four different films. Through a closer examination of their role in different films and different mediums, it is clear that the conventional connotations do no stand in every situation. In fact, the use of black, white or both can have very disorienting effects when intentionally used in unexpected ways. In this way, all the films make use of light and dark, or black and white to bring forth a sense of madness in their work.