Title: Disney’s The Lion King
Writer: Irene Meechi, Jonathan Roberts, Linda Woolverton, Brenda Chapman
Directors: Roger Allers, Rob Monkoff
Year: 1994
Actors: Jonathan Taylor Thomas (young Simba), Matthew Broderick (Simba), James Earl Jones (Mufasa), Robert Guillaume (Rafiki),
With catchy upbeat songs like “The Circle of Life,” “Hakuna Matata,” and “I just can’t wait to be king,” Disney’s the Lion King burst onto the scene and captivated children and adults alike. New York Times writer, Janet Maslin described the movie as being a cycle of evolution. Moviegoers experienced many hues of color, sound and light which were designed to evoke certain emotions. Cinematographers of the Lion King, effectively utilized the techniques of high-key lighting, low-key lighting ans in some instances three-point lighting. The scene that I’m focusing on in this blog will demonstrate the uses of the latter types.
Simba, the main character of the movie, has grown up and is living away from Pride Rock with his friends Timon & Pumba. Simba has been discovered by his childhood best friend, Nala. After catching up and learning of the plight in his home land Simba is feeling down and confused. And this leads us to the scene that I’m focusing on. This scene is title “Remember Who You Are.”
The lighting in this scene is low and dark. Simba encounters the baboon, Rafiki and also has a supernatural experience with his father, Mufasa. According to Goodkontz and Jacobs, low-key lighting is dark, uses deep shadows and gives an intense dramatic effect. Low-key lighting is used throughout this scene. The shadows are accentuated heavily and appeared to take over the screen as Simba followed Rafiki through the jungle. The lighting in conjunction with the music directly impacted what the audience was feeling. Simba was feeling dazed and confused. Simba seemed to be depressed and just lost and full of gloom.
The scene also uses the three-point lighting system . This is noted to be in effect when Simba is looking at his reflection in the water and speaking with Rafiki about it. Its also noted again during the supernatural appearance of Mufasa. The three-point lighting uses three main light sources to control shadows (2011, Goodykoontz & Jacobs).
In this particular scene, the lighting choices were perfect. They evoked emotion and the audience could sympathize and empathize with Simba throughout his experiences. Personally, following the death of my mother, I felt lost and was in search of guidance as well. Simba seemed willing to try almost anything to see or learn about his father. He seemed to be a low point in his life and in need of direction. The director’s use of lighting were appropriate and conveyed the intensity of the mood needed in this scene. If the lighting was bright or high-key, the scene would not have same effect. It is hard to feel down when you are surrounded by bright lights and vivid colors.
Goodykoontz, B., & Jacobs, C. P. (2011). Film: From watching to seeing. San Diego, CA: Bridgepoint Education, Inc.
Minkoff, R. (Director). (1994). The Lion King United States: Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment [distributor].
Maslin, J. (1994, June 15). The Lion King (1994) Review/Film; The Hero Within The Child Within. The New York Times.
Lighting & The Lion King 