THE NARRATIONAL ROLE OF LIGHTING DESIGN IN THE LIGHTS OF THE DARK CITY

This study focuses on the narrative role of lighting design in the film Dark City and examines how various lighting techniques contribute to the processes of establishing atmosphere, creating narrative rhythm and reflecting character psychology. The aim of the research is to demonstrate that light is not only a visual or technical element but also a fundamental carrier of narrative. In the descriptive and interpretive analysis, different types of lighting such as pool of light, pulsing light and piercing light are categorised and their emotional and symbolic effects are evaluated. Each type of light is analysed in the context of specific scenes, showing how the lighting supports the protagonist's fragmented identity, internal conflicts and the film's themes of memory manipulation and dystopian control. The findings reveal that when light is consciously positioned in the frame, it enhances not only the visuality but also the emotional and intellectual depth of the narrative. In the film Dark City, light does not only serve realism. In the film, light design becomes a structural element that expands the meaning of the narrative by interacting with the audience's perception. As a result, light design in this film functions as an indispensable component of cinematic narrative and provides a powerful expression of themes such as illusion, control and self-discovery.