Ozark’s Color Grading: Why does Ozark look so blue?

Zacharia S
Zacharia S

15 Feb 2023

8 min read

Ozark’s Color Grading: Why does Ozark look so blue?

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Ozark’s color grading has been a topic of discussion since the show first premiered on Netflix in 2017. The series has an unmistakable blue hue that viewers can’t help but notice. 

This intentional color grading technique is meant to create a distinct look and feel for the show, and it’s clear that Ozark’s cinematographers have been successful in achieving this goal. 

In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at why Ozark looks so blue and how the show’s color grading was used to create a unique aesthetic.

Contents

An In-depth look at the Show’s Intentional Color Grading: Why does Ozark look so Blue?

Let’s look into why Ozark creators chose to use blue in their color grading and lenses. The various things the color blue can represent.

We’ve also deeply explored the cinematographyaudio, and visuals of many popular films. 

The Show is set in the Present Day

Welcome to the Ozarks, a stunning backdrop of the Midwest’s rolling hills and towering mountains. The show is set in the present day, but you may have noticed that the visuals of Ozark are anything but ordinary. 

The show is awash with a chilly, blue hue that lends it a unique feel, setting it apart from other shows of today. But why does Ozark look so blue? Let’s take a closer look at this intentional color grading and explore why the show looks the way it does. 

Ozark color grading
Ozark- Netflix

Although the show is set in the present day, the cool blue tones make it feel like a throwback to a bygone era. This is intentional, as the color grading is meant to evoke a sense of nostalgia and set the show in a sort of timelessness. 

It gives it a classic yet modern feel that helps to add to the show’s overall atmosphere and drama.

The Blue Tint is used to Indicate the Passage of Time

This is a technique used in Ozark that creates a sense of unease and detachment. The show is set in the present day, but the blue tinting suggests that the passage of time is being distorted or that time has slowed down. 

The blue tint gives viewers an unsettling feeling as it shows them that events are playing out at a slower pace. It also serves to create a sense of desolation and hopelessness for the characters as they find themselves in difficult and often dangerous situations. 

The blue tint serves to create a feeling of isolation as if the characters are disconnected from the world around them. This adds to the tension and suspense of the show.

Ozark- Netflix

The use of color grading in Ozark is carefully planned to evoke particular emotions and convey meaning. By using the blue tint, show creators can effectively capture the feeling of unease and disquiet that follows the characters throughout the series. 

This color palette not only conveys a sense of despair and hopelessness but also helps to establish a unique atmosphere that stands out among other television series.

The Blue Tint is also used to Create a Feeling of Unease

The show Ozark is known for its intense and sinister atmosphere, and the color blue plays a large role in helping to create this feeling. The show is set in the present day, but viewers can recognize the characters’ struggles through the blue tint of the cinematography. 

The reason why the creators chose the color blue is that it creates an atmosphere of unease and suspense.

Ozark- Netflix

For example, in the first episode, when Marty Byrde (Jason Bateman) meets with a drug dealer to make a deal, the blue tint emphasizes the danger and tension of the situation. The color blue also often appears during scenes involving the cartel, giving them an almost supernatural feeling. This reinforces their power over Marty and his family.

In addition, blue is often used to depict sadness, isolation, and despair. It helps to show how much the Byrde family has gone through and how they are struggling to make ends meet. 

In other scenes, the blue tones emphasize how lost and uncertain Marty is. By showing this emotion through the color blue, viewers can better understand and sympathize with his plight.

Overall, by using the color blue, Ozark’s creators have created an atmosphere of uncertainty and unease that perfectly matches the show’s dark tone. The blue tint helps to convey a sense of danger and helplessness that sets the show apart from other crime dramas.

The Blue tint is used to make the Characters seem more Cold and Distant

The blue tint used in Ozark gives the viewer an impression of coldness and distance, creating a feeling of unease and isolation. This is especially true of the main characters. 

For example, Marty Byrde (Jason Bateman) is shown to be a stoic figure with a very distant demeanor. The blue tint gives his character an almost robotic feel, which fits with his detached attitude.

Ozark Color Grading
Ozark- Netflix

The use of blue also creates a distinct contrast between the show’s protagonists and antagonists. For instance, Ruth Langmore (Julia Garner) often has a warmer look compared to Marty Byrde, implying a more sympathetic character.

This isn’t the only show that uses the blue tint for effect; shows like the Walking Dead have utilized this technique. The blue tint in these shows has a similar purpose—creating a sense of detachment from the characters and a feeling of unease among viewers.

Ultimately, the blue tint in Ozark serves an important purpose in creating an unsettling atmosphere and portraying certain characters in a certain light. The intense use of color creates an impression of coldness and distance that can be felt by viewers, no matter what their personal opinion may be.

Looking to make an Amazing Piece of work like Ozark?

It’s no surprise that Ozark has captivated so many viewers—the show’s use of intentional color grading is a key part of its success. From the cold blue hues to the use of contrasting colors, the show creates an atmosphere that heightens the tension and drama. 

Ozark- Netflix

Through its use of color, Ozark can make its characters more dynamic and complex while also providing a visual representation of the dark events that take place throughout the show. In other words, if you haven’t already, get ready to enter the chilly, gloomy world of Ozark!

Now, are you looking to create a similarly awesome film or video with great color grading? It’s simple, just become a user at Postudio. Postudio is a completely online, on-demand platform. It has industry-preferred post-production softwares that can help you edit like a champ! In terms of color-grading Postudio offers you:

  • Adobe Premiere Pro
  • DaVinci Resolve
  • Lightroom and so much more!

Head on over, register and start experiencing the excellent platform that is Postudio.

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