There are many micro elements used in the Day Ater Tomorrow ( Emmerich, 2004), each used to achieve various effects on the audience.
Lighting is used to great effect in the sequence where tornadoes hit Los Angeles. After a tornado has ravaged the nameless character we have been following, he goes over to the door down the corridor to open it. We then are shown him from behind opening the door which causes a bright light to enter and illuminates the corridor. This is a great effect because it not only looks visually stunning, but also gives the effect to the audience that something of great significance is beoynd the door and that it is of great power and scale.
Sound is also used effectively particulalry in the scene where the main character have to hide from the incoming tidal wave in the library in Manhatthan. Throughout the sequence we can hear sirens and car horns repeatedly. This gives the impression that the traffic halt is widespread and adds to the tension of the scene as it shows that the danger is on large scale. Another not worthy use of sound is the scene wherein our heroes venture into the russian boat to find medical supplies. Where can hear the main characters panting and gasping for breath, which gives the impression to the audience that the group are in desperate times and are exhausted , clearly in a difficult situation. The film clearly presents the threat of the cold to the audience throughout with the use of the wind blowing o show how low the temperature is and how harsh the conditions are.
The locations of the film also add to the tension and excitement of the film. We see famous landmarks such as the statue of liberty and the hollywood sign, both in a bad state, the former being completely frozen over from a tidal wave that struck it and the latter being completely ripped to shreds from a passing tornado. This makes the event have more impact to the audience as it shows the scale of the destruction ,as the two places are far apart, as well as showing that nowhere is safe.
The colours of the film are very muted in tone. As the film charts the worlds dawn into a new ice age, many of the set peices features lots of snowy weather such as hail and ice. The film first shows storms that have grey tones of colour connoting to the audience that the circumstances of the situation are very bleak and that there is a small chance of survival. As the film progresses we are shown more and more white tones, which can connotes to the audience the theme of new beginnings.
