Chiaroscuro in Perempuan Berkalung Sorban Film by Hanung Bramantyo

Abstract

Chiaroscuro in film is a low-key artistic lighting that produced a boundary between dark and light area. It is also able to evoke the dramatic impression and the specific emotional depth. Based on its language etymology, the term chiaroscuro is an Italian and clearly not originated from Indonesia. Film, as a modern art genre, is also an imported product. However, this does not mean that lighting in film does not include Indonesian heritage essentially. This heritage can actually be an asset to develop modern technique of artificial lighting. Through the perspective of Indonesian society, lighting does not only about dark and light, but also about its philosophy. This paper emphasized the Javanese philosophical interpretation of lighting through Perempuan Berkalung Sorban film that were produced by Hanung Bramantyo as its study case. By applying cultural studies and interdisciplinary approach, this research found some interesting outcomes. Firstly, the chiaroscuro lighting of those films had a significant relation with cultural and traditional values of Javanese culture. Secondly, in their technical phases, the integrity of “modern lighting” such as electric media with “traditional lighting” such as torch, oil lamp, etc produced a hybridity of double light. Transcending its technique, this double light was identical with double sign and dual culture. Lastly, through philosophical perspective, this lighting technique enclosed particular life value. In Javanese society, lighting is not only about dark and light, or the ability to see things physically, but it is more about peacefulness, determination, brotherhood, etc. Therefore, from these findings, it can be stated that this research placed the “local lighting” in equal position or even position transcended the “modern lighting.” Moreover, based on the findings of this research, lighting can be seen not only from visual aspect, but also from the aspects of storytelling, realism, and pictorial composition. Through these three aspects, film will be able to construct its aesthetical interpretation and philosophical aspect in depth

Keywords: chiaroscuro, film, Javanese culture

DOI: 10.7176/ADS/108-04

Publication date: November 30^th 2023