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.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FjK9JoHccBg
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.
1,057 Comments
BitStarz offers a seamless mobile gaming experience through its mobile-optimized websitezIa
BitStarz offers a seamless mobile gaming experience through its mobile-optimized websitegUw
BitStarz offers a seamless mobile gaming experience through its mobile-optimized websitehEc
The core mechanic of the Aviator Game is simple yet exhilarating https://aviator-web.com/nFc
Lyllo har en dedikerad mobilapp för både iOS och AndroidoIj
Happy är en växande aktör inom online casinon och sportspel med ett starkt fokusjMl
Gogo är en populär spelplattform som erbjuder bådegHs
Speedy erbjuder flera snabba och säkra betalningsalternativrAd
You don’t need a dedicated mobile app to enjoy Aviator Game. The game is built usinglAd
Prank sätter en hög standard när det gäller dataskydd, transaktionssäkerhet och ansvarsfullt spelande, vilket är avgörande för den svenska marknadengAj
Just desire to say your article is as amazing. The clearness in your post is just great and i can assume you’re an expert on this subject. Fine with your permission let me to grab your RSS feed to keep updated with forthcoming post. Thanks a million and please keep up the gratifying work. dentavim reviewsthank
Thank you for sharing this. https://157.230.195.192/
I have not checked in here for a while since I thought it was getting boring, but the last several posts are really good quality so I guess I will add you back to my everyday bloglist. You deserve it my friend. ฟรีเครดิต ไม่ต้องฝาก
Royal Reels excels in offering a seamless user experience with easy navigationoUi
I’m not sure exactly why but this website is loading extremely slow for me. Is anyone else having this issue or is it a issue on my end? I’ll check back later and see if the problem still exists. Language learning assistant chatbot
Hi there, You have performed a great job. I will certainly digg it and in my opinion recommend to my friends. I am confident they will be benefited from this site. petirtoto thank
I have learned some new elements from your web site about pcs. Another thing I have always imagined is that laptop computers have become a product that each family must have for several reasons. They supply you with convenient ways in which to organize homes, pay bills, go shopping, study, hear music and even watch television shows. An innovative strategy to complete many of these tasks is a laptop computer. These personal computers are portable ones, small, effective and lightweight. 同人マンガ
Very informative and good structure of subject matter, now that’s user genial (:. 同人マンガ
Lightci helps businesses of all sizes build software, digitally transform, leverage data, and create world-class engineering functions. machine learning app development services
Your unique perspective adds depth and richness to the discourse surrounding [topic of the article]. keno trực tiếp
Physics Assignment Help is the best writing service for every student. Our writers help students solve educational problems. Our experts provide 24/7 help for students.
I admire your ability to tackle such complex topics with precision and grace. bai cào
Willkommen bei JackpotPiraten, einem der führenden OnlinemUl
AmunRa ist eine beliebte Online-PlattformqHd
This is a truly good site post. Not too many people would actually, the way you just did. I am really impressed that there is so much information about this subject that have been uncovered and you’ve done your best, with so much class. If wanted to know more about green smoke reviews, than by all means come in and check our stuff. anru33.info
amazing article to read, thank you for making this article, sinartogel is very helpful
Very good article, bumi4d will read until the end. thank you article
An fascinating discussion is value comment. I think that it is best to write extra on this matter, it won’t be a taboo topic however generally people are not enough to talk on such topics. To the next. Cheers anru33.pro
An fascinating discussion is value comment. I think that it is best to write extra on this matter, it won’t be a taboo topic however generally people are not enough to talk on such topics. To the next. Cheers anru33.store
https://anoboy.net.co/
Anime Anime Ainme HURRAYYYYYYYYYYYYYY
Hi this is somewhat of off topic but I was wondering if blogs use WYSIWYG editors or if you have to manually code with HTML. I’m starting a blog soon but have no coding skills so I wanted to get advice from someone with experience. Any help would be greatly appreciated. deluna4d login
Hello there, I discovered your site by way of Google whilst searching for a related topic, your website came up, it seems to be good. I’ve bookmarked it in my google bookmarks. deluna4d
I just had to express my appreciation for the fantastic content shared here! It’s evident that AI SEO Services has played a significant role in enhancing smarter digital marketing strategies. Reading through the glowing comments and experiences from others truly inspired me to share my thoughts as well. It’s wonderful to see how effective and beneficial these services can be. If you’re looking to boost your online presence, I highly recommend checking out their expertise. For more information, visit International SEO.
Do you need more quality backlinks? Is your website under-performin g on the search engines? miprotesisdepierna.mx
Hello, I was looking on the internet and I ran into your website. Keep up the excellent work. seo agency in dubai
SkyCrown operates under a reputable license, ensuring a safe and enjoyable environment for all playersnOk
I like visiting your site since I always come across interesting articles like this one. Great Job, I greatly appreciate that. Do Keep sharing, Best regards. – 24kbet
This is my first time i visit here. I found so many interesting stuff in your blog especially its discussion. From the tons of comments on your articles, I guess I am not the only one having all the enjoyment here keep up the good work situs slot resmi
This time around Stu is getting married to a young Asian beauty named Lauren (Jamie Chung), who’s father completely disapproves of him. unlocking life
I rather encourage you to learn about the flexibility of forms, fields and widgets and how it’s used in the automatic Admin interface. Master foreign languages using YouTube
Thanks for this data I was searching all Search engines to be able to uncover it! deluna4d
An intriguing discussion may be worth comment. I do think that you should write regarding this topic, may possibly not often be a taboo subject but usually people are there are not enough to dicuss on such topics. To a higher. Cheers deluna4d
Upptäck våra detaljerade recensioner av de bästaeFu
It is truly a well-researched content and excellent wording. I got so engaged in this material that I couldn’t wait reading. I am impressed with your work and skill. Thanks. immigration solicitors
[keywords] on [SITES] and dive into a world of captivating stories and stunning artwork. Explore a vast collection of genres, including action, romance, fantasy, and more, all available at no cost. Enjoy high-quality scans and stay updated with the latest chapters of your favorite series. Whether you’re a seasoned manga fan or new to the genre, our user-friendly site makes it easy to access and enjoy manga anytime, anywhere. Start your adventure now—read manga online free today and experience thrilling tales and endless excitement! Read manga website online free
Hope you will update the article. I still like the blog deluna4dWow! This could be one particular of the most helpful blogs We have ever arrive across on this subject. Basically Magnificent. I am also a specialist in this topic therefore I can understand your effort. deluna4d login
This is a great article thanks for sharing this informative information. I will visit your blog regularly for some latest post. I will visit your blog regularly for Some latest post. agenolx link alternatif
I love your wp format, where did you get a hold of it? meongtoto
How to Play Aviator https://india-aviator-game.com/nEi
I muAAAAst admit that your post is really interesting. I have spent a lot of my spare time reading your content. Thank you a lot! david hoffmeister acim