This reminds me of what I once learned about poetry:

The poet presents us with objects, not emotions

The object then engenders an emotion in us…

Film is exactly like that…!

The objects that you (as a screenwriter) choose to include, as images (and/or: symbols) all have a very predictable reaction (in general)…

This extends to the Director’s lighting choices… (a dimly lit `grey’ room has a very different emotional effect to: a brightly lit pastel-coloured `happy’ toddler’s room, say…)

Cheers

JT Velikovsky
High ROI Film/Story/Screenplay Consultant
https://storyality.wordpress.com/