A two hour movie is 172,800 frames. Squeeze each frame down to a one pixel wide line of its average color and the entire film fits in a single image. Film nerds call it a movie barcode. The compression erases the plot and the actors. It keeps the decision directors guard most jealously, where to spend color. Color in film works like money. A cinematographer who grades two hours into browns and shadows is buying something with that restraint. By the time the one blue scene arrives your eyes…