Moonlight (2016)
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Barry Jenkins' Moonlight (2016) is a visually stunning and emotionally resonant film that explores themes of identity, masculinity, and self-discovery through the life of Chiron, a young African-American man growing up in a rough Miami neighborhood. The film is celebrated not only for its narrative depth but also for its masterful use of color as a storytelling device. Color in Moonlight is not merely aesthetic; it is integral to the emotional and thematic structure of the film, symbolizing Chiron’s inner world, his journey through self-acceptance, and the environment around him.
One of the most significant motifs in Moonlight is the color blue, which is closely associated with water, a recurring symbol of purity and transformation throughout the film. Blue serves as a marker for Chiron’s vulnerability, identity, and his connection to other characters.
In the first chapter of Chiron’s life, titled "Little," we see him form a deep bond with Juan (Mahershala Ali), a drug dealer who becomes a surrogate father figure. The scene where Juan teaches Chiron to swim in the ocean is awash in soft blue hues from the water and sky. This baptismal moment, drenched in blue, represents not only the beginning of Chiron’s self-awareness but also his search for belonging. Juan’s guidance in this scene is significant, as blue symbolizes comfort and safety—qualities Chiron finds elusive in other parts of his life.
Throughout the film, blue appears in various shades during moments of introspection or emotional openness. In the second chapter, "Chiron," the blue light bathes the beach scene where Chiron shares a deeply intimate moment with Kevin. Here, blue reflects both the tenderness of the moment and Chiron's vulnerability, as the night sky and water envelop the characters in a soft, protective glow. Blue continues to act as a visual metaphor for Chiron’s internal emotional life, signifying both desire and the struggles of self-expression.
In contrast to the serene blues, the film uses warm colors—reds, oranges, and yellows—to represent the harsher realities of Chiron’s environment and inner turmoil. These colors dominate scenes of tension, violence, and moments when Chiron is confronted by external pressures and expectations of masculinity.
In the first act, scenes at Chiron’s home are often bathed in harsh yellow and red lighting. His strained relationship with his mother Paula (Naomie Harris), a crack addict, is highlighted by these uncomfortable and intense color tones. These colors create a sense of unease and discomfort, reflecting Chiron’s turbulent home life and the instability that surrounds him. The sharp yellows and reds contrast with the blues seen in the beach and water scenes, symbolizing the dichotomy between the external world and Chiron's inner self.
When Chiron is bullied in school, the lighting shifts to deeper reds and oranges, reflecting the violence and anger in these encounters. The color palette becomes more oppressive as Chiron navigates the aggressive expectations placed upon him as a Black man growing up in a tough neighborhood. These warmer colors symbolize both the heat of Miami and the emotional intensity of Chiron’s struggles.
Green is another prominent color in Moonlight and is often used to mark transitions or moments of significant personal change. The use of green is subtle but consistent throughout the film, signaling moments when Chiron shifts in his understanding of himself or his environment.
In the third act, "Black," Chiron, now an adult, adopts the hyper-masculine persona of "Black." Much of his environment is tinged with green, particularly in his car and his living space. Green here suggests the tension between the persona Chiron has created and the boy he once was, marking his transformation from "Little" to "Black." However, rather than representing growth or renewal, the green palette in this chapter feels conflicted, hinting at the artificiality of Chiron's constructed identity. He has changed outwardly but remains emotionally guarded and uncertain.
Chiron's reunion with Kevin at the diner is also bathed in green light, symbolizing a pivotal moment of emotional honesty and reconciliation with his past. The green hue here reflects the possibility of healing and the breaking down of barriers, as Chiron begins to confront his true self.
The interplay of light and shadow is another crucial element of color in Moonlight. Throughout the film, Chiron is often framed in shadows or half-lit spaces, representing his internal conflict and inability to fully express his identity. These scenes mirror Chiron’s emotional journey, where he hides parts of himself, struggling to reconcile the different facets of his identity—his sexuality, his masculinity, and his vulnerability.
In moments of connection and intimacy, however, Chiron is shown in softer, fuller lighting. The interplay between light and shadow in these scenes reflects the fluctuating emotional states that define Chiron's life. The film’s lighting choices underscore the complexity of his inner world, visually representing his oscillation between hiding and revealing who he truly is.
The three chapters of Moonlight—"Little," "Chiron," and "Black"—each present distinct color schemes that evolve as Chiron grows from childhood into adulthood. The first chapter, "Little," is marked by lighter, more vibrant blues, reflecting Chiron’s childhood innocence and his nascent understanding of his identity. The ocean scenes in particular stand out for their radiant blue tones, signaling moments of self-discovery and trust.
In "Chiron," the colors darken as Chiron enters adolescence and faces bullying, emotional isolation, and confusion about his sexuality. The shift in the palette reflects the harsh realities of growing up and the difficulty of navigating societal expectations of Black masculinity. Warmer colors dominate this chapter, underscoring the pressure and violence Chiron faces.
In "Black," the final chapter, the color palette deepens and intensifies, particularly with the use of greens and muted blues. These colors reflect Chiron’s adult persona—someone who has constructed a hard exterior to protect himself from the world, but who is still searching for peace and self-acceptance.
Moonlight is a film where color is not just a visual tool but an emotional language. Barry Jenkins and James Laxton use color to convey Chiron’s inner landscape, the world around him, and the complexities of his journey to self-discovery. From the calming blues of the ocean to the intense reds of his mother’s addiction, each color choice in Moonlight serves to heighten the emotional depth and thematic resonance of the film.
Ultimately, Moonlight uses its color palette to explore identity, masculinity, and the search for connection. It is a film that shows how color, when used thoughtfully and intentionally, can elevate storytelling to profound emotional heights, making it a vital part of the cinematic experience.
