20 Things You Didn't Know About Star Wars: Revenge Of The Sith

11. The Film's Colour Palette Was Inspired By Painter Mark Rothko

Revenge Of The Sith
Disney

George Lucas has drawn upon myriad aesthetic influences over the course of his work on Star Wars, and for Revenge of the Sith he took inspiration from a most unexpected source indeed.

The film's distinctive colour palette, particularly its emphasis on reds and oranges, was inspired by the paintings of iconic abstract expressionist Mark Rothko.

Lucas, being a huge fan of the painter, turned to his work for inspiration, namely his famed colour field paintings which used depth of colour to convey mood and tone.

The influence would surely be lost on all but the most hardcore Rothko fans - and even then... - but it nevertheless proves that inspiration can come from the most left-field of places.

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Stay at home dad who spends as much time teaching his kids the merits of Martin Scorsese as possible (against the missus' wishes). General video game, TV and film nut. Occasional sports fan. Full time loon.