Moonlight (2016)

I think it is suitable to give the director of photography (James Laxton) and the whole lighting/editing crew their praises as the main critique of this film. Well done, all of you have the credit for elevating this film to the level that it sits on. The film uses the colour blue for literal and metaphorical spectator impact. Blue meaning the intermediate colour between green and violet, but also the melancholic feeling of depression. The way this colour is the mere support and backbone of the film gives a fresh, emotional journey on the genre of melodrama - instead of the typical, cliched, forced 'schmaltz' which are present in many other films of the same genre. The main character (Chiron) who's life is split into three chapters, is suffering from the societal struggles of life, since he is placed into the minority faction of this cruel world - therefore it would be safe to say he is in the 'blues'. However, this film subtly, and cleverly subverts this meaning of blue representing sadness, and positions it to be a colour of tranquillity that Chiron can find peace in - the movement of the waves, the feel of them hitting against his skin, the calmness of the ocean. Blue is positioned as a symbol of self-discovery, finding your true meaning, breaking out of societal expectations, and ultimately representing what your soul and heart truly desires. In astrology, the word 'Chiron' is a celestial body which represents a person's deepest spiritual wounds and healing abilities. The writing takes this thesis, and reflects it throughout the story, and mirrors the bittersweet journey Chiron goes on.