Moonlight Cinematography: Bold Color, Rich Skin Tone, High Contrast

Introduction

• The article discusses the cinematographic style of Barry Jenkins' film Moonlight.
• Focuses on the collaboration between cinematographer James Laxton and colorist Alex Bickel to create the film's visual aesthetic.

Setting and Visual Tension

• Moonlight is set in Liberty City, Miami, known for its harsh realities and beautiful landscapes.
• Contrast between the beauty of Miami and the dark themes of the story.

Cinematographic Style

Moving Away from Traditional Indie Styles

• Jenkins and Laxton aimed to avoid a documentary-style look typically associated with social issue films.
• Sought a dreamlike feel, influenced by Miami's color and light.

Lighting and Skin Tone Representation

• Laxton focused on capturing rich color from actors' dark skin tones.
• Utilized bold lighting designs, avoiding the safe approach of exposing dark skin tones.

Technical Approach

Testing the Limits of Contrast

• Laxton used single-source lighting to emphasize contrast and shape characters' features.
• Alex Bickel was involved early, reinforcing the commitment to a bold visual style.
• Ensured detail and color were preserved even in shadows.

Creating the Color Grade

• Early collaboration on the desired light quality influenced the final color grades.
• Bickel's process involved enhancing mid-tones, adding blue to blacks, and refining highlights.

Emulation of Film Stocks

• Each of the film’s three chapters used different LUTs to emulate specific film stocks:
  • First Chapter: Fuji film stock for warmth and texture.
  • Third Chapter: Modified Kodak stock for more pop and shine.
  • Second Chapter: Emulated Agfa film stock for its cyan highlights.

Conclusion

• The visual style of Moonlight was carefully crafted to support its emotional storytelling.
• Collaborators repeatedly referenced key images to ensure visual consistency.