Bright Colour Palette Inspiration from The Umbrellas of Cherbourg
A Love Story Told in Colour
The Umbrellas of Cherbourg isn’t just a film—it’s a feeling. A dreamy, melancholic, candy-coloured world where love and heartbreak unfold in vibrant colours.
This 1964 French musical, directed by Jacques Demy, is strong film that has influenced modern films like La La Land, Barbie, and The French Dispatch. But what makes it so visually unforgettable?
The answer lies in its colour palette.
Not only setting the scenes, the colours in The Umbrellas of Cherbourg do something more profound—they tell the story. Through intentional use of monochromatic, analogous, complementary, and triadic colour schemes, the film guides us emotionally through colour theory alone.
And if you’re looking for colour palette inspiration for what to wear in photos, this film is a masterclass in using bright, expressive hues to create impact.
Let’s break it down.
The Colour Theory Behind the Magic
Demy’s approach to colour wasn’t accidental. He worked closely with cinematographer Jean Rabier and production designer Bernard Evein to ensure that every shade in the film reflected the emotions of the characters.
Here’s how:
1. Monochromatic Moments: When One Colour Says It All
At a few points in the film, entire scenes are washed in various hues of the same colour family. Think of Geneviève’s (Catherine Deneuve) pastel blue dresses blending seamlessly into her blue wall, curtains and cool winter scene in her window.
What it means: Monochromatic colour schemes create a sense of harmony and immersion. The world of the character feels cohesive, and the lack of contrast can emphasize a singular emotional state—like Geneviève’s melancholy and youthful heartbreak.
How to use it: If you’re planning a photoshoot and want a dreamy, ethereal look, consider monochromatic dressing—wearing different shades of the same colour. It creates an effortlessly elegant and cinematic effect.
2. Analogous Colours: The Sweet Spot of Harmony
Analogous colour schemes use three colours that sit next to each other on the colour wheel, creating a sense of gentle transition and harmony.
In the film, you’ll notice soft purples, blues, and pinks merging together—especially in the background settings. There’s also deeper colours like dark mauve, violet and blue, or brighter palettes like oranges, reds and purple hues.
What it means: This scheme is often used for calm, romantic, or nostalgic moods. It creates a seamless blend of emotions rather than stark contrast.
How to use it: If you want spring colour inspiration for a wardrobe, analogous colours are a gorgeous way to create flow. A lavender dress with soft blue accessories? Perfection.
3. Complementary Colours: When Love and Conflict Collide
Some of the most emotionally charged moments in the film use complementary colour schemes—colours that sit opposite each other on the wheel, like blue and orange, or pink and green.
Think of Guy’s (Nino Castelnuovo) deep blue work uniform contrasted against bright mustard yellow backdrops. These moments visually signal the tension between the two characters: their love is real, but life is pulling them apart.
What it means: Complementary colours create high contrast and visual tension, perfect for showcasing moments of conflict, passion, or intensity.
How to use it: If you want bold, dynamic photos, pairing complementary colours in outfits can make a statement. Try a mustard yellow sweater against a deep navy backdrop for an eye-catching look.
4. Tetradic Colour Schemes: Vibrant, Bold, and Full of Contrast
A tetradic colour scheme uses four colours arranged in two complementary pairs, forming a rectangle on the colour wheel. This is one of the richest and most dynamic colour harmonies, offering a mix of warm and cool tones with plenty of contrast.
In The Umbrellas of Cherbourg, this can be seen in some of the bolder street and interior house scenes where reds, blues, greens, and oranges play off each other, adding a lively, theatrical quality to the film’s atmosphere.
What it means: Tetradic schemes create a bold, energetic, and visually striking effect. Unlike monochromatic or analogous palettes, which create harmony, tetradic schemes embrace contrast while maintaining balance. They are often used in films to create a vibrant, heightened reality—perfect for moments of high emotion, drama, or fantasy.
How to use it: If you want an exciting, high-fashion look for a photoshoot, a tetradic palette can create a powerful visual impact. Try wearing a red dress with green accessories, and place yourself in a setting with blue and orange elements in the background. The combination keeps the eye moving and creates a striking, cinematic feel.
The Lasting Influence of The Umbrellas of Cherbourg
This film’s colour philosophy has inspired some of the most visually stunning movies of our time.
La La Land – Bright hues in romantic moments, with vibrant contrast during conflict.
Barbie – A dream world built entirely on saturated pinks and bright colours.
The French Dispatch – A love letter to colour as storytelling, using controlled palettes in each vignette.
What do they all have in common? They understand that colour isn’t just decoration—it’s emotion, atmosphere, and connection.
And that’s something you can take with you into your own creative projects—whether it’s choosing what to wear for a photoshoot, painting a room, or designing a brand aesthetic.
TLDR: What The Umbrellas of Cherbourg Teaches Us About Colour
Monochromatic = Soft, dreamy, romantic. Perfect for timeless elegance.
Analogous = Harmonious, nostalgic. A go-to for spring colour inspiration.
Complementary = Bold, dynamic. Great for contrast and emotional depth.
Triadic = Playful, energetic. For when you want to make a statement.
Colour tells a story. What story do you want to tell?
Ready for more colour palette inspiration? Check out my other posts that deep dive into films, providing you with stunning palettes to find your perfect cinematic look.
