That pink light behind her in that scene and within the film generally helps to express another side of her, says Laxton. These frames provide a sense of loneliness that hes still struggling with as an adult and still permeate the visual language that we were using in story three., Thinking back to his own childhood Laxton says, I remember wearing out VHS tapes of my favorite movies as a kid and having the tracking being a mess and trying to watch movies that were faded. It allows the audience to almost be disarmed in the first three minutes of this opening shot, says Laxton. 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. This tint was not done for pure aesthetic necessarily, but to speak to the emotional state that Chiron was experiencing. From this belief emerged many responses, including absurdism and existentialism. Light bulbs were changed from green to blue during a diner scene later in the film. 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 neighborhood has pastel-colored houses, the Atlantic Ocean a blue-green, and Chirons mother being bathed in neon pink while shouting at him. Instead, the camera simply allows the audience to see them at their most humane moments with their flaws and hopes laid bare. 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. 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. Jaws Cinematography Analysis 709 Words | 3 Pages. David Bornfriend/A24. The reason for using the flicker box was here applied to a fluorescent light, instead of its usual occupation which produces lighting effects. In this aspect, blue becomes the motif of rebirth and a fragmented identity. For their singular vision for storytelling, Moonlight famously won Best Picture at the 89th Academy Awards. The film opens with a very stylized, swirling shot of a drug dealer, Juan, played by the magnificent Mahershala Ali. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. It is through these very techniques that. 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. What thats done over the last, say, 30 years is it has made the audience assume that of these communities. The film is driven by the internal conflicts of the characters, instead of a plot. But it allowed us to understand that shes a whole character as well., When asked about his favorite scene in the film Laxton immediately turns to the third act where the shift in style in subtle and more nuanced. According to Laxton, We wanted to make sure our black-skinned actors would look natural and interesting skin tone. In another shot, Littles mom, Paula, played by the brilliant Naomie Harris, is bathed in pink light as she fumes at her son. How the light looks on someones face. Through his association with the color blue, is introduced as a guardian, and a much-needed father- figure that has been missing from. Theres a few reasons I think why that pink light doesnt sort of ring false for people, says Laxton. Laxton used Hawk V-Lite anamorphic lenses, throughout the film to help amplify the emotional state of the characters within the majestic widescreen format. 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. Growing up in his early days, Chiron does not have a male or fatherly figure in his life. This also brings the film to a symbolic full circle, ending with the nascent stages of. One shot is taken as Chiron and the other as Black (playing into teenager vs adult) . The film follows the life of Chiron; a child residing in a predominantly black neighborhood. "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. 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. Moonlight makes no such commitments. But "Moonlight" is a film about faces. Cinematographer James Laxton and director Barry Jenkins on location in Miami. 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. Moonlights camera work and mise-en-scene, specifically the lightning, is one of the films most important parts of its cinematography. This time, we hear her say, "Don't look at me!" We cut to Chiron, now a full-grown man, waking up from this, a bad dream. There are these sort of lonely frames that exist, even when hes a grown man. I think its really funny that the business generally is sort of moving towards a directing by committee approach. The entire scene is a single shot, showing how natural Juan fits in the neighborhood with effortless authority. 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. In this aspect, blue becomes the motif of rebirth and a fragmented identity. Look no further! 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). The location of teenage Chiron provided the audience with this darkness and grotesque feel due to the green tone of his bathroom. Its sort of a fake-out. I knew that relationship like the back of my hand because thats where my life and Tarells overlapped, he told the Hollywood Reporter. Moonlight's cinematography hubs on the contrast between Littles's place and Juan's in this world (Aguirre, Abby). We walk through the film's structure, cinematography, sound and symbolism to show you what you might have missed about this immersive. 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. When Chiron finally joins him, the camera jump cuts and it is no longer a long shot as Chiron begins to have fun. Laxton also shot Jenkinss previous film, Medicine for Melancholy. Moonlight exquisitely uses light and color to enhance the immersion of the audience into Chiron's thoughts and feelings. Its something that allows an audience to really sink into a story.. 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 was filmed in Liberty City, Miami, where the neighborhood houses are pastel-colored and trees a tropical green. This is where the association with water is relevant. Everything we did was in real locations, which was important for us to create that authentic sensibility that Moonlight is supported by. Although all are heavily influenced by the beliefs [], We provide you with original essay samples, perfect formatting and styling. In the midst of this pivotal moment of self-discovery theres a real awareness of the camera as the water is lapping against the lens. As Chiron finds a hiding place, the bullies insults become louder and louder. Bullied at an early age and seemingly outcast, Chiron knows he doesn't fit in because of his sexuality. 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. 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. 30 Best Italian Movies Of All Time, Ranked. ultimate self-acceptance at the end of the film are relayed to us in silent gazes. Moonlights focus on telling a well-realized story is evident in its camera movements as well. 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. 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. Analysis of Cinematography in Moonlight by Barry Jenkins Essay. The main characters self-discovery is told through these chapters, each through a different developmental phase of his life. Moonlight, directed by Barry Jenkins, takes a look at a young black male growing up in Miami named Chiron. According to Moonlight cinematographer James Laxton, much of today's cinema has lost this subjective intensity. 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. The film has a retroactive effect. So much is happening behind their eyes. In Moonlight, it's the process of keeping the audience aware of the maker's hand and of the actors playing. All of these things speak to judgment. And thats still true today.. Its like Lion, Arrival, and La La Land, these are really personal visions of things., Your browser is out of date. Tell us about your travels! As the sky progressively turns grey, it contrasts against the clear ocean, presenting how the characters feel emotionally. The idea of the opening sequence to have these two highly disparate shots welded together is the essence of the film. Want to spend your summer being creative and making some money on the side? 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. 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. 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 the drug economy in which the characters live does not define them as human beings. 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. tripartite narrative and non-linear storytelling is also reminiscent of the latter. Where do you want us to send this sample? Its most prominent themes are love, stereotypes and identity. Both films use color to reflect the mood of the scene and what the characters are thinking. 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. 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. The bathroom walls that encapsulate Black are pigmented with this blue light which in turn illustrates his hardened feelings this far in the performance. While Juan is respected by his peers, Chiron is persecuted by them. When Juan is introduced, the camera follows behind him smoothly. Moonlight is a masterclass in expressive camera and sound. Most of Moonlights angles are eye-level, close to the actors faces and breaks the fourth wall frequently. 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. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Cond Nast. Were excited to hear from you! In moments like these, a cinematographer has to try to deliver images that match the strength of the performance and emotional value of the story. In Moonlight, clichs and tropes exist only so they can be upended. 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. The use of the circular motion is used to provoke a specific pressure, especially that in which comes from the in-group. 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. Sensitive topics such as race and sexuality, staged against the backdrop of the hood are automatically assumed to follow the convention of realism. The camera is sped up and closing in on Chiron and his friend, trapping them even further. This also brings the film to a symbolic full circle, ending with the nascent stages of Chirons story. 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. The color blue and water are the most prominent throughout. Lets deep dive into some of the elements and cinematography techniques used in the film. Something Barry does so well is put his team in settings where so much honesty and beauty can be found, and its our job as cinematographers, actors, designers, and editors to find it., This moment has so much weight in it. Barry Jenkins's first film, Medicine for Melancholy, has a similar theme to his second feature film. As Juan releases him to float, Chiron quickly steadies himself and Juan says, Right there, youre in the middle of the world. Your work will be featured on our homepage and in our weekly Overheard on Odyssey newsletter. Judgment is something I think Im very concerned with in filmmaking, Laxton said. Summary. Moonlights cinematography uses bold colors and stunning shots to create an emotional experience. 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. I just feel satisfied that we got what we set out to get. Plot is not so much the concern as an intensive character study is. Laxton and Jenkins drew from varied sources to create a singular cinematic language for Moonlight. Moonlight is a coming of age movie of a young African American man . Lighting focused on skin tone and making skin color look natural and appealing. Laxton pushes the camera closer and closer towards the characters so as to create moments of intentional bonding between them and the audience. A fourth wall break happens when Chiron and his friend look directly at the camera as if the character is talking to the audience. Jenkins used his own experience, growing up with mother struggling with addiction, to write the screenplay. Barry Jenkins's first film, Medicine for Melancholy, has a similar theme to his second feature film.
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