When you look at photos of the islands where the film was shot, the colors really are that saturated and bright. (So maybe everything wasn't enhanced, post-production!) The key filming shoots were on the Greek islands of Skopelos, Skiathos (on the old port), and Damouchari Pelion. Other parts of the film were produced in England.
The blues of the Aegean sea are so dramatic, from teal, to ultramarine blue, to cerulean.
Even the lighting was sparkly, with a hallow of light making everyone's hair glow.
I thought this costume choice was fantastic- a green and blue dress paired with a striking red scarf to contrast against the ocean. Without it, Meryl would have blended into the background too much. (something very important to consider when designing with color...)
Working off the colors of the surrounding environment, every variety of blue was used somehow. Calming and serene, and yet not cold, the periwinkle walls inside the hotel worked beautifully to create a mood.
image sourceEvery scene had wonderful pops of color for visual punch. Without that fabulous teal ruffly number, it would have been very difficult to keep our eyes on Meryl's character as she lead the parade of towns women.
Looking a little more at costumes, I found this interesting tid bit by costume designer Ann Roth, regarding Meryl's overalls, dyed a very specific shade of blue. "I wanted the color to have something to do with the European work uniform," Roth said. "I wanted her sneakers to go away and not be noticed. They were aged and dyed to the color of her legs."(source)
Looking a little more at costumes, I found this interesting tid bit by costume designer Ann Roth, regarding Meryl's overalls, dyed a very specific shade of blue. "I wanted the color to have something to do with the European work uniform," Roth said. "I wanted her sneakers to go away and not be noticed. They were aged and dyed to the color of her legs."(source)
There was also really fun tilework used liberally in the sets. I managed to find a shot that shows a little glimpse. Really ornate and whimsical. See, everything doesn't have to be matchy-matchy!
image sourceThe textiles used through-out the movie were really beautiful, too. (wish I had a better film still to show you, but these were the best I could find. I'm sure there will be loads more after the film comes out on DVD)
Josef Frank sheets hanging on washing lines, floating in the breeze, and a dream sequence full of textile eye-candy in which Meryl Streep's character is lounging on a yacht, surrounded by outrageous fabrics. All those great patterns, suzanis, and embroidery were beautifully bohemian.
Have any of you seen this movie? What were your impressions of the colors? Do you think they went with the theme of the story, or were they too distracting? I'd love to hear your reactions!