Exploring the Color Theory of Characters in Reptile Films
Reptile Director delves into the intriguing Color Theory behind the characters, providing a fascinating analysis that goes beyond mere speculation
Article Overview
Reptile director Grant Singer addresses the popular Reptile color theory which suggests that the colors the characters wear foreshadow their intentions in the movie.
In the film, Detective Nichols and other innocent characters don red attire, whereas those sporting primarily blue clothing are portrayed as guilty. The initial scene featuring a contaminated pool suggests that blue is associated with corrupt police officers, and this color symbolism persists throughout the entire movie, encompassing all aspects of the production design.
Reptile director Grant Singer discusses the color theory in the crime thriller. Singer, who made his feature-length debut with the film, follows Benicio del Toro as a detective investigating the murder of a real estate agent and uncovering a web of police corruption. The Reptile cast includes Justin Timberlake, Alicia Silverstone, Eric Bogosian, Ato Essandoh, Domenick Lombardozzi, and Michael Pitt. The crime thriller has been dominating Netflix's Global Top 10, appearing on the list for four consecutive weeks since its release on September 22.
In an interview with Collider, Singer addresses the Reptile color theory, which gained popularity on Reddit. Despite the question being more relevant for costume designer Amanda Ford, the director reflects on conversations with his costume designer about using colors that suggest the characters' intentions in the movie. Read his complete response below:
No, but I did come across something similar. It was interesting to see how deeply people analyze those details. However, I would prefer not to answer that question as it is best addressed by my costume designer, Amanda Ford. She would be more knowledgeable about any specific discussions we had regarding colors and character development. Those discussions are a bit blurry in my memory, so I would rather not comment. But I believe Amanda would have a better answer for you. Yes, I did read about that too. It's remarkable to see how deeply people engage with the film and dissect every color choice. By the way, now that you mention it, I do recall Amanda and I discussing color options for specific characters.
The Reptile Color Theory Explained
Shared on the r/FanTheories subreddit by the observant u/Realistic_Handle_379, this theory suggests that the colors worn by the characters in Reptile have a deeper meaning related to their intentions. The protagonists Detective Nichols, Summer, and other innocent characters are depicted wearing red. Initially, this color choice misleads the audience as many of these characters, particularly those dressed in maroon, behave suspiciously. However, as the movie progresses, it becomes clear that the characters donning predominantly blue attire are the ones who are guilty. Interestingly, the darker and more intense the shade of blue, the more guilt the characters bear.
The hints of this color symbolism are apparent from the opening scene which features a murky pool, subtly implying that blue represents corrupt police officers. On the other hand, Detective Nichols is never seen wearing blue. Additionally, in the initial scenes, Will Grady is illuminated by a vibrant blue light right after potentially murdering Summer. The only exception to this color pattern is the red car driven by the killer, which was previously owned by Nichols' innocent wife, Judy. This color symbolism consistently permeates every aspect of Reptile, including its production design.
Source: Collider
Editor's P/S
Reptile director Grant Singer's exploration of color theory in the film is a fascinating concept that adds depth to the characters and their intentions. The idea that the colors worn by the characters foreshadow their actions and guilt is an intriguing one, and it's clear that a lot of thought and attention went into the color choices for each character.
The use of red and blue to represent innocence and guilt, respectively, is a particularly effective way to convey the moral ambiguity of the characters and the complex web of corruption that they are caught up in. The fact that the color symbolism is present from the very beginning of the film, with the murky pool suggesting that blue represents corrupt police officers, shows the level of detail and thought that went into the color theory.
