Color As a Sign of Emotion: A Semiotic Approach in The Film Inside Out 2015 by Peter Hans Doctor

Abstract

Through a semiotic perspective, this research explores how each color in each film’s character functions as a sign of emotion in the movie Inside Out 2015. This research aims to determine the effective role of color as a tool to represent different emotions and discover the semiotic meaning of the colors used to depict character emotions in the film. The qualitative research revealed that strategic colors not only help in character differentiation but also serve as visual shorthand for emotional states. Important findings show that the meaning of each color describes different emotions. The bright yellow color of Joy denotes happiness and positivity. In contrast, the blue color of Sadness is symbolically associated with negative feelings such as sadness, depression, and melancholy. The red color describes the feelings and emotions of anger. The color purple is associated with the characteristics of fear and anxiety. The color green is used to describe the emotion of disgust or dislike. Another result of the research is that the emotion that most dominates Riley's life is Joy or yellow. This research highlights the importance of visual semiotics in film, showing that color is not only an aesthetic but also a fundamental aspect of emotional communication in Inside Out 2015.  This research contributes to the understanding of how colors can reflect and influence emotions that help individuals express feelings more effectively. Overall, this research not only enriches semiotic theory and strengthens Roland Barthes' theory of denotation and connotation but also has a positive impact on understanding and managing emotions through visual representations.