Moonlight is shot in anamorphic format, which made it when the characters stare into the camera that much more dramatic. 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. 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. We balance between sensuality and violence, and in this moment, violence triumphs. Plot is not so much the concern as an intensive character study is. The film opens with a very stylized, swirling shot of a drug dealer, Juan, played by the magnificent Mahershala Ali. Another strategy in accentuating the films unique feeling is using a single Arri Alexa XT camera through the whole shoot. 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 film is separated into three chapters, Little as his youth, Chiron as his adolescence, and Black as his early adult life. During one of the film's many memorable dialogue exchanges (written by . above the water. 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. 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. The film is driven by the internal conflicts of the characters, instead of a plot. When Chirons mother begins to leave, she continues to stare at Chiron and walk into the door where the pink lighting was coming from. Jenkins, 37, was raised by a single mother who became addicted to crack. Moonlight, American dramatic film, released in 2016, that unexpectedly won the Academy Award for best picture. Many circular shots are filmed with the intention of creating this facade of being accepted or with the in-group. Barry Jenkins's first film, Medicine for Melancholy, has a similar theme to his second feature film. Jenkins and Tarell Alvin McCraney, who wrote the play on which the movie is based, both grew up there in the same part of Liberty City, Miami. Chiron is changed forever in the preceding scene. . 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. Later in the film when Chiron enters the diner scene, it is a long shot to present the setting and feel of the diner. But a community can also be a cage. Laxton also shot Jenkinss previous film, Medicine for Melancholy. The camera is always placed as close to the actors as possible, so as to put the viewer in the scene. Best of all, you can do it all from the comfort of your own home or wherever you happen to be spending your summer. The non-linear storytelling is enhanced by the visual choices of the film. When describing the look of the characters within the location Jenkins told TIME last month, Cinema is a little over 100 years old, and a lot of what we do is built around film emulsion. Some of the most impactful moments are relayed through stares. Both films use color to reflect the mood of the scene and what the characters are thinking. Want to spend your summer being creative and making some money on the side? Two faces, two connected souls. Moonlight is a fever dream of emotionality, . This is not an example of the work written by professional essay writers. 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 yourpresent field of vision. Cinematography.docx - 1 Analysis of cinematography in A To export a reference to this article please select a referencing style below: By clicking Send, you agree to our Terms of service and Privacy statement. 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. Above: Roys work from his book from Out Of The Blue. You can get your custom paper by one of our expert writers. It is important to remember that this scene was after Kevin touched Chiron both physically and emotionally. But my memory of growing up in Miami is this moist, beautiful black skin. According to Laxton, We wanted to make sure our black-skinned actors would look natural and interesting skin tone. Jenkins and Laxton were aware of the fact that they were dealing with stories that had previously been depicted, and sought to destabilize the tropes associated with several elements of the narrative. Its a historically black community where the majority of residents live below the poverty line. Analysis of Cinematography in Moonlight by Barry Jenkins - GradesFixer 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. Your time is important. There are these sort of lonely frames that exist, even when hes a grown man. 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. In this aspect, blue becomes the motif of rebirth and a fragmented identity. For one, this scene accomplishes this visual confirmation of the weakness that Kevin holds due to his closeted insecurities. Your favorite summer hobby and how you got into it. You blue, thats what Im gon call you.. 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. A fourth wall break happens when Chiron and his friend look directly at the camera as if the character is talking to the audience. A man teaching a boy how to swim turns into a powerful moment of . Its what our job is: To depict a judgment. There is an inherent tension, then, between his role and the effect he is hoping to elicit. Your work will be featured on our homepage and in our weekly Overheard on Odyssey newsletter. focus on telling a well-realized story is evident in its camera movements as well. Their 15-year history affords Laxton an intimate pre-production period not often given to a cinematographer., References were identified early on: Wong Kar Wais Happy Together, Hou Hsiao-hsiens Three Times, Spike Lees Clockers, the films of Claire Denis. 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. Here, it symbolizes the community and tight connection between the boss, employee, and customer. We walk through the film's structure, cinematography, sound and symbolism to show you . Blue serves as a source of solace and peace for. The location of teenage Chiron provided the audience with this darkness and grotesque feel due to the green tone of his bathroom. Moonlight | Movie, Plot, Cast, Awards, & Facts | Britannica 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. I think that younger audiences are more accepting of this than older audiences. Our idea was to present them visually with that same amount of intensity. The bright colors used are different than the usual dark and harsh colors American indie movies that tackle social issues usually have. 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 subconsciously we chose it for Moonlight in an effort to depict this community in a brand new light.. Moonlight was directed by Barry Jenkins, adapting the unproduced play called In Moonlight Black Boys Look Blue by Tarell Alvin McCraney. We can write you a custom essay that will follow your exact instructions and meet the deadlines. The film is driven by the internal conflicts of the characters, instead of a plot. Moonlight (Film) Summary and Analysis of "Introduction - GradeSaver Those two things are at complete odds with one another. 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. 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. It becomes clear that Terrence is an employee of Juan's who deals . Similarly, the choice to shoot in 35 mm anamorphic lens was borne out of a desire to tell a story with majesty and an immersive experience. 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. In both of these films, space and framing of the characters provide a coherent visual guide to the plots impact. Similarly, the photographic realism of Hudnall Jr. results in the framing of the characters with a quiet dignity. Barry Jenkins Moonlight (2016) has rightfully earned its reputation as one of the most beautiful and sensitive coming-of-age stories on celluloid. . Moonlight Explained: Symbols, Camera & More - The Good Men Project