Moonlight: A Cinematic Pillar

Chiron's life story in a trilogy of color and depth, through cinematography and character

By Janelle Lee Austin

September 20, 2024

Moonlight, written by Barry Jenkins and Tarell Alvin McCraney, is a cinematic masterpiece that tells the story of Chiron in three stages of his life, with each stage played by a different actor. This trilogy-like structure takes us through the struggles and complexities of Chiron’s identity, shaped by the expectations and stereotypes of his community.

Beyond its powerful story, Moonlight is visually stunning. The film's use of color is nothing short of breathtaking. The color grading enhances not just the beautiful set design and skin tones but also the lighting in key scenes—especially the iconic ocean sequences during "blue hour." These scenes are bathed in a serene blue light, giving them a melancholic yet hopeful atmosphere. The natural use of color throughout the film adds depth and emotion.

Cinematographer James Laxton really plays with framing and angles in a way that pulls you into Chiron’s world. While he sticks to the rule of thirds for some shots, he often centers the subject for maximum emotional impact. The choice to use a steadicam adds a raw, intimate feel, making it seem like you're right there with the characters. The decision to go anamorphic also gives the film a sense of openness, capturing both the beauty of the surroundings and giving the actors space to fully entrench themselves into their roles.

One of my favorite scenes is when Chiron is waiting at the subway station. There’s no dialogue, just a series of quick, simple shots that perfectly capture his feelings of isolation, anxiety, and loneliness. It’s a great example of how Moonlight lets emotions speak through visuals rather than words.

If I had one small critique, it would be the casting of adult Chiron (known as "Black"). While the child and adolescent versions of Chiron are incredibly similar in appearance and mannerisms, the adult version initially felt a bit jarring. Trevante Rhodes, who plays Black, is much more muscular and has a hardened look with gold teeth—quite a stark contrast to the younger versions. However, this may have been intentionally done to show Chiron’s transformation. And honestly, Rhodes’ performance is so heartfelt and vulnerable that any initial questions fade away fairly quickly. His portrayal is unforgettable, as are the performances of Alex R. Hibbert and Ashton Sanders, who play Chiron as a child and teenager.

Moonlight is hands down one of my all-time favorite films. It’s a story that sticks with you, partly because it’s semi-autobiographical for co-writer Tarell Alvin McCraney, which adds another layer of depth. The film’s critical acclaim and numerous awards are well deserved—it’s a true classic of modern cinema.