Road-tripping with your friends? When it comes to depicting the lives of African American communities on screen, there is a precedent set by films that have come before Moonlight. And thats still true today.. 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. Notes of Wais work can be felt in some of the most dramatic moments where Chirons mother, Paula, played by Naomie Harris, stands over her son scolding him while a pink light glows from her bedroom. Bullied at an early age and seemingly outcast, Chiron knows he doesn't fit in because of his sexuality. With shots burned by lens flares and bold camerawork viewers are a reminded that being personal in every level can help a story resonate with an audience. Juan has burst into Chirons sanctuary, literally and metaphorically, and offers him food as a source of comfort. Above: Roys work from his book from Out Of The Blue. When Kevin notices Chiron sitting at the bar the shot cuts to a close-up of Kevin looking directly looking into the lens. To communicate this in a visual manner, the camera frames the subjects such that they fill up the majority of the screen, thus drawing us into their emotional landscapes. The camera, said Laxton, is playing with our associations by saying, in effect, Heres something youve seen before. 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. Plot is not so much the concern as an intensive character study is. to swim as a transcendental moment. Kevins look of shock of seeing Chiron again is clear in his eyes and the audience feels it with him. The camera gives Chirons point of view so that when the other boys stare at Chiron, they are looking at the audience. Tell us about your travels! On set it rounded out this character in this moment that is very dark and very intense. It is important to remember that this scene was after Kevin touched Chiron both physically and emotionally. According to Moonlight cinematographer James Laxton, much of today's cinema has lost this subjective intensity. It allows the audience to almost be disarmed in the first three minutes of this opening shot, says Laxton. The bathroom walls that encapsulate Black are pigmented with this blue light which in turn illustrates his hardened feelings this far in the performance. The light in Miami is so specific, Laxton said. According to Laxton, We wanted to make sure our black-skinned actors would look natural and interesting skin tone. I dont mind being reminded that Im watching a movie, says Laxton. But this idea that the medium is always present when watching something I think is a good thing. Yet he is responsible for supplying Paula, Chirons mother with drugs. Miami is a sublime fever dream of pastels and neon, lush greens and glistening, perspiring skin tones. Moonlight is a masterclass in expressive camera and sound. 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. Sign in to comment to your favorite stories, participate in your community and interact with your friends. We never had two cameras actually. Whether its one of the many tracking shots following Chirons back through his world or watching his reaction, one can sense a precision in every shot. Theres a few reasons I think why that pink light doesnt sort of ring false for people, says Laxton. The moment feels biblical as Juan holds Chiron in what looks like a pieta over the waves. Remember: This is just a sample from a fellow student. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. Moonlight doesn't just look and sound great. Students who find writing to be a difficult task. This notion of being bathed in a primarily pink environment as she screeches away at Chiron was very much a necessity for it reveals a different side to her and insight to a different aspect of her life. Moonlight follows Chiron, an African American living in a rough neighborhood of Miami. The low immersive camera is combined with this authentic fluid motion that gives the audience the sensation that we are immersed within this endless horizon of water, much like Little, thus enabling the audience to experience Chiron's baptism as he does himself. By clicking Continue, you agree to our terms of service and privacy policy. That it should feel so radicalfor a kid from the projects to be portrayedwith a complete, three-dimensional portraitstirs up a heightened, devastating awareness of how rare a thing this is. 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 assumption is that the story will be told in a tonality that prioritizes the gritty and bleak real-ism of their world. Juans calm conversation with his employee is followed by loud insults from Chirons bullies. Moonlight is a fever dream of emotionality, . It is through these very techniques that. Laxton used Hawk V-Lite anamorphic lenses, throughout the film to help amplify the emotional state of the characters within the majestic widescreen format. I think the color pink can have a lot of associations but I think one of them can be beauty. Barry Jenkinss first film, Medicine for Melancholy, has a similar theme to his second feature film. The sights, sounds, and smells of a summer day in your hometown. When Juan beckons Chiron to teach him how to swim, it is a long shot as Chiron decides what to do. Laxton and Jenkins drew from varied sources to create a singular cinematic language for Moonlight. Its sort of a fake-out. Moonlight: Behind the Making of the Oscar-Nominated Movie - TIME.com Both films use color to reflect the mood of the scene and what the characters are thinking. The Sexual Identity and Overall Well Being of Chiron in Moonlight, a 100% Customized to Your Need with Expert Writers Laxton and Jenkins drew from varied sources to create a singular cinematic language for. 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. That pink light behind her in that scene and within the film generally helps to express another side of her, says Laxton. Barry Jenkins' Moonlight is a movie about Chiron, the protagonist, through three significant periods of his life. Laxton creates pure poetry on celluloid that is perfectly equipped to conjure a story of self-discovery and acceptance. He borrowed elements from the work of photographers Earlie Hudnall Jr and Viviane Sassen. From the very first shot of drug dealer Juan (played by Mahershala Ali) arriving to meet with his subordinates, we are greeted with a bright color palette that is infused with rich blues, bright yellows and tropical reds. Laxton had to maneuver a 200-pound camera in an underwater housing for the scene. Shes yelling at her son. You can get your custom paper by one of our expert writers. Many critics view Laxtons cinematography as visual poetry, through his use of techniques to further tell a sophisticated story. As the second part ends and the third begins, a grown-up Chiron, now called Black, dunks himself in an ice bath yet again, as if to erase all traces of his past scared self through this ritual and be reborn again as the powerful drug lord that he has grown into. (2000). In the following, indispensable video essay from Screen Prism, the structure, cinematography (by James Laxton), sound . 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. Although all are heavily influenced by the beliefs [], We provide you with original essay samples, perfect formatting and styling. This is not an example of the work written by professional essay writers. 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. They remind me that Im watching a movie. When Chiron finally joins him, the camera jump cuts and it is no longer a long shot as Chiron begins to have fun. In moonlight black boys look blue. 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. Its something that allows an audience to really sink into a story.. Now, it represents his world, one of anxiety and persecution. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Cond Nast. In another shot, Littles mom, Paula, played by the brilliant Naomie Harris, is bathed in pink light as she fumes at her son. The film opens with a very stylized, swirling shot of a drug dealer, Juan, played by the magnificent Mahershala Ali. So much is happening behind their eyes. 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. But it allowed us to understand that shes a whole character as well., When asked about his favorite scene in the film Laxton immediately turns to the third act where the shift in style in subtle and more nuanced. Jaws follows the police chief Brody, along with scientist Hooper and shark hunter Quint, in their attempt to protect the town of Amity against a Great White shark that is terrorising . Colorist Alex Bickel achieved a vibrant film by increasing the contrast and saturation while preserving details and color. The films most famous quote, In moonlight black boys look blue, which is shown most providently in the second chapter with its green-blue hue. 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. Right afterwards, as. 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. In this aspect, blue becomes the motif of rebirth and a fragmented identity. Ad Choices. The light inside the building came from the lamps and it gave a natural and realistic feel to the diner. In 2017, the film Moonlight was awarded Best Motion Picture at the 74th Academy Awards. The way each character talks are also contrasting, Juan speaks relaxed and caring while Chiron does not speak. Moonlight Film Analysis The director of this film clearly presents an idea of masculinity and how it especially is pertinent in context to the african american men in the film. Its something that as a cinematographer you are constantly aware of. Moonlight was directed by . We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. Analysis Of Cinematography In Barry Jenkins' Movie Moonlight Essay. Roy was someone that I think shaped a lot of how Barry and I sort of approached the film at the very, very beginning.. But "Moonlight" is a film about faces. Moonlight Explained: Symbols, Camera & More - The Good Men Project 2 Analysis of cinematography in A Better Life and Moonlight Director Barry Jenkins uses cinematography in the film "Moonlight." From the beginning of the scene, lighting is at play as Chiron approaches the diner. ultimate self-acceptance at the end of the film are relayed to us in silent gazes. The use of color in the film to provide context for emotional moments, and eye-catching lighting in an expressionistic mode can also be seen in films like Chungking Express (1994), and In the Mood for Love (2000). This visual rebirth consolidates his transformation from a scared and vulnerable teenager to an angry and resolute youth, who now performs hegemonic, violent masculinity in order to reclaim some semblance of power. Something Barry does so well is put his team in settings where so much honesty and beauty can be found, and its our job as cinematographers, actors, designers, and editors to find it., This moment has so much weight in it. Paulas anger at her son, Kevin and Chirons sexual intimacy and the resulting violence, as well as Chirons ultimate self-acceptance at the end of the film are relayed to us in silent gazes. The story of Moonlight invites the audience to follow the life of a character whos young, black, queer and who feels so alienated from the world around him that he cant see himself as he is. Laxton creates pure poetry on celluloid that is perfectly equipped to conjure a story of self-discovery and acceptance. The scene is about a dealer interacting with his guy on the corner, right? Moonlights focus on telling a well-realized story is evident in its camera movements as well. Instead, the camera simply allows the audience to see them at their most humane moments with their flaws and hopes laid bare. While Juan is respected by his peers, Chiron is persecuted by them. They remind me that Im having an experience that is really personal. Sassens work possesses a wonderful blend of color and the saturation of natural textures and hues of skin that, While the story is told in three distinct parts that correspond to different parts of, , these are united by the expressionistic use of color and certain motifs. focus on telling a well-realized story is evident in its camera movements as well. We see him immerse his face in an ice bath, framed by flickering lights. The close-up of Chiron after Juans offer clearly shows his anxiety. Looking for a way to spend your summer doing something creative and fulfilling? The film has a retroactive effect. We open on the curb of a street in Liberty City, a tough neighborhood in Miami, as a souped-up classic car, its dashboard decorated with a miniature crown, pulls up and parks. Above: D.N.A., 2007. Those things were calibrated for white skin. 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Moonlight Cinematography James Laxton Featured on LensCulture The Photographic Inspirations Behind Moonlight, 2016's Best Picture Moonlight Cinematography A conversation with Moonlight's cinematographer reveals the surprising but formative influence that still photography had on this Oscar-winning film. 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.