Lighting

The film Dead Poets Society (1989) directed by Peter Weir makes use of a varied and creative range of lighting schemes to aid in the storytelling and create the desired atmosphere.

Some scenes are filmed mostly in shadow or near-darkness, such as the first scene in the Indian cave. The scene is lit only by several flashlights, creating a mysterious, even dangerous atmosphere, highlighting the fact that the boys are doing something forbidden. Another scene with low lighting is the scene where Neil gets ready to commit suicide. While the room is in shadow, the light seems to focus on Neil. This suggests that he is full of life and potential, but adverse circumstances lead him to self-destruction.

Candles also appear as a source of lighting in the movie. They are also an important symbol, as they are said to represent the light of knowledge. In the beginning of the movie, a candle is lit, and the title of the movie appears on screen. The title then disappears, and the candle is still shown burning (00:01:03-00:01:10). This is symbolic of how even after the Dead Poets Society is gone, its influence over the boys’ minds remains. Also, the knowledge being passed on from generation to gener...