I can't get enough of these backdrops. They're important and relevant to my study because they tell a story by making the world Batman occupies so tactile, adding another level of engagement between the audience and the events taking place on screen.
Take the above background, for instance. It engages the audience because it invokes an emotional reaction. The water is calm and the whole scene feels very peaceful. The lack of any other people makes the viewer feel isolated, but in a pleasant way. It's as if we have a unique view of the city and a personal connection with it, just as Batman must have. While the city is empty, it isn't depressing! It feels alive because of how the buildings are lit from the bottom, giving off the vibe that Gotham is an energetic metropolis. The yellow light implies warmth. The high camera angle doesn't make it seem daunting or imposing. Instead, the audience is encouraged to want to explore the city! It also looks more vibrant because it is right next to the dark ocean. The contrast of colours make Gotham seem busier in comparison. This background has been clearly thought out to give the audience context about the city.
This backdrop is another excellent example. The way the lights get brighter as they descend to street level implies a large, dynamic city while the dark silhouetted buildings isolate the audience by showing the city from a perspective unique to them. It is a more mysterious, quiet, beautiful and personal side to the city. The shading is dynamic, the colours are really well chosen and it carries on the whole "film noir" aesthetic which gives Gotham a sense of romance. Batman - The Animated Series is a masterclass I can learn from about how to do great observational storytelling.
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