Similarly, the gaze of the film is such that the person behind the lens does not lend any moral judgement to the kind of life the characters find themselves in. The cinematography also plays center stage in this film. The same weakness is shown to immobilize Chiron, however, his ability to remain static throughout the situation represents some degree of mental toughness that was unseen before this scene. This scene is much more than the light fixture, however, but also the engrossed colors that illuminated the shots. The film is driven by the internal conflicts of the characters, instead of a plot. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. This scene utilized Miamis natural lighting (that would be later touched in editing) which is said to do wonderful things to ones skin and kinder due to the humidity and moisture in the air. Barry Jenkinss first film, Medicine for Melancholy, has a similar theme to his second feature film. Moonlight is a masterclass in expressive camera and sound. The idea of judgment. Want to spend your summer being creative and making some money on the side? The filmmakers create meaning from these through combining different elements of aesthetics . For Chiron, his community ostracizes him for being gay. Right afterwards, as. The result is an immersive sequence that allows the camera to capture each splash and stroke of the water, which was achieved by filming partly underwater. Later in the film when Juan teaches Chiron how to swim, the camera is level to the water so that the audience feels like they are swimming with the characters. Many of Moonlights moving moments happen when actors look directly into the lens, letting the audience look into the characters eyes and have a deeper emotional connection with the characters. The light inside the building came from the lamps and it gave a natural and realistic feel to the diner. Moonlight, and its ocean setting is a significant motif in this film that illustrates the coming of age of a young black man in Miami. Moonlight Cinematography: Bold Color, Rich Skin Tone, High Contrast I started talking about this movie 17 years ago when I first met Barry, Laxton tells TIME. Moonlight, directed by Barry Jenkins, takes a look at a young black male growing up in Miami named Chiron. We see him immerse his face in an ice bath, framed by flickering lights. The effect is such that we are not watching them swimming; instead, we are right there next to them. Barry Jenkins Narrates a Scene From 'Moonlight' - New York Times Moonlight is a coming of age movie of a young African American man through three stages of his life. It somehow seems appropriate in a way that again doesnt speak to the realism of the movie but it somehow speaks to the emotional value that I think we were trying to present to our audience. In a scene that could have been so much darker and so much grittier this lighting choice elevates the scene to a slightly surreal place. Chiron is changed forever in the preceding scene. This tint was not done for pure aesthetic necessarily, but to speak to the emotional state that Chiron was experiencing. While the story is told in three distinct parts that correspond to different parts of Chirons identity as Little/Chiron/Black, these are united by the expressionistic use of color and certain motifs. Two faces, two connected souls. Its a very familiar interaction. In the midst of this pivotal moment of self-discovery theres a real awareness of the camera as the water is lapping against the lens. Sensitive topics such as race and sexuality, staged against the backdrop of the hood are automatically assumed to follow the convention of realism. To sign up, email glorie@theodysseyonline.com. (The teenage Chiron is played by Ashton Sanders in the second act, the adult Chiron by Trevante Rhodes in the third.) Sorry, we could not paraphrase this essay. Moonlights setting in Miami was essential to the story. In this aspect, blue becomes the motif of rebirth and a fragmented identity. With rich hues that provide vital cues and swift camera movement, the film cautiously walks the line between realistic storytelling and a process of expressionist imagery. Gradesfixer , Analysis of Cinematography in Moonlight by Barry Jenkins., Analysis of Cinematography in Moonlight by Barry Jenkins [Internet]. Another scene where the camera circles around the characters is when Chirons bullies are forcing his friend to hit him for being different. A prominent scene depicts this where the protagonist is taught how to swim in the ocean by his father figure Juan. That being said, I dont think the movies untrue. Bullied at an early age and seemingly outcast, Chiron knows he doesn't fit in because of his sexuality. Laxton pushes the camera closer and closer towards the characters so as to create moments of intentional bonding between them and the audience. We transition from handheld to dolly, from dolly to steady cam. Back at school, after Kevin was forced to beat up Chiron by his bullies, Chiron sits in an office and tunes the principals voice out. The sights, sounds, and smells of a summer day in your hometown. How high-angle is something? This film was the first with an all African-American cast and LGBTQ-based storyline to win an award of this prestige. Barry Jenkins narrates a swimming sequence from "Moonlight" featuring Alex Hibbert and Mahershala Ali. Moonlight is an American drama film that chronicles the life of African-American male Chiron, who is being raised by a careless mother in a harsh Miami neighbourhood. Laxton pushes the camera closer and closer towards the characters so as to create moments of intentional bonding between them and the audience. It's an intentional move away from the aloof style and perfection of most big budget. 2022 Mar 11 [cited 2023 May 1]. Their filmmaking style developed after they met in college at Florida State University. Color is one of the first things I notice about the sequence. Miami is a sublime fever dream of pastels and neon, lush greens and glistening, perspiring skin tones. Laxton explained: In that moment, when shes very angry at her son, the pink light tips the audience to a different aspect of her, a different side to her., Laxton went to film school with Jenkins in the early aughts, at the Florida State Film School in Tallahassee, where for a time the two were roommates. And they allow my mind to sort of relax and just let a story be presented to me., This idea of being really personal and unique with the way in which you tell your story. When Kevin and Chiron wrestle, the camera becomes shaky and cuts to shots of their arms and legs. How you are depicting someone. The choice to portray what looks like a stereotypical drug deal, and then swiftly move towards the vulnerability of Little/Chiron, as he is bullied serves to subvert audiences expectations and sets the right tone. understand that identity is often shaped by ones circumstances, and people only see the person shaped by their lot in life, not who they truly are. Students who find writing to be a difficult task. Your favorite summer hobby and how you got into it. The assumption is that the story will be told in a tonality that prioritizes the gritty and bleak real-ism of their world. Light bulbs were changed from green to blue during a diner scene later in the film. I think we all have gazes, says Laxton about his take on photography. Director Barry Jenkins, behind the scenes with actor Mahershala Ali. Before Chiron walks into a diner the lightbulbs outside were changed to give off a blue hue instead of the natural green to make Chiron look softer. September 5, 2020 by The Editors Leave a Comment. Your California Privacy Rights. The camera is sped up and closing in on Chiron and his friend, trapping them even further. The use of the circular motion is used to provoke a specific pressure, especially that in which comes from the in-group. Theres a delicacy to I think my work in that scene that I think really makes me feel really proud., It evolved when the character is also evolving, says Laxton. But as the film ends, the final image is that of Little, barefoot on the beach, soaked in blue moonlight, these motifs merge to create one final image of healing. These pops of color offer a beauty and map to understand the full existence of our characters., We start this sequence with a shot inspired by an animal circling its prey. Barry Jenkins, the screenwriter and director behind the beautiful new film Moonlight, grew up in Liberty City, the Miami neighborhood where the story is set. Above: Roys work from his book from Out Of The Blue. The camera stops and Chiron looks to the audience as if beckoning to join him. Sign in to comment to your favorite stories, participate in your community and interact with your friends. Barry Jenkins' Moonlight (2016) has rightfully earned its reputation as one of the most beautiful and sensitive coming-of-age stories on celluloid. In the next scene, the child, Little (Chirons nickname when he is young), played by Alex Hibbert, interacts with the dealer we have already met, Juan, in a way I will characterize only as unexpected. Were excited to hear from you! The film is separated into three chapters, Little as his youth, Chiron as his adolescence, and Black as his early adult life. He borrowed elements from the work of photographers Earlie Hudnall Jr and Viviane Sassen. All of these things speak to judgment. Both Jenkins and Linklater [], The controversy surrounding Brett Easton Ellis's American Psycho and Anthony Burgess's A Clockwork Orange relates primarily to the central themes that are explored in both books. Jenkins and cinematographer James Laxton focused on drawing the audience into the inner lives of the characters and creating a consistent visual language to tell a story of fractured identity. The camera circles around Chiron, but it is extremely close to the character, unlike how it was a comfortable distance in Juans scene, another way of showing how different their worlds are. Its most prominent themes are love, stereotypes and identity. At the end of the second part, Chiron has been beaten up and bloodied by his bullies. See the powerful images that inspired Cinematographer James Laxton. You cant help on some level just go, wow, I dont know whats happening here but Im just going to sort of sit back and watch. Its an intentional move away from the aloof style and perfection of most big budget films today that attempt at realism. The film, set in three acts, follows Chirons life, and opens with a drug deal using some familiar tropes of an archetypical dealer named Juan, played by Mahershala Ali, as he pulls into the frame in a flashy car to check in on one of his minions. Juan has burst into Chirons sanctuary, literally and metaphorically, and offers him food as a source of comfort. Protagonist Alexs fondness for classical music imbues his character with interesting dimensions, and resonates well [], Following the publication of his most notable work, A Clockwork Orange, Anthony Burgess commented on the function of literature in a mutable society. Best of all, you can do it all from the comfort of your own home or wherever you happen to be spending your summer. This also brings the film to a symbolic full circle, ending with the nascent stages of. Moonlight was filmed in Liberty City, Miami, where the neighborhood houses are pastel-colored and trees a tropical green. "I think for all of us around there, and especially for Barry because this is so personal to him, that just . Get custom essays. Most of Moonlights angles are eye-level, close to the actors faces and breaks the fourth wall frequently. The film, which was critically acclaimed for its fresh take on race, African-American queer sexuality, and nuanced understandings of masculinity was told through bold colors and realism in the mode of cinematography. Jenkins and cinematographer James Laxton focused on drawing the audience into the inner lives of the characters and creating a consistent visual language to tell a story of fractured identity. We can write you a custom essay that will follow your exact instructions and meet the deadlines. Moonlight doesn't just look and sound great. 100% Customized to Your Need with Expert Writers The idea of the opening sequence to have these two highly disparate shots welded together is the essence of the film. For their singular vision for storytelling, Lets deep dive into some of the elements and, is a story about seemingly contradictory things. This challenge arose regarding safety precautions that were in place for the actors; with Mahershala Ali having the water hit just above his waist and for the boy to be able to stand up as well without being submerged entirely by the curling and crashing waves. By clicking Continue, you agree to our terms of service and privacy policy. Not only will you gain valuable writing experience, but youll get to choose your own topics and write one response a week to one of our top trending articles. Moonlight movie review & film summary (2016) | Roger Ebert Its a very familiar interaction. Moonlight Explained: Symbols, Camera & More - The Good Men Project Moonlight is a coming of age movie of a young African American man through three stages of his life. This lighting gives the character depth and not just a negative stereotype of an abusive mother. Other photographers like the great Earlie Hudnall Jr. were found on Tumblr shared in dropbox folders along with the work of Dutch art photographer Viviane Sassen also had a huge influence on Laxtons choice of colors for some of the films most iconic scenes like the swimming lesson, set in it high contrast colors and crystalline blues. PDF Moonlight Analysis Thompson Melanie Without saying a lot, the film creates dramatic tension as well as a sense of intimacy that can so often get lost in the viewing process. Realism was avoided, with an understanding that when a setting is visually pathologized, so too are the human beings in it. How the light looks on someones face. We walk through the film's structure, cinematography, sound and symbolism to show you . In both of these films, space and framing of the characters provide a coherent visual guide to the plots impact. I think its that moment where the language in which Moonlight is established. But presenting it in maybe a way thats providing a larger lens to look through.. The film is driven by the internal conflicts of the characters, instead of a plot. Still from In The Mood For Love by Wong Kar-wai. It is through these very techniques that. Plus, for your first 10 articles, youll be compensated by HQ at $10/response. Right afterwards, as Juan sets up a drug deal, the camera swirls around the characters, establishing the neighborhood in a highly stylized setting before following the protagonist running across a field in a long take. Through three acts, the film Moonlight (2016) explores three periods of the life of the lonely and sensitive Chiron, who faces the difficult intersectionality of growing up poor, black and gay in late 1980s Miami. The film, which was critically acclaimed for its fresh take on race, African-American queer sexuality, and nuanced understandings of masculinity was told through bold colors and realism in the mode of cinematography. When you walk around the city, perspiration is inherent to the experience. Ad Choices. Moonlight Explained: Symbols, Camera & More - YouTube In another shot, Littles mom, Paula, played by the brilliant Naomie Harris, is bathed in pink light as she fumes at her son. For one, this scene accomplishes this visual confirmation of the weakness that Kevin holds due to his closeted insecurities. Although this put a damper in the intended shot and imposed several challenged on a technical level, you can gradually see the sky become progressively more gray and cloudy which unintentionally supported what exactly was occurring emotionally with the characters. Roy was someone that I think shaped a lot of how Barry and I sort of approached the film at the very, very beginning.. Moonlights cinematography uses bold colors and stunning shots to create an emotional experience. Moonlight Movie Discussion Questions | Study.com When Chirons mother begins to leave, she continues to stare at Chiron and walk into the door where the pink lighting was coming from. Since one of the concepts of our visual language had to do with being immersive, it was a must to put the camera in the water, within the tides and waves of the ocean, to experience the swimming lesson as the characters do. While Juan is respected by his peers, Chiron is persecuted by them. (Moonlights editors, Joi McMillon and Nat Sanders, were schoolmates, as was one of the its producers, Adele Romanski, to whom Laxton is now married.) Nevertheless, the brutality and explicit [], "The woman looked at the tree: the fruit would be good to eat; it was pleasing to the eye and desirable for the knowledge it could give. Lighting focused on skin tone and making skin color look natural and appealing. Within its ambition to portray a higher, complicated understanding of black queerness and violence upon black bodies, it also acknowledges the ties of hegemonic masculinity in African American communities. It is a coming-of-age story that uses every camera trick in the book to create a film that the audience feels absorbed in the entire way through. Everything that should feel familiar and gritty is photographed in the bright mid daylight and blown out whites. Here are some of the topics wed love to hear about: Whether you're an experienced writer or just starting out, we welcome anyone with a passion for writing and a desire to share their perspective. The two men didnt know each other at the time, but they have together brought the hyper specificity and full emotional heft of their lived experience to bear on the story of Chiron, a poor, black, and gay boy who comes of age in a Liberty City housing project. The contrasting sound design in both scenes also shows each characters place in their community. Later in the film when Chiron enters the diner scene, it is a long shot to present the setting and feel of the diner. I think whats happened is that the realistic aesthetic applied to drug addiction, or lower socioeconomic classes, portrays the characters as having dark or depressive mentalities, Laxton said. Both films use color to reflect the mood of the scene and what the characters are thinking. But as the film ends, the final image is that of. Theres a certain beauty to the sheen., For this scene we physically put ourselves in a scenario in which our environment had a massive influence on what kind of images we captured. In Moonlight, clichs and tropes exist only so they can be upended. Please update your browser at http://update.microsoft.com. The composition of this notable scene juxtaposes the ingrained idea of Juan being a gang affiliated drug dealer as he takes on the role of father of the protagonist. Let us write you an essay from scratch, Order a custom essay from our writers and get it on time, Structural Analysis Of The Movie Moonlight Essay, Analysis Of Cinematography In Barry Jenkins Movie Moonlight Essay, The Main Message Of The Film Moonlight Essay, Comparing Barry Jenkins And Richard Linklater's Works Essay, A Comparison Between the American Psycho and a Clockwork Orange Essay, A Study of the Character Alex in a Clockwork Orange Essay, The Role of Music in Bringing Out the Theme in a Clockwork Orange Essay, Free Will vs Morality in a Clockwork Orange Essay, The theme of morality and ethics in A Clockwork Orange Essay. The theme, being who we truly are and what our environment expects us to be, is the protagonists main conflict. While its a tender coming-of-age film, it never shies away from the harsh world of gangs and drug use that it is set in. Natural light was used during this scene and the humidity in the air made the actors skin a softer glow. How long-angle is something? With rich hues that provide vital cues and swift camera movement, the film cautiously walks the line between realistic storytelling and a process of expressionist imagery. This was not the only challenge that Laxton faced while filming this scene. While the plot proves for a strong base, the cinematography is what really makes the film stand out, winning an Oscar for Best Picture. tripartite narrative and non-linear storytelling is also reminiscent of the latter. The whole thing was one camera, says Laxton. While its a tender coming-of-age film, it never shies away from the harsh world of gangs and drug use that it is set in. Jenkins and Laxton were aware of the fact that they were dealing with stories that had previously been depicted, and sought to, When it comes to depicting the lives of African American communities on screen, there is a precedent set by films that have come before. We see him immerse his face in an ice bath, framed by flickering lights. Moonlight | Movie, Plot, Cast, Awards, & Facts | Britannica Laxton was also heavily inspired by photography. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Cond Nast. This time, we hear her say, "Don't look at me!" We cut to Chiron, now a full-grown man, waking up from this, a bad dream. But the film is an absolute triumph on both counts for its vibrant storytelling. The moment feels biblical as Juan holds Chiron in what looks like a pieta over the waves. Laxton was also heavily inspired by photography. Similar themes are present in both films, but Jenkinss sophomore film shows how much the filmmaker has improved. Hes someone who I think Barry and I were actually familiar with from our college days in this magazine that we were obsessed with called Hobo, he says. Moonlight exquisitely uses light and color to enhance the immersion of the audience into Chiron's thoughts and feelings. An avid reader and a life-long lover of blue skies, I like to spend my time with obscure poetry and dissecting films. The green hues and flicker of the florescent lighting enhance the slow motion and camera movement to give us the feeling of a heart broken with violence. Looking for a way to spend your summer doing something creative and fulfilling? THE IMAGES THAT INSPIRED JAMES LAXTON | BY PAUL MOAKLEY. The most mesmerizing scene immerses you in the blue-green water of the Atlantic as Juan teaches Little to swim, complicating notions of masculinity and fatherhood while overturning a racist stereotype. As Chiron finds a hiding place, the bullies insults become louder and louder. Moonlight: Behind the Making of the Oscar-Nominated Movie - TIME.com GradesFixer. The main characters self-discovery is told through these chapters, each through a different developmental phase of his life. Join our team and let's create something amazing together! And thats still true today.. Moonlight: A Masterpiece of Cinematography - Cinematography with Chloe Blue serves as a source of solace and peace for Chiron Juans first introduction and their subsequent meeting are framed in the vivid blue of his car, and his apartment. Laxton creates pure poetry on celluloid that is perfectly equipped to conjure a story of self-discovery and acceptance. Moonlight, which is up for six Golden Globes and is likely to earn as many Oscar nominations, leaves a lasting impression on your mind and eye, and its impact is not limited to your present field. Moonlight follows Chiron, an African American living in a rough neighborhood of Miami. story. So was McCraney, 36. Both films use color to reflect the mood of the scene and what the characters are thinking. Which for us meant anamorphic lenses that express this heightened sense of existence that I think audience members sometimes associate with bigger tent pole films, but were presenting this sort of nuanced subtle story but with that same heightened value.. The attempt was to promote those emotions, not just to present them, but to promote them to a place where you can sense the intensity by which Chirons character is going through these things. We balance between sensuality and violence, and in this moment, violence triumphs. Barry Jenkins' Moonlight is a movie about Chiron, the protagonist, through three significant periods of his life. I think the color pink can have a lot of associations but I think one of them can be beauty. Imagine an animal circling its preythis is exactly what inspired the opening moments of the knockout scene. Moonlight (Film) Summary and Analysis of "Black" (Part One) Movie Analysis Essay on Moonlight - proessays.net Your favorite beach reads and binge-worthy Netflix shows. Professional Writers that Guarantee an On-time Delivery. There is a greater meaning to all the seemingly unimportant saturation of colors and camera angles. Which is a scene I think we have seen. Laxton also shot Jenkinss previous film, Medicine for Melancholy. Cinematography Analysis - Politis copy.docx - Moonlight Cinematographer James Laxton shot every scene in Moonlight with clear purpose; to capture and express Chirons inner world from moment to moment. So did Tarell Alvin McCraney, who wrote the play on which the movie is based, In Moonlight Black Boys Look Blue. Moonlight Film Analysis. Throughout Moonlight Chirons character maintains a sense of childlike behavior that carries into his adulthood. Barry Jenkins's first film, Medicine for Melancholy, has a similar theme to his second feature film. Were currently seeking writers to join our summer writing program. 450+ experts on 30 subjects ready to help you just now, Berry Jenkins intimate film Moonlight, follows the struggle of a young sensitive black man trying to find himself against his society's expectations of masculinity and identity.