The Color Red: The Unlikely Protagonist in Film
By Michael Cahayagan
(Image from shutterstock)
In the realm of cinema, colours often play a subtle yet powerful role in storytelling. While the hero and the villain might be obvious, there's another character that frequently takes centre stage – the colour red. Whether it's Iron Man in the Avengers or the Red Ranger in Power Rangers, the colour red represents a true main protagonist, and its symbolism runs deeper than meets the eye.
Red has long been associated with qualities like courage, strength, and action. It's a colour that demands attention, and filmmakers have harnessed its power to create memorable protagonists. Let's explore how the colour red embodies these traits in characters like Iron Man and the Red Ranger.
In the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Iron Man, played by Robert Downey Jr., emerges as a true main protagonist in his iconic red suit. The colour red is symbolic of Stark's transformation from a self-centred genius inventor to a hero who takes action to protect the world.
The red suit is more than just armour; it represents Stark's courage to change, to confront his own flaws, and to protect the innocent. It's the embodiment of his newfound sense of responsibility. The brilliance of red lies in its ability to symbolise not just Stark's character arc but also the physical power and high-tech capabilities of Iron Man.
Similarly, Spider-Man, portrayed by Tom Holland, dons a red suit that carries profound symbolism. Spider-Man's red suit represents not only his courage to take on great power and responsibility but also his youthful energy and determination to make the world a better place. In many ways, the red in Spider-Man's costume is a visual representation of the hero within Peter Parker.
Spoilers alert for Avengers: Endgame ahead.
With the death of Iron Man as the central lead of the franchise, the stage is set for a new leader to emerge within the Avengers. One might assume that Captain America would take on this role, but he also departs from the Avengers and he also represents the colour blue, which is traditionally associated with supporting characters, in my opinion. As for the colour theory behind Captain America's character blue, this is an interesting topic that I would be happy to discuss in more detail in a separate blog post.
This falls upon Spider-Man, to take up this mantle. Not only that the character is young, his whole personality represents the colour red. Symbolising not only courage but also balance, youthful energy, responsibility, unity, and trust, the colour red in Spider-Man's costume perfectly encapsulates the qualities needed for a leader. Predicting him as the next head of the Avengers, Spider-Man's red suit serves as a visual and symbolic reminder of his readiness to guide the team in future Marvel movies. Just as Iron Man's red suit represented his transformation, Spider-Man's red symbolises a new era for the Avengers, where a new protagonist, dressed in red, is ready to lead the way.
The Power Rangers franchise has showcased a series of Red Rangers, each leading their team with valour and determination. The choice of red for the leader is no coincidence. Red represents leadership, bravery, and the ability to take initiative.
The Red Ranger is often the first to charge into battle, leading by example. They embody the spirit of teamwork and selflessness, and their red attire serves as a visual reminder of their commitment to justice. The colour red works in harmony with the Red Ranger's traits, enhancing their role as the central protagonist.
Beyond its symbolic significance, red also has a psychological impact on the audience. It grabs attention and stimulates the senses. In scenes featuring the colour red, viewers experience heightened emotions and a sense of urgency. This can be especially effective in action sequences, where the main protagonist must confront challenges head-on.
Interestingly, red is a colour of duality. While it represents courage and action, it can also signify danger and aggression. This duality is often reflected in characters like Iron Man, who grapples with the consequences of his actions, and the Red Ranger, who faces formidable adversaries.
This contrast adds depth to the characters and their narratives. It reminds us that true protagonists are not without flaws and challenges, and that the colour red encapsulates their journey of growth and self-discovery.
Red's versatility as a storytelling tool extends beyond superheroes. In various genres, it can represent love and passion, as seen in romantic films. It can also symbolise danger and excitement in action thrillers. The choice to highlight the colour red in specific scenes or costumes allows filmmakers to convey complex emotions and themes without words.
In the world of cinema, the colour red emerges as a true main protagonist in its own right. It represents courage, action, and transformation. It is very easy to colourise characters and depict the different character traits behind them. Characters like Iron Man, Spider man and the Red Ranger embody these qualities, and the colour red serves as a visual and symbolic anchor for their stories. There are so many movies that do not follow the traditional ways of my colour theory thinking, but it's a great stepping stone to embrace how characters symbolise certain characters.
As viewers, we are drawn to these characters not just because of their heroic deeds but because of the powerful symbolism associated with the colour red. It reminds us that the true protagonist isn't always the one in the spotlight but often the one dressed in red, ready to take on the challenges of the world. The colour red to me, with all its complexity and depth, reminds us that main characters come in many shades – but they all shine brilliantly in red.
