Moonlight might be the best movie of the year. Critics have swooned over Barry Jenkins’ second feature-length film, which premiered on October 21. The film explores the trials and tribulations of a queer black man, Chiron, that struggles with his sexuality, family, race, and masculinity. It is filmed in three chapters: “Little”, “Chiron”, and “Black”. These chapters evaluate three distinct periods of Chiron’s life, and are portrayed by three different actors.
Moonlight thrives in its authenticity. The film does not lack conflict by any means, but it refuses to hit the audience over the head with a singular, definite message. Rather, it’s humanness is what makes it so unique. Movies often look so hard for a purpose or identity that once it finds one, the message seems insincere. So, here is a film that elicits a distinct sense of empathy while exploring an array of pertinent themes. How does one properly criticize a film like this?
A.O. Scott says in the last paragraph of his criticism of Moonlight, “I guess I’m back to where I started, trying to decide what this movie is about.” Scott clearly thought this movie accomplishes its object, but he’s not sure exactly was that object is. His analysis is not short on references- he compares the film to Ta-Nehisi Coates’s book “Between the World and Me”, James Baldwin’s book “Go Tell it on the Mountain”, and Richard Linklater’s film Boyhood. However, he does not seem to know how to contextualize this film in a satisfactory way that gives Moonlight’s potential audience a clear reference point as to what kind of movie they will watch.
Early in his review, he writes, “The nature and meaning of manhood is one of Mr. Jenkins’s chief concerns. How tough are you supposed to be? How cruel? How tender? How brave? And how are you supposed to learn?” This sounds like the start of a meaningful assessment on how masculinity is portrayed in this movie. An in-depth interpretation on this subject would be an enlightening article. In doing so, he could show people what distinguishes this movie from the run of the mill Oscar nominee, and the nature of how Jenkins frames and explores his subject matter.
Instead, Scott instead opts to touch on a plethora of themes in a scattered fashion. He talks about how the film comments on drug culture, blackness, adaptation, and the criminal justice system. Scott lacks the ability to do what this film has done so masterfully: ensure variety and originality without sacrificing coherence. The unconventional narrative and style of this film demands an unconventional assessment, and Scott fails in that regard. In saying too much, we derive so little from his writing
Conversely, Vince Mancini’s review gives a fascinating analysis of how Barry Jenkins’ previous work influenced Moonlight. Saris’ argument about auteur theory emphasizes the importance of evaluating the director’s body of work, treating the artist that constructed the film world as significant of a figure as the actors and actresses. Mancini guides the reader through Jenkins’ debut film, Medicine for Melancholy, which grossed just over $100K in the box office.
Having the background of Mancini’s bright spots and failures in this project gives Jenkins’ future audience context walking into the film. Medicine doesn’t develop a sense of who Micah, the hero of the movie, really is. However, Mancini contrasts this with Chiron, who also fails to verbalize his feelings. In Moonlight, this inability is related to “codes of silence” that are articulated in Chiron’s past, which the audience experiences during the first chapter. Mancini discusses recurring tropes that Jenkins emphasizes in his work like coming of age, identity, and gentrification. But, in Mancini’s writing we get a sense of the subtle narrative style Jenkins uses to depict these tropes, with some description of his stylistic tendencies mixed in for film buffs. He narrows his focus to what he notices is repeated during Medicine and Moonlight. But, the article is not overly narrow. Its assessment allows for deeper commentary combined with diverse talking points.
Most importantly, this article allows us to feel like we know Jenkins as an artist. This intensifies the audience’s personal connection to the film before they even see it. Jenkins is as interesting a character in his artwork as his main character, Chiron. We learn about his journey through his artistic past, and this information gives the readers another platform for discussion.
Mancini’s work passes the test for the formula for good criticism: knowledge + taste =meaningful judgement. We are treated to relevant comparisons with original opinions that show expertise. Background is essential in order to examine what specifically separates this film from other films that lack traditional narrative structures or traditional protagonists. Scott’s stream of consciousness writing shows taste; he is able to pinpoint essential themes in a well-written manner. But, it is hard to identify what exactly the reader gains from such a style. While Scott loses his arguments in the tangled web of the unorthodox, Mancini finds a niche that is informative in quantity and quality.
657 Comments
There is so much in this article that I would never have thought of on my own. Your content gives readers things to think about in an interesting way. Thank you for your clear information. Leather Jacket
Can use the service with our online gaming website 24 hours a day, no matter what time the customer bets, can definitely play conveniently. 15รับ100ทํา400ถอน200
Great post, beautiful weblog with great informational content 스포츠토토핫
It’s really nice to see you at Waikano today Nice to meet you. Neagle is so much fun. I’m going to read it againhttps://totowho.com/%5D
This has been an extremely wonderful article. Thank you for providing this info.
바카라사이트
its actually awesome paragraph, I have got much clear idea concerning from this piece of writing.
카지노사이트
Your posts are always well organized and easy to understand.
카지노사이트
I blog quite often and I genuinely thank you for your information. This great article has really peaked my interest
카지노사이트
I was reading this article in the library and it was so interesting that I kept laughing. I’m so embarrassed, but I’m so thankful and happy that I read it so interestinglyhttps://totoghost.com/
I’ve read so many articles, but I’m very grateful that I read such a good article today
토토사이트 and I hope this good article will spread far away
I’ve read so many articles, but I’m very grateful that I read such a good article today
토토사이트 and I hope this good article will spread far away
Eine weitere nützliche Funktion von Serienstream ist die Möglichkeit, Inhalte herunterzuladen. Benutzer können ausgewählte Filme, Serien und Animes herunterladen und offline ansehen. Diese https://s-to.de/ Funktion ist besonders nützlich, wenn Benutzer eine langsame Internetverbindung oder begrenztes Datenvolumen haben, da sie die Inhalte herunterladen können und später offline ansehen können.
Wow, how can you write this? You’re so smart. Aren’t you a genius? It’s awesome. It’s so much fun that I’ll come back to watch it’ I’m just looking forward to your posting again메이저사이트 and I felt responsible for receiving this warm energy and sharing it with many people
Portal Office ist skalierbar und kann auf die Bedürfnisse von Unternehmen portal office Organisationen jeder Größe angepasst werden.
Portal Office kann nahtlos in portal office Systeme und Anwendungen integriert werden.
I’ve read so many articles, but I’m very grateful that I read such a good article today
토토사이트 and I hope this good article will spread far away
I read this article. I think You put a great deal of exertion to make this article. All expert Article writer is here very helpful for me to create a new ideas about any topic.
igoal88 สมัคร
Well I definitely enjoyed reading it. This subject procured by you is very effective for good planning. Aluminium Foil
I am always searching online for storys that can accommodate me. There is obviously a multiple to understand about this. I feel you made few salubrious points in Attributes moreover. Detain busy, awesome career! root canal cost los angeles
Welcome to the party of my life here you will learn everything about me. oral surgeon los angeles
I’ve read so many articles, but I’m very grateful that I read such a good article today
토토사이트 and I hope this good article will spread far away
Nice information, valuable and excellent design, as share good stuff with good ideas and concepts, lots of great information and inspiration, both of which I need, thanks to offer such a helpful information here. gc3ge300
What do you think of Russia? I don’t like it very much I hope Japan sinks soon I’ll just ask once and then I’ll come back to talk hahahaha레플리카시계 and I felt responsible for receiving this warm energy and sharing it with many people
This is very nice and wonderful blog I like it so much keep writing such type of contents.
igoal88 ทางเข้า
Amazing short article. Your article influences a great deal of vital issues of our own modern society. Many of us can not be uninvolved for you to these kind of issues. This specific article presents ideas along with aspects. Quite helpful along with functional. Dhruv Tara Today Episode
This is a great post. I like this topic.This site has lots of advantage.I found many interesting things from this site. It helps me in many ways.Thanks for posting this again. Samehadaku
Thank you for sharing this nice post with us, สล็อตคลิปโต it is very well explained.
You have good humor in your blogs.
ทางเข้าเล่น 789betting So much helpful and easy to read!
The cool things here. I am very satisfied to see. Thank you for your writing.
온라인카지노
I am constantly surprised by the amount of information accessible on this subject. What you presented was well researched and well written to get your stand on this over to all your readers.
스포츠토토
Thanks a lot my dear. I think this is an informative post and it is very beneficial and knowledgeable.
먹튀검증
I must say you have written a great article. The way you have described everything is phenomenal. If you have time, please visit my site
현금홀덤사이트
Good post. I was constantly checking this blog and I got good information. I was impressed! 😉 먹튀검증
Thank you very much for this information. It has interesting content. and very understanding with what you say
123 คาสิโน
I’ve been reading all the articles related to 플레이포커머니상 for the past hour, but I don’t know why I saw this post now. It seems like very useful information.
McDonald’s Menu Adding New Burger, Brings Back Beloved Icon
McDonald’s Menu
Hey guys I’m new here and I’d like to share some game-related information. The finest play snake game is now available for females and young people. Usually, people play this game as a way to kill time, but this game is incredible, and I also used to play it. Try out this game and then let me know what you think.
I believe it is a lucky site
정품비아그라
This blog is so nice to me. I will keep on coming here again and again. Visit my link as well.
123เบทติ้ง
I found a lot of similar themes on this post https://medium.com/@jackdesanti/the-top-10-free-browser-games-you-cant-miss-in-2023-55bd70f2f40b
I am writing to let you understand what a extraordinary discovery my cousin’s daughter had going through your web page. She realized a lot of details, including how it is like to have a wonderful helping style to have certain people without problems gain knowledge of a number of grueling matters. You really surpassed her expected results. Many thanks for giving the helpful, healthy, revealing as well as cool tips about that topic to Evelyn.메이저사이트
Looking for a trusted dental clinic in Luzern? Visit Zahnklinik Luzern for comprehensive dental treatments and surgeries. Our skilled dentists utilize the latest techniques and advanced equipment to deliver exceptional results.
Dentist Luzern
“슬롯사이트, 수많은 계정 보안 단계를 강화”
슬롯사이트 순위
OpenPDF is the ultimate solution for all your PDF needs. As an online PDF, document, and form editor, it empowers you to effortlessly edit, convert, or compress PDF files, forms, and documents. With OpenPDF, you can conveniently open any PDF file and make the necessary modifications with ease. Whether you need to edit PDFs for work, school, or personal use, our intuitive online platform has got you covered.
edit pdf online
Everyone ought to read what you’ve written because it contains a wealth of knowledge that can help them become more open-minded. I am extremely appreciative of that. wheel spinner
Discover the thrill of winning at Okeplay777, the leading online slot destination. Unleash the power of luck and reliability with Okeplay777 gacor, the most trusted and straightforward slot website. Experience the joy of effortless victories in 2023 as you play on Okeplay777 and receive your payouts without delay.
okeplay777
Enroll Data Science Course and Certification Training Institute in Pune from 360DigiTMG This Data Scientist Course in Pune includes extensive hands on training through practical assignments, case studies, and projects
data science training
Since I find this to be an intriguing topic, please elaborate wordle answer today.
Nice post! This is a very nice blog that I will definitively come back to more times this year! Thanks for informative post. BBC technology
Your blog is a treasure trove of valuable information. I’ve learned so much from reading your posts, and I’m grateful for that. Buy workspaces pricing from workspaces pricing