Sensitive topics such as race and sexuality, staged against the backdrop of the hood are automatically assumed to follow the convention of realism. to swim as a transcendental moment. 2022 Mar 11 [cited 2023 May 1]. Now, it represents his world, one of anxiety and persecution. I wanted everyones skin to have a sheen to reflect my memory., While trying to establish texture of the place, Laxton spent eight weeks studying the light and the humidity of the location. 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. If you would like to change your settings or withdraw consent at any time, the link to do so is in our privacy policy accessible from our home page.. Moonlight is a fever dream of emotionality, . Both films use color to reflect the mood of the scene and what the characters are thinking. Its sort of a fake-out, the films director of photography, James Laxton, said recently. I first did not understand the scene, analytically as well the cinematographic choices, but the more I look into it, the deeper I realize it is. The camera becomes shaky, evoking panic as it chases after Chiron. 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. Its for grand stories and big-scope thoughts. Moonlight doesn't just look and sound great. I think that younger audiences are more accepting of this than older audiences. Plot is not so much the concern as an intensive character study is. I think its that moment where the language in which Moonlight is established. 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. Thats an idea that kind of came out of our process on the set. Well known for its groundbreaking lighting of black actors, Moonlight embraces the tension of the location in what Jenkins calls "a beautiful nightmare" (Jenkins). Some of the most impactful moments are relayed through stares. That being said, I dont think the movies untrue. The scene in which Chiron comes face to face with his largest enemy (himself) through a clean glass mirror serves as an interesting shot for cinematographers and audiences. Realism was avoided, with an understanding that when a setting is visually pathologized, so too are the human beings in it. Moonlight is a coming of age movie of a young African American man through three stages of [], What I believe the film Moonlight is attempting to communicate to us watching is not simply the acknowledgment of homosexuality inside African American neighborhoods, yet additionally grasping young men who exist outside of that [], The semi-autobiographical bildungsroman films Moonlight and Boyhood, directed by Barry Jenkins and Richard Linklater, explore comparable themes through the use of cinematic and narrative techniques. story. Jaws Cinematography Analysis 709 Words | 3 Pages. Moonlight's cinematography hubs on the contrast between Littles's place and Juan's in this world (Aguirre, Abby). September 5, 2020 by The Editors Leave a Comment. Laxton and Jenkins drew from varied sources to create a singular cinematic language for. first introduction and their subsequent meeting are framed in the vivid blue of his car, and his apartment. The main characters self-discovery is told through these chapters, each through a different developmental phase of his life. After the bullies leave, Chiron wanders around and finds a syringe, foreshadowing his profession in the third part of the film. Those conversations started when we were in our early 20s in college. Moonlight exquisitely uses light and color to enhance the immersion of the audience into Chiron's thoughts and feelings. There are these sort of lonely frames that exist, even when hes a grown man. Moonlight (Film) Summary and Analysis of "Black" (Part One) Summary At the start of this chapter, we see the same image of Paula yelling at Little in the pink light of her room. 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. This scene contains no spoken dialect from either character, although the scene solely consists of an angry yelling sequence from mother to son. Moonlight makes no such commitments. An avid reader and a life-long lover of blue skies, I like to spend my time with obscure poetry and dissecting films. We walk through the film's structure, cinematography, sound and symbolism to show you what you might have missed about this immersive. Kevins look of shock of seeing Chiron again is clear in his eyes and the audience feels it with him. Maybe you think you know whats about to come in the next hour and a half., You dont, and thats the point. 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, 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. It makes the audience absorbed into the scene and sees the intensity of what the character is feeling. 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. 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 filmmakers create meaning from these through combining different elements of aesthetics . When we tell stories about characters in this context, the go-to style is often a bleak realism. Jenkinss mom contracted HIV; McCraneys died of AIDS. All of these things speak to judgment. 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 camera is sped up and closing in on Chiron and his friend, trapping them even further. You can get your custom paper by one of our expert writers. Its something that as a cinematographer you are constantly aware of. When Chiron finally joins him, the camera jump cuts and it is no longer a long shot as Chiron begins to have fun. (Moonlights editors, Joi McMillon and Nat Sanders, were schoolmates, as was one of the its producers, Adele Romanski, to whom Laxton is now married.) At the end of the film, the last shot is Chiron standing in front of the Atlantic in the moonlight. Judgment is something I think Im very concerned with in filmmaking, Laxton said. The use of the circular motion is used to provoke a specific pressure, especially that in which comes from the in-group. Your favorite summer hobby and how you got into it. The camera, said Laxton, is playing with our associations by saying, in effect, Heres something youve seen before. Available from: https://gradesfixer.com/free-essay-examples/analysis-of-cinematography-in-moonlight-by-barry-jenkins/. has been beaten up and bloodied by his bullies. These find correlation in both the Objective Story Throughline and the Main Character Throughline: Little deals with the Past and Being (Objective Story Transit 1 and Main Character Transit 1) 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. When Kevin notices Chiron sitting at the bar the shot cuts to a close-up of Kevin looking directly looking into the lens. 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. 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. "I think for all of us around there, and especially for Barry because this is so personal to him, that just . 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. Above: Roys work from his book from Out Of The Blue. Moonlight Sequence Analysis: Cinematography The sequence that sticks out to me in the movie Moonlight is when Juan teaches Chiron how to swim. 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. 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. In 2017, the film Moonlight was awarded Best Motion Picture at the 74th Academy Awards. 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. From this belief emerged many responses, including absurdism and existentialism. As Juan releases him to float, Chiron quickly steadies himself and Juan says, Right there, youre in the middle of the world. Laxton was also heavily inspired by photography. 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. Moonlight is a coming of age movie of a young African American man through three stages of his life. The reason for using the flicker box was here applied to a fluorescent light, instead of its usual occupation which produces lighting effects. Color is one of the first things I notice about the sequence. Barry Jenkins's first film, Medicine for Melancholy, has a similar theme to his second feature film. 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 camera gives Chirons point of view so that when the other boys stare at Chiron, they are looking at the audience. Join our team and let's create something amazing together! Sassens work possesses a wonderful blend of color and the saturation of natural textures and hues of skin that Moonlight employs as well, to define a new idiom of beauty for black bodies in cinema. Its a very familiar interaction. Moonlight doesn't just look and sound great. Imagine an animal circling its preythis is exactly what inspired the opening moments of the knockout scene. So much is happening behind their eyes. Miami is a sublime fever dream of pastels and neon, lush greens and glistening, perspiring skin tones. 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. One shot is taken as Chiron and the other as Black (playing into teenager vs adult) . All rights reserved. Through his association with the color blue, Juan is introduced as a guardian, and a much-needed father- figure that has been missing from Chirons life. 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. Laxton also shot Jenkinss previous film, Medicine for Melancholy. For Chiron, his community ostracizes him for being gay. I think its really funny that the business generally is sort of moving towards a directing by committee approach. The spinning has a dizzying effect, which intends to put our audience in a state of tension, uncertain as to how the scene will play out. Sorry, we could not paraphrase this essay. The close-up of Chiron after Juans offer clearly shows his anxiety. 22 Must Watch Films For Great Cinematography. This shot of Tyrell is menacing, adding a dizzy effect due to the erratic spinning of the camera which is the direct result of the audience feeling a sense of uncertainty; uneasy about how this situation will play out. 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. The bold color palette and bold lighting choices, rife with lens flare that communicated the sweltering heat of Miami were inspired from the films of Wong Kar-Wai. Which is a scene I think we have seen. , as he is bullied serves to subvert audiences expectations and sets the right tone. 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. This lighting gives the character depth and not just a negative stereotype of an abusive mother. Theres a few reasons I think why that pink light doesnt sort of ring false for people, says Laxton. 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. 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. According to Laxton, We wanted to make sure our black-skinned actors would look natural and interesting skin tone. Cinematographer James Laxton shot every scene in Moonlight with clear purpose; to capture and express Chiron's inner world from moment to moment. But the next cut is to a child running through tall grass, and handheld, somewhat frenetic camera movement. Another strategy in accentuating the films unique feeling is using a single Arri Alexa XT camera through the whole shoot. Yet he is responsible for supplying Paula, Chirons mother with drugs. , barefoot on the beach, soaked in blue moonlight, these motifs merge to create one final image of healing. 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. No words are spoken and the two characters are just staring at one another. Moonlight, directed by Barry Jenkins, takes a look at a young black male growing up in Miami named Chiron. Looking for a way to spend your summer doing something creative and fulfilling? Im very proud of and very happy with the diner scene in story three, says Laxton. The camera is always placed as close to the actors as possible, so as to put the viewer in the scene. Most of Moonlights angles are eye-level, close to the actors faces and breaks the fourth wall frequently. A fourth wall break happens when Chiron and his friend look directly at the camera as if the character is talking to the audience. Light bulbs were changed from green to blue during a diner scene later in the film. Colorist Alex Bickel achieved a vibrant film by increasing the contrast and saturation while preserving details and color. Moonlights cinematography uses bold colors and stunning shots to create an emotional experience. 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. to swim. Later it is the friendship between young schoolboys during a ballgame. 100% Customized to Your Need with Expert Writers 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. 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. And thats still true today.. Near the end of the film, Chiron is standing in a doorway but the camera has skewed the perspective by not standing directly in front of the doorway, making Chiron look small and confined. Through his association with the color blue, is introduced as a guardian, and a much-needed father- figure that has been missing from. 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. The scene is about a dealer interacting with his guy on the corner, right? Moonlight gives us three Acts of Chiron's journey: Little, Chiron, and Black. Your favorite beach reads and binge-worthy Netflix shows. is a film of few words. Bullied at an early age and seemingly outcast, Chiron knows he doesn't fit in because of his sexuality. 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. The non-linear storytelling is enhanced by the visual choices of the film. In this aspect, blue becomes the motif of rebirth and a fragmented identity. He borrowed elements from the work of photographers Earlie Hudnall Jr and Viviane Sassen. 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. The waves distort the lens to accentuate the feeling of being present at such an intimate moment. Tell us about your travels! So we used oil. Peter Pan & Wendy (2023) Review: A Spirited Adventure, 18 Best Horror Movies On Netflix (April 2023), 30 Best Family Movies On Netflix (April 2023), The Assassination of Jesse James By The Coward Robert Ford Cinematography, How Jordan Peele Uses Cinematography To Reveal Subtext in Nope, Without saying a lot, the film creates dramatic tension. The film opens with a very stylized, swirling shot of a drug dealer, Juan, played by the magnificent Mahershala Ali. Then they [], Anthony Burgesss A Clockwork Orange is a novel pervaded by a multifaceted and intrinsic musical presence. I mean Moonlight is not necessarily a realist movie by any stretch of the imagination. Actors Andr Holland and Trevante Rhodes from Moonlight. 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. The assumption is that the story will be told in a tonality that prioritizes the gritty and bleak real-ism of their world. Moonlight is a film of few words. I knew that relationship like the back of my hand because thats where my life and Tarells overlapped, he told the Hollywood Reporter. Analysis of Cinematography in Moonlight by Barry Jenkins Essay. In Moonlight, clichs and tropes exist only so they can be upended. The whole thing was one camera, says Laxton. The idea of the opening sequence to have these two highly disparate shots welded together is the essence of the film. 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. Home Essay Samples Entertainment Moonlight Analysis of Cinematography in Moonlight by Barry Jenkins. Their filmmaking style developed after they met in college at Florida State University. 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. In both of these films, space and framing of the characters provide a coherent visual guide to the plots impact. When Juan is introduced, the camera follows behind him smoothly. Bold, saturated colors and soft lighting that express the emotional beats of the film lend a touch of dream-like surrealism to the story. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Cond Nast. Everything we did was in real locations, which was important for us to create that authentic sensibility that Moonlight is supported by. For their singular vision for storytelling, Lets deep dive into some of the elements and, is a story about seemingly contradictory things. The immersion in water is reminiscent of a baptism, and this motif is repeated throughout the film. Its merely a feature of the landscape, where air is humid, birds chirp, people disappear, and small bills flow in a circle. Your time is important. But the film is an absolute triumph on both counts for its vibrant storytelling. The way each character talks are also contrasting, Juan speaks relaxed and caring while Chiron does not speak. This circular shot encapsulates the Chirons teenage bully Tell as he initiates a game of knockout as he directs Kevin to punch Chiron. In Moonlight we follow Shyrone in three chapters of his life, following three phases of his life that stands out for its form and execution. The top five things on your summer bucket list this year. The effect is such that we are not watching them swimming; instead, we are right there next to them. By continuing well assume you board with our cookie policy. Chirons mother being highlighted in neon pink lights her femininity despite her sour expression. Barry Jenkins' Moonlight is a movie about Chiron, the protagonist, through three significant periods of his life. 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. But Moonlight is more Wong Kar Wai than The Wire. 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. Laxton and Jenkins have cited the work of directors Wong Kar Wai, Spike Lee, and Claire Denis as sources of inspiration for Moonlight. As the cinematographer, Laxton explained that in order to strengthen the emotional value of this performance he was required to, create some soft, overhead dramatic lighting with accents of color, one of those being the pink light in the background behind the character Paula.. Chiron's eyes say so much that this young man has not been taught how to express. 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. Lighting is used to challenge stereotypes by juxtaposing the dark things that happen to characters with bright and beautiful lights in the background. 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. 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. But the film is an absolute triumph on both counts for its vibrant storytelling. We transition from handheld to dolly, from dolly to steady cam. The cinematography also plays center stage in this film. He borrowed elements from the work of photographers Earlie Hudnall Jr and Viviane Sassen. 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. I think the color pink can have a lot of associations but I think one of them can be beauty. Barry Jenkins narrates a swimming sequence from "Moonlight" featuring Alex Hibbert and Mahershala Ali. Growing up in his early days, Chiron does not have a male or fatherly figure in his life. 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. When Juan breaks down the boards to the house, lights fill the room. Laxton creates pure poetry on celluloid that is perfectly equipped to conjure a story of self-discovery and acceptance. The film is driven by the internal conflicts of the characters, instead of a plot. Moonlight is a coming of age movie of a young African American man . But my memory of growing up in Miami is this moist, beautiful black skin. Plot is not so much the concern as an intensive character study is. We see him immerse his face in an ice bath, framed by flickering lights. In another shot, Littles mom, Paula, played by the brilliant Naomie Harris, is bathed in pink light as she fumes at her son. Its like Lion, Arrival, and La La Land, these are really personal visions of things., Your browser is out of date. A man teaching a boy how to swim turns into a powerful moment of . Authenticity is something I think were always sort of playing with, says Laxton, when discussing their creative process.
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