Day 3 Moonlight
[2016]
Screenplay Barry Jenkins
Based on ‘In Moonlight Black Boys Look Blue’ by Tarell
Alvin McCraney
Director
Barry Jenkins
Cinematography James Laxton
Music
composition Nicholas Britell
Leads Trevante Rhodes, André Holland, Janelle Monáe, Ashton
Sanders, Jharrel Jerome, Naomie Harris, Mahershala Ali
Production A24, Plan B Entertainment,
Pastel Productions
IMDb 7.5/10
Rotten Tomatoes 98%
Finally,
I got round to watching this multi-award winning film. Academy Awards for best
picture, best supporting actor, best adapted screenplay and a Golden Globe for
best picture. As big as that build-up sounds I never get too excited about
Oscar winners as my favourite films don’t tend to win anything. This was pretty
good though. It follows a shy black American boy called Chiron from childhood,
through adolescence, to manhood. Throughout the film we can tell that he is
incredibly conflicted internally, caused mainly by homosexual feelings and a
drug-addicted mother. It is beautifully shot and beautifully acted, considering
there isn’t much dialogue. I was on Chiron’s side the whole time, finding
myself willing him to stick up for himself, leave his mother and at least try
to fit in. Definitely award-worthy.
Acting 3.5 / 4
Writing 3 / 4
Cinematography 4 / 4
Music 2 / 4
HWF rating 3 / 4