Javanese Chiaroscuro in Hanung Bramantyo's Film (Case Study : Perempuan Berkalung Sobran Film)

Abstract

Abstract: Chiaroscuro in film is a low-key artistic lighting that produced a boundary between dark and light area.  Based  on  its  language  etymology,  the  term  chiaroscuro  is  an  Italian  and  clearly  not  originated  from Indonesia. However, this does not mean that lighting in film does not include Indonesian heritage essentially. This  heritage  can  actually  be  an  asset  to  develop  modern  technique  of  artificial  lighting.  This  paper emphasised the Javanese philosophical interpretation of lighting through Perempuan Berkalung Sorban film that were produced by Hanung Bramantyo. By applying cultural studies and interdisciplinary approach, this research found some interesting outcomes. Firstly, the chiaroscuro of those films had a significant relation with cultural and traditional values of Javanese culture. Secondly, in their technical phases, the integrity of “modern  lightingâ€Â  with  “traditional  lightingâ€Â  produced  a  hybridity  of  double  light.  Transcending  its technique, it was identical with double sign and dual culture. Lastly, through philosophical perspective, this lighting  technique  enclosed  particular  life  value.  In  Javanese  society,  lighting  is  not  only  the  ability  to  see things physically, but it is more about peacefulness, determination, brotherhood, etc. Therefore, from these findings,  it  can  be  stated  that  this  research  placed  the  “local  lightingâ€Â  in  equal  position  or  even  position transcended the “modern lighting.†Moreover, based on the findings of this research, lighting can be seen not only from visual aspect, but also from the aspects of storytelling, realism, and pictorial composition. Through these  three  aspects,  film  will  be  able  to  construct  its  aesthetical  interpretation  and  philosophical  aspect  in depth. 

Keywords: Chiaroscuro, Film, Java, Philosophy