How you are depicting someone. 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 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. See the powerful images that inspired Cinematographer James Laxton. Rather than employing a realist, documentary style, Moonlight is filled with elements of visual design such as contrast, color, camera angles, lighting, and slow-motion that immerses the audience in a dreamlike . Light bulbs were changed from green to blue during a diner scene later in the film. We were lighting them with a style that was more realistic than flattering and we wanted the skin tones to feel warm and not harsh. (James Laxton Creates Poetic Look). Students who find writing to be a difficult task. Color is one of the first things I notice about the sequence. I think one of them, Its a way in which we provide a three dimensional value to a character like Paula, Chirons mother., In the complex scene Paula is obviously aware and frustrated by her sons burgeoning sexuality and shes simultaneously dealing with her own struggles with addiction, motherhood and sexuality. Through his association with the color blue, is introduced as a guardian, and a much-needed father- figure that has been missing from. There are these sort of lonely frames that exist, even when hes a grown man. What it means to that character to be bullied, to have to deal with these sexual questions that hes going through in his teenaged years. Moonlight (Film) Summary and Analysis of "Black" (Part One) In both of these films, space and framing of the characters provide a coherent visual guide to the plots impact. We balance between sensuality and violence, and in this moment, violence triumphs. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. 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. Moonlight is a coming of age movie of a young African American man through three stages of [.] In moonlight black boys look blue. When Juan talks with his employee and sees him reject a customer, the camera circles around the characters. CN Fashion & Beauty, Use of and/or registration on any portion of this site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement (updated 5/25/18) and Privacy Policy and Cookie Statement (updated 5/25/18). 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. Its sort of a fake-out. What thats done over the last, say, 30 years is it has made the audience assume that of these communities. My morning routine is I make a cup of coffee and Ill just like scroll through Tumblr images for the first 20 minutes of my day, says Laxton. Home Essay Samples Entertainment Moonlight Analysis of Cinematography in Moonlight by Barry Jenkins. When looking at the cinematography section at the Oscars, Laxton says, Its amazing to be on that list. Analysis Of Cinematography In Barry Jenkins' Movie Moonlight Essay. Moonlight movie review & film summary (2016) | Roger Ebert 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. We used it as the opposite of that, to show the character alone within this vast frame, to emphasize the isolation. Laxton added, Its a format, a kind of lens, that is associated with large blockbuster movies: the Star Treks, the Star Wars. In this aspect, blue becomes the motif of rebirth and a fragmented identity. 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. Those two things are at complete odds with one another. Instead, the camera simply allows the audience to see them at their most humane moments with their flaws and hopes laid bare. Jenkins and Laxton were of the opinion that since the widescreen ratio is automatically associated with franchise blockbusters, telling an intimate story of sexuality and belonging with the same dimensions would serve to create an atmosphere of total artistic unity. Your time is important. Juan relays this anecdote to make Chiron 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. This lighting gives the character depth and not just a negative stereotype of an abusive mother. Miami is a sublime fever dream of pastels and neon, lush greens and glistening, perspiring skin tones. Chiron's eyes say so much that this young man has not been taught how to express. Barry Jenkins Narrates a Scene From 'Moonlight' - New York Times An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. Moonlight (Film) Summary and Analysis of "Introduction - GradeSaver Moonlight - Narrative First 2023 gradesfixer.com. Little is taught how to swim by his new father-figure, he is compelled to float on the water, Let go, dont fight the water, Juan says as he cradles his head through this revelatory moment. The idea of judgment. Director Barry Jenkins, behind the scenes with actor Mahershala Ali. The second chapter of the film uses German film stock which is known for adding cyan to its shots, which alludes to the films name. The duo also shares a lot of photography. Backpacking across Europe? 22 Must Watch Films For Great Cinematography. Its sort of the delicate balance of providing images that allow an audience to feel like theyre watching a real experience. When inside homes or night scenes, Laxton used color filters on the camera lenses with pinks or greens to make sure that the emotion the characters were feeling came across. Its my job to depict judgment, yet Im ultimately searching for a way to get the audience to relinquish that judgment and to just be watchful., We asked Laxton to describe his approach to shooting four of Moonlights most striking scenes, moments in the film when color and camerawork are particularly integral to the story and evocative of the place and people. Analysis of The Structure of The Film Moonlight - GradesFixer These frames provide a sense of loneliness that hes still struggling with as an adult and still permeate the visual language that we were using in story three., Thinking back to his own childhood Laxton says, I remember wearing out VHS tapes of my favorite movies as a kid and having the tracking being a mess and trying to watch movies that were faded. Among these boys is Kevin the only one who looks at Chiron like a person and in Chirons point of view he looks at Kevins bruise instead of him staring back like the other boys. This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator. So we used oil. Moonlight (2016) - Difference, Power, and Discrimination in Film and Its most prominent themes are love, stereotypes and identity. Need some creative inspiration? The light in Miami is so specific, Laxton said. The last sequence particularly stands out; upon breaking down in Kevins arms, Chiron sees himself as Little, standing in front of the sea and looking right back at the viewer, awash in moonlight and hinting at self-acceptance. By continuing well assume you board with our cookie policy. This scene contains no spoken dialect from either character, although the scene solely consists of an angry yelling sequence from mother to son. 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.. Moonlights camera work and mise-en-scene, specifically the lightning, is one of the films most important parts of its cinematography. Shes yelling at her son. Available from: https://gradesfixer.com/free-essay-examples/analysis-of-cinematography-in-moonlight-by-barry-jenkins/. It's an intentional move away from the aloof style and perfection of most big budget. 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. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. Later in the film when Chiron enters the diner scene, it is a long shot to present the setting and feel of the diner. The camera becomes shaky, evoking panic as it chases after Chiron. Analysis of Cinematography in Moonlight by Barry Jenkins Essay. But as the film ends, the final image is that of. It allows us to make choices later on in the film, that if we dont set up our language that way at the beginning, could possibly feel like not as organic.. This film was the first with an all African-American cast and LGBTQ-based storyline to win an award of this prestige. Jenkinss mom contracted HIV; McCraneys died of AIDS. I knew that relationship like the back of my hand because thats where my life and Tarells overlapped, he told the Hollywood Reporter. When he washes off his bloodied face he is simultaneously washing away the old Chiron, thereby ushering the audience into the third chapter in which we see a parallel to the bathroom scene, only now with Black. 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. Sensitive topics such as race and sexuality, staged against the backdrop of the hood are automatically assumed to follow the convention of realism. It just wakes my mind up., Photographers like Henry Roy inspired Laxton. 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. For their singular vision for storytelling, Lets deep dive into some of the elements and, is a story about seemingly contradictory things. 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. Barry Jenkins' Moonlight is a movie about Chiron, the protagonist, through three significant periods of his life. Get custom essays. 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. Every shot is rife with emotional heft and a definitive artistic composition. We walk through the film's structure, cinematography, sound and symbolism to show you . Which is ever so fucked up, actually., They decided to use a digital camera called the ARRI Alexa, because with non-actors in the cast, they did not want to be inhibited by film stock, and because, of the digital options, the Alexa is best at rendering natural skin tone, Laxton said. But the next cut is to a child running through tall grass, and handheld, somewhat frenetic camera movement., The switch-up in camera style portends a switch-up of archetypes. Everything we did was in real locations, which was important for us to create that authentic sensibility that Moonlight is supported by. Moonlight is such a beautiful experience because of the way Director Jenkins uses color, camera angles, and lighting to connect the audience to the characters. 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. Netflix can claim responsibility for six wins best international feature, cinematography, original score and production design for its German-language film All Quiet on the Western Front; best . This essay was donated by a student and is likely to have been used and submitted before, Free samples may contain mistakes and not unique parts. We transition from handheld to dolly, from dolly to steady cam. The waves distort the lens to accentuate the feeling of being present at such an intimate moment. As Juan releases him to float, Chiron quickly steadies himself and Juan says, Right there, youre in the middle of the world. 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. The bright colors used are different than the usual dark and harsh colors American indie movies that tackle social issues usually have. ultimate self-acceptance at the end of the film are relayed to us in silent gazes. Similarly, the photographic realism of Hudnall Jr. results in the framing of the characters with a quiet dignity. Its sort of a fake-out, the films director of photography, James Laxton, said recently. As the second part ends and the third begins, a grown-up, , 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. Juans calm conversation with his employee is followed by loud insults from Chirons bullies. But a community can also be a cage. Colorist Alex Bickel achieved a vibrant film by increasing the contrast and saturation while preserving details and color. For Chiron, his community ostracizes him for being gay. Moonlight's cinematography hubs on the contrast between Littles's place and Juan's in this world (Aguirre, Abby). 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. But the film is an absolute triumph on both counts for its vibrant storytelling. As Chiron finds a hiding place, the bullies insults become louder and louder. Laxton and Jenkins drew from varied sources to create a singular cinematic language for. Then they [], Anthony Burgesss A Clockwork Orange is a novel pervaded by a multifaceted and intrinsic musical presence. 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. 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. Unlike other films, Moonlight does not use a realistic aesthetic that other films that deal with drug addiction and lower socioeconomic classes. The film is driven by the internal conflicts of the characters, instead of a plot. Laxton had to maneuver a 200-pound camera in an underwater housing for the scene. 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. Moonlight Film Analysis. We swirl around and around and around, and land on close-ups of Chiron and the other character, Kevin. (2000). Both films use color to reflect the mood of the scene and what the characters are thinking. Its sort of funny that this moment is happening at a time when those two things could not be further apart from one another., Moonlight moves away from the coldness on anything impersonal and uses a well-worn authenticity along with a small handful of the films recognized by the Academy this year. Analysis of Cinematography in Barry Jenkins' Movie Moonlight We were at the Ace Hotel in downtown Los Angeles, sitting at a table in an otherwise empty lounge. Their filmmaking style developed after they met in college at Florida State University. There is at least one unifying element, though: the films insistence that the humanity of every character be brought to the fore. The close-up of Chiron after Juans offer clearly shows his anxiety. The film has a retroactive effect. Moonlight Cinematography Analysis | James Laxton - Flickside 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. Both films use color to reflect the mood of the scene and what the characters are thinking. Although all are heavily influenced by the beliefs [], We provide you with original essay samples, perfect formatting and styling. According to Moonlight cinematographer James Laxton, much of today's cinema has lost this subjective intensity. Cinematographer James Laxton and director Barry Jenkins on location in Miami. Laxton pushes the camera closer and closer towards the characters so as to create moments of intentional bonding between them and the audience. After the bullies leave, Chiron wanders around and finds a syringe, foreshadowing his profession in the third part of the film. So was McCraney, 36. The Sexual Identity and Overall Well Being of Chiron in Moonlight, a Moonlight Explained: Symbols, Camera & More - The Good Men Project Looking for a way to spend your summer doing something creative and fulfilling? has been beaten up and bloodied by his bullies. This also brings the film to a symbolic full circle, ending with the nascent stages of. We can write you a custom essay that will follow your exact instructions and meet the deadlines. The concept of prejudice is also recreated to portray the mistreatment of the coloured. 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. I think its really funny that the business generally is sort of moving towards a directing by committee approach. In the color correction, we embraced the brightness and high contrast, intending to emphasize the heightened sense of extremes., We needed an image that had the aggression of our characters state of mind. When Chiron finally joins him, the camera jump cuts and it is no longer a long shot as Chiron begins to have fun. I think we all have gazes, says Laxton about his take on photography. Maybe you think you know whats about to come in the next hour and a half., You dont, and thats the point. This also brings the film to a symbolic full circle, ending with the nascent stages of Chirons story. That pink light behind her in that scene and within the film generally helps to express another side of her, says Laxton. This is not an example of the work written by professional essay writers. Moonlight Movie Discussion Questions | Study.com A prominent scene depicts this where the protagonist is taught how to swim in the ocean by his father figure Juan. The life of Chiron is delicately revealed by cinematographer James Laxton who portrays him within a distinct pallet of blown out color photographs that set his life in a faded part of Miami where screenwriter and director Barry Jenkins was raised. 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. Imagine an animal circling its preythis is exactly what inspired the opening moments of the knockout scene. This tint was not done for pure aesthetic necessarily, but to speak to the emotional state that Chiron was experiencing. All rights reserved. The bathroom walls that encapsulate Black are pigmented with this blue light which in turn illustrates his hardened feelings this far in the performance. How the cameras moving through a space. Where because movies are costing so much money these days that theres so much at stake and therefore everyone, every sort of person involved with the film chimes in with their of personal feelings. 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. One shot is taken as Chiron and the other as Black (playing into teenager vs adult) . Then when Kevin enters the scene, the camera stands in front of the doorway and now it looks gigantic. While Juan is respected by his peers, Chiron is persecuted by them. That being said, I dont think the movies untrue. 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. Moonlight doesn't just look and sound great. 30 Best Italian Movies Of All Time, Ranked. Moonlight was directed by . Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. Everything that should feel familiar and gritty is photographed in the bright mid daylight and blown out whites. Bullied at an early age and seemingly outcast, Chiron knows he doesn't fit in because of his sexuality. Bold, saturated colors and soft lighting that express the emotional beats of the film lend a touch of dream-like surrealism to the story. 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. 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. Another scene where the camera circles around the characters is when Chirons bullies are forcing his friend to hit him for being different. When Chirons mother begins to leave, she continues to stare at Chiron and walk into the door where the pink lighting was coming from. 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. To sign up, email glorie@theodysseyonline.com. Maybe subconsciously we chose it for Moonlight in an effort to depict this community in a brand new light., These choices may be subtle, but their cumulative effect is why theNew York Times film critic A. O. Scott described Moonlight as a poem written in light. In this poem, there is little place for commentary. The Main Message of The Film Moonlight - GradesFixer 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. Moonlight is a fever dream of emotionality, . This is where the association with water is relevant. Laxton and Jenkins have cited the work of directors Wong Kar Wai, Spike Lee, and Claire Denis as sources of inspiration for Moonlight. Were excited to hear from you! But blue is also the color of identity, or rather, the symbol of the formation of an identity.
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