moonlight cinematography analysis

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. The film is separated into three chapters, Little as his youth, Chiron as his adolescence, and Black as his early adult life. 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. 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. We walk through the film's structure, cinematography, sound and symbolism to show you what you might have missed about this immersive. The idea of the opening sequence to have these two highly disparate shots welded together is the essence of the film. A prominent scene depicts this where the protagonist is taught how to swim in the ocean by his father figure Juan. Maybe subconsciously we chose it for Moonlight in an effort to depict this community in a brand new light.. 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. 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. In by doing so Laxton was able to deliver an image that matched the strength of the performance by infusing the dramatic scene with a pop of color, often associated with beauty, which in turn allowed for a map of understanding with respect to who Paula is as a character and why her full existence is essential. 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. Imagine an animal circling its preythis is exactly what inspired the opening moments of the knockout scene. Moonlight was directed by Barry Jenkins, adapting the unproduced play called In Moonlight Black Boys Look Blue by Tarell Alvin McCraney. Unlike other films, Moonlight does not use a realistic aesthetic that other films that deal with drug addiction and lower socioeconomic classes. Jenkinss mom contracted HIV; McCraneys died of AIDS. 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). If you fit this description, you can use our free essay samples to generate ideas, get inspired and figure out a title or outline for your paper. While I think audiences are actually chomping at the bit for really personal unique visions of things. From the very first shot of drug dealer, (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. 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 article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator. The duo also shares a lot of photography. (Moonlights editors, Joi McMillon and Nat Sanders, were schoolmates, as was one of the its producers, Adele Romanski, to whom Laxton is now married.) Those things were calibrated for white skin. So we used oil. ultimate self-acceptance at the end of the film are relayed to us in silent gazes. The movie begins with Chiron as a neglected 9-year-old where he is exposed to. 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. The neighborhood has pastel-colored houses, the Atlantic Ocean a blue-green, and Chirons mother being bathed in neon pink while shouting at him. focus on telling a well-realized story is evident in its camera movements as well. "Moonlight" Exclusive Image Courtesy of Color Collective and A24 Testing the Limits of Contrast To capture Miami, Laxton knew he'd want the actors' skin to have a big shine, so the audience could. 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. Both films use color to reflect the mood of the scene and what the characters are thinking. Its merely a feature of the landscape, where air is humid, birds chirp, people disappear, and small bills flow in a circle. Through his association with the color blue, is introduced as a guardian, and a much-needed father- figure that has been missing from. Its sort of a fake-out, the films director of photography, James Laxton, said recently. How high-angle is something? But the film is an absolute triumph on both counts for its vibrant storytelling. 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. It's an intentional move away from the aloof style and perfection of most big budget. Later in the film when Chiron enters the diner scene, it is a long shot to present the setting and feel of the diner. 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. Bullied at an early age and seemingly outcast, Chiron knows he doesn't fit in because of his sexuality. Here, it symbolizes the community and tight connection between the boss, employee, and customer. Natural light is also used during the diner scene. The concept of prejudice is also recreated to portray the mistreatment of the coloured. On set it rounded out this character in this moment that is very dark and very intense. 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. Weve always placed powder on skin to dull the light. Unlike the ugliness that was showcased with the green walls with Chiron, the blue light emphasizes this cold feeling that represents that moment in his life emotionally. Natural light was used during this scene and the humidity in the air made the actors skin a softer glow. It is important to remember that this scene was after Kevin touched Chiron both physically and emotionally. It is a lens that has been used on many beloved movies and cinematographer James Laxton has said that Its for grand stories and big-scope thoughts. Moonlight is a coming of age movie of a young African American man through three stages of his life. Summary. 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A person may deal drugs for money, but no moral baggage is ascribed to this detail; it recedes into the background, having nothing whatever to do with their value system. Plus, for your first 10 articles, youll be compensated by HQ at $10/response. This artistic music rising out of Chiron is almost not what the audience expects just as the soundtrack is to the movie. Which is a scene I think we have seen. Many circular shots are filmed with the intention of creating this facade of being accepted or with the in-group. For their singular vision for storytelling, Lets deep dive into some of the elements and, is a story about seemingly contradictory things. The light in Miami is so specific, Laxton said. 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. 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. 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. There are these sort of lonely frames that exist, even when hes a grown man. 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. Laxton explained: In that moment, when shes very angry at her son, the pink light tips the audience to a different aspect of her, a different side to her., Laxton went to film school with Jenkins in the early aughts, at the Florida State Film School in Tallahassee, where for a time the two were roommates. Plot is not so much the concern as an intensive character study is. This arc shot is a motif that is used repeatedly throughout the film and has two meanings. So did Tarell Alvin McCraney, who wrote the play on which the movie is based, In Moonlight Black Boys Look Blue. In 2017, the film Moonlight was awarded Best Motion Picture at the 74th Academy Awards. There is at least one unifying element, though: the films insistence that the humanity of every character be brought to the fore. How you are depicting someone. From this point, two contrasting scenes are paired as the camera quickly begins to move and swirl around Jauns conversation until a boy whos being chased by a pack of angry boys calling him a faggot interrupts him. Jaws Cinematography Analysis 709 Words | 3 Pages. Similarly, the photographic realism of Hudnall Jr. results in the framing of the characters with a quiet dignity. Colorist Alex Bickel achieved a vibrant film by increasing the contrast and saturation while preserving details and color. Road-tripping with your friends? Let us write you an essay from scratch, Order a custom essay from our writers and get it on time, Structural Analysis Of The Movie Moonlight Essay, Analysis Of Cinematography In Barry Jenkins Movie Moonlight Essay, The Main Message Of The Film Moonlight Essay, Comparing Barry Jenkins And Richard Linklater's Works Essay, A Comparison Between the American Psycho and a Clockwork Orange Essay, A Study of the Character Alex in a Clockwork Orange Essay, The Role of Music in Bringing Out the Theme in a Clockwork Orange Essay, Free Will vs Morality in a Clockwork Orange Essay, The theme of morality and ethics in A Clockwork Orange Essay. I mean Moonlight is not necessarily a realist movie by any stretch of the imagination. 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. 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. Both mother and son are partially broken. We all have a way in which were viewing the story that were telling and I think who we are dictates so much of how we see the world. In Moonlight, its the process of keeping the audience aware of the makers hand and of the actors playing. Laxton had to maneuver a 200-pound camera in an underwater housing for the scene. 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. 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. 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. 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 . Well known for its groundbreaking lighting of black actors, Moonlight embraces the tension of the location in what Jenkins calls "a beautiful nightmare" (Jenkins). Moonlight is an insightful and compelling independent film directed by Barry Jenkins that follows Chiron, a Black gay man, at three different points in his life. Barry Jenkins' Moonlight (2016) has rightfully earned its reputation as one of the most beautiful and sensitive coming-of-age stories on celluloid. 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. When Chiron finally joins him, the camera jump cuts and it is no longer a long shot as Chiron begins to have fun. 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. Moonlight, American dramatic film, released in 2016, that unexpectedly won the Academy Award for best picture. Laxton creates pure poetry on celluloid that is perfectly equipped to conjure a story of self-discovery and acceptance. 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. The sights, sounds, and smells of a summer day in your hometown. This was not the only challenge that Laxton faced while filming this scene. Laxton pushes the camera closer and closer towards the characters so as to create moments of intentional bonding between them and the audience. 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. 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. Water is used as a symbol of transformation and reborn, it precedes every important choice the protagonist makes. 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. Sensitive topics such as race and sexuality, staged against the backdrop of the hood are automatically assumed to follow the convention of realism. first introduction and their subsequent meeting are framed in the vivid blue of his car, and his apartment. At the end of the second part. Professional Writers that Guarantee an On-time Delivery. 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. It is said that this scene was originally intended to be six hours to fully capture this scene but due to a storms untimely passing it was done within 90 minutes. Manage Settings Moonlight is a masterclass in expressive camera and sound. Students who find writing to be a difficult task. 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. Yet he is responsible for supplying Paula, Chirons mother with drugs. Shes yelling at her son. 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. Your work will be featured on our homepage and in our weekly Overheard on Odyssey newsletter. Barry Jenkinss first film, Medicine for Melancholy, has a similar theme to his second feature film. 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.. I started talking about this movie 17 years ago when I first met Barry, Laxton tells TIME. The expertise of cinematography in this movie is fluid. Everything we did was in real locations, which was important for us to create that authentic sensibility that Moonlight is supported by. By continuing well assume you board with our cookie policy. The non-linear storytelling is enhanced by the visual choices of the film. We can write you a custom essay that will follow your exact instructions and meet the deadlines. 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. While the plot proves for a strong base, the cinematography is what really makes the film stand out, winning an Oscar for Best Picture. The camera gives Chirons point of view so that when the other boys stare at Chiron, they are looking at the audience. 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. How long-angle is something? Barry Jenkins narrates a swimming sequence from "Moonlight" featuring Alex Hibbert and Mahershala Ali. By clicking Continue, you agree to our terms of service and privacy policy. That being said, I dont think the movies untrue. At the end of the second part, Chiron has been beaten up and bloodied by his bullies. But presenting it in maybe a way thats providing a larger lens to look through.. One shot is taken as Chiron and the other as Black (playing into teenager vs adult) . Moonlight, and its ocean setting is a significant motif in this film that illustrates the coming of age of a young black man in Miami. Since one of the concepts of our visual language had to do with being immersive, it was a must to put the camera in the water, within the tides and waves of the ocean, to experience the swimming lesson as the characters do. Kevins look of shock of seeing Chiron again is clear in his eyes and the audience feels it with him. Its like Lion, Arrival, and La La Land, these are really personal visions of things., Your browser is out of date. The last sequence particularly stands out; upon breaking down in, , standing in front of the sea and looking right back at the viewer, awash in moonlight and hinting at self-acceptance. 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 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. Jenkins, 37, was raised by a single mother who became addicted to crack. I think we all have gazes, says Laxton about his take on photography. 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. When Chirons mother begins to leave, she continues to stare at Chiron and walk into the door where the pink lighting was coming from. Were currently seeking writers to join our summer writing program. Moonlight's cinematography hubs on the contrast between Littles's place and Juan's in this world (Aguirre, Abby). When Juan beckons Chiron to teach him how to swim, it is a long shot as Chiron decides what to do. Then when Kevin enters the scene, the camera stands in front of the doorway and now it looks gigantic. After the bullies leave, Chiron wanders around and finds a syringe, foreshadowing his profession in the third part of the film. Lighting is used to challenge stereotypes by juxtaposing the dark things that happen to characters with bright and beautiful lights in the background. Moonlights cinematography is the most important in establishing not only the characters and the environment but the relation between the two and their importance to the main theme of the film. Jenkins has said that, the film being a fever dreamand that the audience is part of the dream. Jenkins and Laxton uses the way characters are lit and how neighborhoods are shot to challenge many stereotypes about black communities.

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