Moonlight 4 Stars.
I like a movie that surprises me and exceeds expectations; as Moonlight does so well.
I read the film reviews stating that this is a ‘coming of age,’ story (whatever that means, which frankly, I think is lazy or a ‘safe verdict’ for a reviewer when dealing with uncomfortable issues such as were portrayed in Moonlight). I think the film is mainly about the detrimental and violent effects of poverty on people especially children. The main character did not ‘come of age’ or overcome their growing up difficulties; but to the contrary, he was ensnared by them i.e. a tragedy (a common and tragic experience for many people in such communities).
Some scenes I did not see coming and that is good; as opposed to predictable story telling. In essence, this is about a sensitive boy: Chiron growing up in a dysfunctional community who struggles with his identity and yearns to find love.
The director: Barry Jenkins takes this screenplay (based on the play In Moonlight Black Boys Look Blue by Tarell Alvin McCraney). of a young boy who survives on the fringe of an already fringe community.
The actors, some new and very talented actors (such as Ashton Sanders as the teen Chiron), shine in their roles. I can see this acclaimed movie collecting a few upcoming awards for the direction and cinematography. And especially accolades for the child actor Alex R. Hibbert as well as the performance of Trevante Rhodes.
Sadly, the story is a common and a disturbing one encapsulated in a low socio-economic African American urban setting in Miami. And I think could easily have taken place in any marginalised community i.e poor white, latino or ethnic working class that experiences the same social disadvantages.
That’s what I found appealing about this movie and why I like these conscious raising stories for their inherent raw truth.
Most movies, and righty so, speak of external barriers or social obstacles to progress i.e. racism. And imply that if only society would be less judgmental/prejudiced all people, regardless of race, can realise their hopes, dreams and aspirations. We would then live in a just and free society; a liberal meritocracy where effort and ability can progress people from a low position in life to a higher one; all based on a person’s determination to succeed.
Well, this is the common assumption anyway. And, we figure, if people stay in these appalling living conditions its because they didn’t try hard enough. Moonlight, in my view, shows really well the ignorant flaws in such judgments.
Moonlight stands in stark contrast to this common story device and uses a phrase that I know as Crabs in the Bucket syndrome. This terms effectively means: whenever you see crabs jostling in the bucket, they all know the way to freedom is up and over the top i.e a metaphor for escape from social oppression. But whenever a crab tries to break free (code for socially, academically, emotionally or artistically); they are pulled down by the other crabs in the bucket.
Chiron, the main character who we see grow up in three phases from young boy, to his later teen years and then adult years, is born into a world where he is already at a significant disadvantage. He lives in a single mother home (played so well by Naomi Harris) who prostitutes herself and is a drug addict. Her love for her son is never in doubt and tries her best to raise him, but her poor circumstances often means she is ‘not there’ for her son. And a local black couple (the male character played so well by Mahershala Ali), who take a shine to Chiron. They provide a relatively positive influence but this isn’t enough to stall or shield him from the community’s inherent social oppressions of:
High Crime Rates;
High Drug Use;
Coupled with Lack of Opportunities and High Unemployment.
These factors take a personal toll on all families that reside in these debilitating communities, that in turn, perpetuates their own oppression – that if not stopped: becomes generational. And a cycle of violent poverty starts all over again for a new generation of children to experience and survive in.
The film also shows the ugly power status need of the weak and jealous individuals of these dysfunctional communities; used by some to at least feel superior to the other crabs in the bucket – by constantly bullying, use degrading and belittling humour and standover tactics. They are either physically or emotionally violent and perpetually put outsiders to their social group down. In turn, ensuring they can never believe in themselves or aim for a better life to escape the poverty cycle; that is often duplicated in many communities all over the world regardless of their nation’s GDP.
The message I received from this story was that love eventually triumphs; even if it be the type of love that dare not speak its name in a dysfunctional community.
Well done.
Moonlight: 4 Stars.
Take Care & Cheers
Jason
Written & Directed: Barry Jenkins III
