The color blue and water are the most prominent throughout. It allows the audience to almost be disarmed in the first three minutes of this opening shot, says Laxton. It becomes clear that Terrence is an employee of Juan's who deals . The Sexual Identity and Overall Well Being of Chiron in Moonlight, a 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. Your California Privacy Rights. Immediately after the first scene, the camera moves to Chiron being chased by his bullies. Its something that as a cinematographer you are constantly aware of. On the phone Laxton is modest about his work and credits the films success to his close friendship with Jenkins. You blue, thats what Im gon call you.. Moonlight is a coming of age movie of a young African American man through three stages of his life. Let's fix your grades together! On set it rounded out this character in this moment that is very dark and very intense. 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. 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). 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. We balance between sensuality and violence, and in this moment, violence triumphs. But the drug economy in which the characters live does not define them as human beings. Lighting is used to challenge stereotypes by juxtaposing the dark things that happen to characters with bright and beautiful lights in the background. Moonlight is shot in anamorphic format, which made it when the characters stare into the camera that much more dramatic. Moonlight Movie Discussion Questions | Study.com In both of these films, space and framing of the characters provide a coherent visual guide to the plots impact. By clicking Continue, you agree to our terms of service and privacy policy. The camera, said Laxton, is playing with our associations by saying, in effect, Heres something youve seen before. The effect is such that we are not watching them swimming; instead, we are right there next to them. When Juan talks with his employee and sees him reject a customer, the camera circles around the characters. Bold, saturated colors and soft lighting that express the emotional beats of the film lend a touch of dream-like surrealism to the story. 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 entire scene is a single shot, showing how natural Juan fits in the neighborhood with effortless authority. 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. It is important to remember that this scene was after Kevin touched Chiron both physically and emotionally. 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. Light bulbs were changed from green to blue during a diner scene later in the film. We will occasionally send you account related emails. Its for grand stories and big-scope thoughts. When Kevin and Chiron wrestle, the camera becomes shaky and cuts to shots of their arms and legs. 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. var aax_size='300x600';var aax_pubname='flickside08-21';var aax_src='302'; Subscribe to stay informed about noteworthy films. 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. The bright colors used are different than the usual dark and harsh colors American indie movies that tackle social issues usually have. . You can get your custom paper by one of our expert writers. While it doesnt have the most bold, visual, stylistic stuff happening, theres a real precision to choices we were making that Im very interested in. How long-angle is something? According to Laxton, We wanted to make sure our black-skinned actors would look natural and interesting skin tone. Authenticity is something I think were always sort of playing with, says Laxton, when discussing their creative process. It just wakes my mind up., Photographers like Henry Roy inspired Laxton. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. 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. Both films use color to reflect the mood of the scene and what the characters are thinking. Barry Jenkins' Moonlight is a movie about Chiron, the protagonist, through three significant periods of his life. In Moonlight, clichs and tropes exist only so they can be upended. 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. Natural light is also used during the diner scene. 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. 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. Home Essay Samples Entertainment Moonlight Analysis of Cinematography in Moonlight by Barry Jenkins. tripartite narrative and non-linear storytelling is also reminiscent of the latter. Jenkins, 37, was raised by a single mother who became addicted to crack. 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. Another scene where the camera circles around the characters is when Chirons bullies are forcing his friend to hit him for being different. Moonlight doesn't just look and sound great. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. Barry Jenkins' Moonlight (2016) has rightfully earned its reputation as one of the most beautiful and sensitive coming-of-age stories on celluloid. The camera stops and Chiron looks to the audience as if beckoning to join him. . Available from: https://gradesfixer.com/free-essay-examples/analysis-of-cinematography-in-moonlight-by-barry-jenkins/. A fourth wall break happens when Chiron and his friend look directly at the camera as if the character is talking to the audience. For all of the modern marvels of special effects, 3-D glasses, even shaking seats and simulated experience, what these films lack is the capacity to engage our imaginations. 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. 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. Moonlight Sequence Analysis: Cinematography The sequence that sticks out to me in the movie Moonlight is when Juan teaches Chiron how to swim. 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. He is young, black, gay, poor, and largely friendlessthe kind of person who feels like he could literally vanish from being so unseen by the world. An analysis focussed on the sound, cinematography and mise-en-scne 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. Laxton creates pure poetry on celluloid that is perfectly equipped to conjure a story of self-discovery and acceptance. 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. 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. 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. 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. For their singular vision for storytelling, Lets deep dive into some of the elements and, is a story about seemingly contradictory things. Moonlight was filmed in Liberty City, Miami, where the neighborhood houses are pastel-colored and trees a tropical green. When Juan breaks down the boards to the house, lights fill the room. Which is a scene I think we have seen. Here, we wash away the old Chiron, and introduce a new one., 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). Laxton pushes the camera closer and closer towards the characters so as to create moments of intentional bonding between them and the audience. The film is driven by the internal conflicts of the characters, instead of a plot. Students who find writing to be a difficult task. Your California Privacy Rights. Road-tripping with your friends? Laxton and Jenkins drew from varied sources to create a singular cinematic language for Moonlight. The Photographic Inspirations Behind Moonlight, 2016's Best Picture In contrast from other movies about poverty that mostly is accompanied by jarring noises and severity, Moonlights soundtrack consists of beautiful melodies that are created with a number of violins, cellos, violas, and basses that are constantly being filtered through Chirons perspective. When Chiron finally joins him, the camera jump cuts and it is no longer a long shot as Chiron begins to have fun.