Later it is the friendship between young schoolboys during a ballgame. Your time is important. . 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. If the empathic power of Moonlight defies easy categorization, it can be trickier still to put your finger on what is singular about the cinematography. But Moonlight is more Wong Kar Wai than The Wire. Moonlight, directed by Barry Jenkins, takes a look at a young black male growing up in Miami named Chiron. The film is separated into three chapters, Little as his youth, Chiron as his adolescence, and Black as his early adult life. 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. Its merely a feature of the landscape, where air is humid, birds chirp, people disappear, and small bills flow in a circle. Natural light was used during this scene and the humidity in the air made the actors skin a softer glow. Continue with Recommended Cookies, An avid reader and a life-long lover of blue skies,. For one, this scene accomplishes this visual confirmation of the weakness that Kevin holds due to his closeted insecurities. Sign in to comment to your favorite stories, participate in your community and interact with your friends. You can get your custom paper by one of our expert writers. Bold, saturated colors and soft lighting that express the emotional beats of the film lend a touch of dream-like surrealism to the story. It is difficult to sum up all that feels new about Moonlight, which puts a fresh lens on so many things at once. While I think audiences are actually chomping at the bit for really personal unique visions of things. 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. All rights reserved. Blue serves as a source of solace and peace for Chiron Juans first introduction and their subsequent meeting are framed in the vivid blue of his car, and his apartment. Moonlight is a coming of age movie of a young African American man through three stages of his life. Bullied at an early age and seemingly outcast, Chiron knows he doesn't fit in because of his sexuality. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. Jaws Cinematography Analysis 709 Words | 3 Pages. In this aspect, blue becomes the motif of rebirth and a fragmented identity. Its most prominent themes are love, stereotypes and identity. sexual intimacy and the resulting violence, as well as. 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. Based on the unpublished play In Moonlight Black Boys Look Blue by Tarell Alvin McCraney, it tells the story of a young Black man coming to grips with his attraction to other men. Need some creative inspiration? For their singular vision for storytelling, Lets deep dive into some of the elements and, is a story about seemingly contradictory things. Which is a scene I think we have seen. Barry Jenkins Moonlight (2016) has rightfully earned its reputation as one of the most beautiful and sensitive coming-of-age stories on celluloid. 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. Breaking the fourth wall. 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. Laxton creates pure poetry on celluloid that is perfectly equipped to conjure a story of self-discovery and acceptance. 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. Sorry, we could not paraphrase this essay. Moonlights setting in Miami was essential to the story. The duo also shares a lot of photography. 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. Now, it represents his world, one of anxiety and persecution. On the phone Laxton is modest about his work and credits the films success to his close friendship with Jenkins. But a community can also be a cage. 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. 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. The light in Miami is so specific, Laxton said. There is a greater meaning to all the seemingly unimportant saturation of colors and camera angles. These pops of color offer a beauty and map to understand the full existence of our characters., We start this sequence with a shot inspired by an animal circling its prey. 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. I knew that relationship like the back of my hand because thats where my life and Tarells overlapped, he told the Hollywood Reporter. Its funny how much license you can get with some choices like that pink light, says Laxton. 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). Dollars from the household of a dealer may end up in Chirons pocket and later in the hands of Chirons mother, who doubtless will return them to a dealer. The expertise of cinematography in this movie is fluid. I think its that moment where the language in which Moonlight is established. Available from: https://gradesfixer.com/free-essay-examples/analysis-of-cinematography-in-moonlight-by-barry-jenkins/. var aax_size='300x600';var aax_pubname='flickside08-21';var aax_src='302'; Subscribe to stay informed about noteworthy films. He borrowed elements from the work of photographers Earlie Hudnall Jr and Viviane Sassen. How the light looks on someones face. At the end of the second part. 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.. 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. , as he is bullied serves to subvert audiences expectations and sets the right tone. Cinematographer James Laxton shot every scene in Moonlight with clear purpose; to capture and express Chirons inner world from moment to moment. Sensitive topics such as race and sexuality, staged against the backdrop of the hood are automatically assumed to follow the convention of realism. When Chiron finally joins him, the camera jump cuts and it is no longer a long shot as Chiron begins to have fun. In 2017, the film Moonlight was awarded Best Motion Picture at the 74th Academy Awards. 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. This is done substantively, with the emotional terrain of the characters, and its done visually, with angles and light. 30 Best Italian Movies Of All Time, Ranked. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. Barry Jenkins's first film, Medicine for Melancholy, has a similar theme to his second feature film. The reason for using the flicker box was here applied to a fluorescent light, instead of its usual occupation which produces lighting effects. Its something that as a cinematographer you are constantly aware of. The film is driven by the internal conflicts of the characters, instead of a plot. On set it rounded out this character in this moment that is very dark and very intense. Moonlight doesn't just look and sound great. Similar themes are present in both films, but Jenkinss sophomore film shows how much the filmmaker has improved. All of these things speak to judgment. Its most prominent themes are love, stereotypes and identity. In an interview regarding his choices of shots Laxton explained that the light flickering scene caused a pit of trouble for, our gaffer had to add a flicker box to the light because we had such a hard time finding a frame rate and shutter angle that would get the right kind of flicker and the right amount of flicker that we were looking for.. Water is used as a symbol of transformation and reborn, it precedes every important choice the protagonist makes. In Moonlight, clichs and tropes exist only so they can be upended. 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. In the following, indispensable video essay from Screen Prism, the structure, cinematography (by James Laxton), sound . 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. But presenting it in maybe a way thats providing a larger lens to look through.. We walk through the film's structure, cinematography, sound and symbolism to show you . 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.. 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. Some of the most impactful moments are relayed through stares. focus on telling a well-realized story is evident in its camera movements as well. Moonlight's cinematography hubs on the contrast between Littles's place and Juan's in this world (Aguirre, Abby). Home Essay Samples Entertainment Moonlight Analysis of Cinematography in Moonlight by Barry Jenkins. Colorist Alex Bickel achieved a vibrant film by increasing the contrast and saturation while preserving details and color. It makes the audience absorbed into the scene and sees the intensity of what the character is feeling. 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. 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. For Chiron, his community ostracizes him for being gay. Notes of Wais work can be felt in some of the most dramatic moments where Chirons mother, Paula, played by Naomie Harris, stands over her son scolding him while a pink light glows from her bedroom. Jenkins used his own experience, growing up with mother struggling with addiction, to write the screenplay. (2000). Director Barry Jenkins, behind the scenes with actor Mahershala Ali. Moonlight Sequence Analysis: Cinematography The sequence that sticks out to me in the movie Moonlight is when Juan teaches Chiron how to swim. 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. 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. 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. 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. When looking at the cinematography section at the Oscars, Laxton says, Its amazing to be on that list. The idea of judgment. 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. When Kevin and Chiron wrestle, the camera becomes shaky and cuts to shots of their arms and legs. The film follows the life of Chiron; a child residing in a predominantly black neighborhood. Chiron is changed forever in the preceding scene. Especially visually, it isnt. As Juan releases him to float, Chiron quickly steadies himself and Juan says, Right there, youre in the middle of the world. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. first introduction and their subsequent meeting are framed in the vivid blue of his car, and his apartment. The use of natural and ambient light throughout the film mixed with small warm fill lights and touches of color play on the films dream-like sense of reality. Analysis Of Cinematography In Barry Jenkins' Movie Moonlight Essay. 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. Blue serves as a source of solace and peace for. The light inside the building came from the lamps and it gave a natural and realistic feel to the diner. Laxton was also heavily inspired by photography. Moonlights cinematography uses bold colors and stunning shots to create an emotional experience. 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. Rather, there is classical music playing which allows himself to disconnect from his external reality, for the music that often plays is a direct signifying factor of his inner self. They remind me that Im watching a movie. So she took some and ate it; she also gave some to her husband and he ate it. Those things were calibrated for white skin. We transition from handheld to dolly, from dolly to steady cam. I started talking about this movie 17 years ago when I first met Barry, Laxton tells TIME. You blue, thats what Im gon call you.. It allows the audience to almost be disarmed in the first three minutes of this opening shot, says Laxton. Moonlight is a masterclass in expressive camera and sound. So did Tarell Alvin McCraney, who wrote the play on which the movie is based, In Moonlight Black Boys Look Blue. is a film of few words. Among these boys is Kevin the only one who looks at Chiron like a person and in Chirons point of view he looks at Kevins bruise instead of him staring back like the other boys. 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. Jenkins approached the scene where Juan teaches Chiron to swim as a transcendental moment. The camera becomes shaky, evoking panic as it chases after Chiron. 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. This also brings the film to a symbolic full circle, ending with the nascent stages of Chirons story. Both films use color to reflect the mood of the scene and what the characters are thinking. Moonlight was loosely adapted from an unpublished [], Moonlight was directed by Barry Jenkins, adapting the unproduced play called In Moonlight Black Boys Look Blue by Tarell Alvin McCraney. Growing up in his early days, Chiron does not have a male or fatherly figure in his life. Barry Jenkins, the screenwriter and director behind the beautiful new film Moonlight, grew up in Liberty City, the Miami neighborhood where the story is set. They also used anamorphic lenses, which normally allowmultiple characters to play out a scene in the same wide-screen frame. Analysis of Cinematography in Moonlight by Barry Jenkins Essay. Laxton pushes the camera closer and closer towards the characters so as to create moments of intentional bonding between them and the audience. This arc shot is a motif that is used repeatedly throughout the film and has two meanings. Moonlight exquisitely uses light and color to enhance the immersion of the audience into Chiron's thoughts and feelings. Cinematographer James Laxton shot every scene in Moonlight with clear purpose; to capture and express Chiron's inner world from moment to moment. 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