focus on telling a well-realized story is evident in its camera movements as well. Looking for a way to spend your summer doing something creative and fulfilling? Analysis of Cinematography in Moonlight by Barry Jenkins Essay. When Chiron finally joins him, the camera jump cuts and it is no longer a long shot as Chiron begins to have fun. Everything that should feel familiar and gritty is photographed in the bright mid daylight and blown out whites. Not only will you gain valuable writing experience, but youll get to choose your own topics and write one response a week to one of our top trending articles. Both films use color to reflect the mood of the scene and what the characters are thinking. Every shot is rife with emotional heft and a definitive artistic composition. Before Chiron walks into a diner the lightbulbs outside were changed to give off a blue hue instead of the natural green to make Chiron look softer. Realism was avoided, with an understanding that when a setting is visually pathologized, so too are the human beings in it. Sign in to comment to your favorite stories, participate in your community and interact with your friends. 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. The film is driven by the internal conflicts of the characters, instead of a plot. Later in the film when Chiron enters the diner scene, it is a long shot to present the setting and feel of the diner. Which is a scene I think we have seen. GradesFixer. Our professional writers can rewrite it and get you a unique paper. 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. It is through these very techniques that. 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. There is a greater meaning to all the seemingly unimportant saturation of colors and camera angles. When in the first act, Littles mom, Paula, is saturated with pink light whist she yells at her son. Moonlight gives us three Acts of Chiron's journey: Little, Chiron, and Black. Its sort of a fake-out, the films director of photography, James Laxton, said recently. Backpacking across Europe? Ad Choices. . Moonlight'sfocus on telling a well-realized story is evident in its camera movements as well. 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. You blue, thats what Im gon call you.. Join our team and let's create something amazing together! According to Moonlight cinematographer James Laxton, much of today's cinema has lost this subjective intensity. Maybe you think you know whats about to come in the next hour and a half., You dont, and thats the point. At the beginning of the film, Chiron is bullied during a soccer game. This film was the first with an all African-American cast and LGBTQ-based storyline to win an award of this prestige. sexual intimacy and the resulting violence, as well as. 2022 Mar 11 [cited 2023 May 1]. In another shot, Littles mom, Paula, played by the brilliant Naomie Harris, is bathed in pink light as she fumes at her son. 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. 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. The film follows the life of Chiron; a child residing in a predominantly black neighborhood. Lighting focused on skin tone and making skin color look natural and appealing. Gradesfixer , Analysis of Cinematography in Moonlight by Barry Jenkins., Analysis of Cinematography in Moonlight by Barry Jenkins [Internet]. 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. 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. 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. 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. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Cond Nast. The waves distort the lens to accentuate the feeling of being present at such an intimate moment. The expertise of cinematography in this movie is fluid. The camera stops and Chiron looks to the audience as if beckoning to join him. They also used anamorphic lenses, which normally allowmultiple characters to play out a scene in the same wide-screen frame. Image Source: lensculture.com ( Earlie Hudnall, Jr., Viviane Sassen, courtesy of PDNB Gallery). A prominent scene depicts this where the protagonist is taught how to swim in the ocean by his father figure Juan. To sign up, email [email protected]. Many critics view Laxtons cinematography as visual poetry, through his use of techniques to further tell a sophisticated story. I think we all have gazes, says Laxton about his take on photography. The idea of judgment. Fear, love, and hate all coexist at the same time. Moonlight follows Chiron, an African American living in a rough neighborhood of Miami. The light in Miami is so specific, Laxton said. Moonlight Film Analysis. 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. 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.. Its a historically black community where the majority of residents live below the poverty line. Its merely a feature of the landscape, where air is humid, birds chirp, people disappear, and small bills flow in a circle. When looking at the cinematography section at the Oscars, Laxton says, Its amazing to be on that list. Miami is a sublime fever dream of pastels and neon, lush greens and glistening, perspiring skin tones. As Juan releases him to float, Chiron quickly steadies himself and Juan says, Right there, youre in the middle of the world. There is at least one unifying element, though: the films insistence that the humanity of every character be brought to the fore. How long-angle is something? See the powerful images that inspired Cinematographer James Laxton. Laxton and Jenkins drew from varied sources to create a singular cinematic language for Moonlight. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. On set it rounded out this character in this moment that is very dark and very intense. 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. 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. I think its that moment where the language in which Moonlight is established. Moonlight Sequence Analysis: Cinematography The sequence that sticks out to me in the movie Moonlight is when Juan teaches Chiron how to swim. to swim as a transcendental moment. It's an intentional move away from the aloof style and perfection of most big budget. 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.. Those two things are at complete odds with one another. 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. In both of these films, space and framing of the characters provide a coherent visual guide to the plots impact. The idea of the opening sequence to have these two highly disparate shots welded together is the essence of the film. This is where the association with water is relevant. Its for grand stories and big-scope thoughts. From the very first shot of drug dealer Juan (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. The bright colors used are different than the usual dark and harsh colors American indie movies that tackle social issues usually have. Your favorite beach reads and binge-worthy Netflix shows. When we tell stories about characters in this context, the go-to style is often a bleak realism. Moonlights setting in Miami was essential to the story. Currently besotted with Maupassant, art history and all things Nolan, you can find me spacing out to Queen while I look for new things to obsess with. When Kevin and Chiron wrestle, the camera becomes shaky and cuts to shots of their arms and legs. 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. James Laxton cites the work of Henry Roy was someone shaped how he and Jenkins the look of Moonlight. tripartite narrative and non-linear storytelling is also reminiscent of the latter. to swim. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Cond Nast. Some of Moonlight 's most impactful moments are when characters look directly into the lens, confronting the audience in emotional moments. The top five things on your summer bucket list this year. Unlike other films, Moonlight does not use a realistic aesthetic that other films that deal with drug addiction and lower socioeconomic classes. Laxton used Hawk V-Lite anamorphic lenses, throughout the film to help amplify the emotional state of the characters within the majestic widescreen format. 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. 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. Moonlight is a masterclass in expressive camera and sound. Natural light is also used during the diner scene. Which is a scene I think we have seen. 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. Your time is important. The assumption is that the story will be told in a tonality that prioritizes the gritty and bleak real-ism of their world. The Atlantic Ocean is a bright blue while the scene challenges what black fathers are supposed to be. At the end of the second part, Chiron has been beaten up and bloodied by his bullies. During one of the film's many memorable dialogue exchanges (written by . 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. But blue is also the color of identity, or rather, the symbol of the formation of an identity. It is difficult to sum up all that feels new about Moonlight, which puts a fresh lens on so many things at once. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. The neighborhood has pastel-colored houses, the Atlantic Ocean a blue-green, and Chirons mother being bathed in neon pink while shouting at him. 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. Juans calm conversation with his employee is followed by loud insults from Chirons bullies. Were currently seeking writers to join our summer writing program. No words are spoken and the two characters are just staring at one another. Thats an idea that kind of came out of our process on the set. Both films use color to reflect the mood of the scene and what the characters are thinking. Ad Choices. Maybe subconsciously we chose it for Moonlight in an effort to depict this community in a brand new light.. 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. 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. Then they [], Anthony Burgesss A Clockwork Orange is a novel pervaded by a multifaceted and intrinsic musical presence. Similar themes are present in both films, but Jenkinss sophomore film shows how much the filmmaker has improved. At the end of the film, the last shot is Chiron standing in front of the Atlantic in the moonlight. Laxton was also heavily inspired by photography. 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.. Cinematographer James Laxton films Ashton Sanders. Moonlight was filmed in Liberty City, Miami, where the neighborhood houses are pastel-colored and trees a tropical green. That it should feel so radicalfor a kid from the projects to be portrayedwith a complete, three-dimensional portraitstirs up a heightened, devastating awareness of how rare a thing this is. The effect is such that we are not watching them swimming; instead, we are right there next to them. 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. 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. 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. The film is separated into three chapters, Little as his youth, Chiron as his adolescence, and Black as his early adult life. Students who find writing to be a difficult task. 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. Every shot is rife with emotional heft and a definitive artistic composition. 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. You can get your custom paper by one of our expert writers. Everything we did was in real locations, which was important for us to create that authentic sensibility that Moonlight is supported by. Yet he is responsible for supplying Paula, Chirons mother with drugs. This essay has been submitted by a student. It is important to remember that this scene was after Kevin touched Chiron both physically and emotionally. 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. The use of the circular motion is used to provoke a specific pressure, especially that in which comes from the in-group. So was McCraney, 36. The cinematography also plays center stage in this film. , barefoot on the beach, soaked in blue moonlight, these motifs merge to create one final image of healing. 2023 gradesfixer.com. 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. Jenkins reflects on the theme of prejudice through an array of symbolistic features to illustrate the evolution of Chiron from a man to a child. From a distance, this seems like a very specific story. Moonlight is a coming of age movie of a young African American man through three stages of his life. While the plot proves for a strong base, the cinematography is what really makes the film stand out, winning an Oscar for Best Picture. There is not much point in writing a novel unless you can show the possibility [], Many philosophers have believed for centuries that no intrinsic meaning exists in the universe. 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. 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. Now, it represents his world, one of anxiety and persecution. The immersion in water is reminiscent of a baptism, and this motif is repeated throughout the film. The choice to portray what looks like a stereotypical drug deal, and then swiftly move towards the vulnerability of. story. Dark colors and harsh light is the appropriate lens, we seem to have decided, for dark circumstances and harsh realities. The frame is set up in such a way that the viewer only experiences the calm waters of the Atlantic and the rush of the waves as. 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