In this episode of Exploring Art Podcast, we examine Peter Ustinov’s decision to film Billy Budd in black-and-white during an era dominated by color cinema. Why did audiences accept his claim that monochrome appeared “more real”? Our discussion explores the psychology of perception, the tension between illusion and authenticity, and the ways film challenges our sense of what counts as “truth” in art. From Ivor Montagu’s critiques to the lasting influence of visual contrast, we unravel how art blurs the line between reality and illusion.