Results for "Tarell Alvin McCraney"
Film Encyclopedia Entry 1777451902
** The film "Moonlight" (2016) is a critically acclaimed American drama that explores the life of a young black man growing up in Miami, navigating his identity, family, and community. **CONTENT:** ## Overview "Moonlight" is a poignant and powerful coming-of-age story that delves into the complexities of masculinity, identity, and the African American experience. Directed by Barry Jenkins, the film premiered at the 2016 Cannes Film Festival and went on to win several prestigious awards, including the Academy Award for Best Picture. The film's narrative is presented in three distinct chapters, each capturing a pivotal moment in the life of Chiron, a young black man growing up in Miami's Liberty City neighborhood. The film's title, "Moonlight," refers to the luminescent glow of the moon, which serves as a metaphor for Chiron's journey towards self-discovery and acceptance. Through a non-linear narrative, Jenkins masterfully weaves together themes of love, loss, and resilience, creating a cinematic experience that is both deeply personal and universally relatable. The film's use of natural light, vibrant colors, and a haunting score by Nicholas Britell adds to its emotional depth and visual beauty. ## History/Background "Moonlight" was adapted from Tarell Alvin McCraney's play "In Moonlight Black Boys Look Blue," which premiered in 2011 at the Steppenwolf Theatre Company in Chicago. Jenkins, who had previously directed several short films and the feature film "Medicine for Melancholy" (2008), was drawn to McCraney's play and saw an opportunity to bring the story to life on the big screen. The film was shot on location in Miami, with a predominantly black cast, including Trevante Rhodes, Mahershala Ali, and Naomie Harris. ## Key Information - **Director:** Barry Jenkins - **Screenplay:** Barry Jenkins and Tarell Alvin McCraney - **Cinematography:** James Laxton - **Music:** Nicholas Britell - **Cast:** Trevante Rhodes, Mahershala Ali, Naomie Harris, André Holland, Jharrel Jerome - **Awards:** Academy Award for Best Picture, Golden Globe Award for Best Motion Picture - Drama, BAFTA Award for Best Film - **Box Office:** $27.8 million (worldwide) ## Significance "Moonlight" is a landmark film in contemporary cinema, marking a significant shift in the representation of black lives on screen. The film's portrayal of a young black man navigating his identity, family, and community resonated with audiences worldwide, sparking important conversations about masculinity, racism, and the struggles of growing up in a marginalized community. The film's success also marked a turning point in the careers of its cast and crew, including Jenkins, who went on to direct the critically acclaimed film "If Beale Street Could Talk" (2018). INFOBOX: - **Name:** Moonlight - **Type:** Drama - **Date:** 2016 - **Location:** Miami, Florida - **Known For:** Academy Award for Best Picture TAGS: **Coming-of-age drama, African American cinema, LGBTQ+ representation, masculinity, identity, Barry Jenkins, Tarell Alvin McCraney, Academy Award for Best Picture**
Arts & CultureFilm Encyclopedia Entry 1777274464
** "Moonlight" is a 2016 American **psychological drama film** directed by Barry Jenkins, based on Tarell Alvin McCraney's unpublished play "In Moonlight Black Boys Look Blue." The film won several **Academy Awards**, including Best Picture, making it a groundbreaking achievement in the history of cinema. **CONTENT:** ## Overview "Moonlight" is a poignant and powerful coming-of-age story that explores the life of Chiron, a young black man growing up in Miami. The film is presented in three distinct chapters, each representing a different stage in Chiron's life. The movie delves into themes of identity, masculinity, and the struggles of growing up in a world that often seems hostile and unforgiving. With its stunning cinematography, evocative performances, and nuanced direction, "Moonlight" has become a modern classic, resonating with audiences worldwide. The film's narrative is layered and complex, reflecting the fragmented nature of Chiron's experiences. The first chapter, "Little," introduces us to a young Chiron, who is struggling to find his place in the world. He is a shy and vulnerable boy, often the target of bullying and ridicule. The second chapter, "Chiron," shows us a more confident and assertive young man, who is trying to navigate the complexities of adolescence. The final chapter, "Black," brings us full circle, as Chiron, now a grown man, reflects on the lessons he has learned and the scars he has carried with him. ## History/Background "Moonlight" was first conceived by Tarell Alvin McCraney, a playwright and screenwriter, who drew inspiration from his own experiences growing up in Miami. McCraney's play, "In Moonlight Black Boys Look Blue," was an unpublished work, but it caught the attention of Barry Jenkins, a young filmmaker who was eager to bring the story to life on the big screen. Jenkins and McCraney collaborated closely on the script, refining the narrative and developing the characters. The film was shot on location in Miami, using a combination of digital and 35mm film. ## Key Information * **Release Date:** October 21, 2016 * **Runtime:** 111 minutes * **Genre:** Psychological drama * **Cast:** Trevante Rhodes, Naomie Harris, André Holland, Jharrel Jerome, Mahershala Ali * **Cinematography:** James Laxton * **Music:** Nicholas Britell * **Awards:** Academy Award for Best Picture, Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor (Mahershala Ali), Golden Globe Award for Best Motion Picture - Drama ## Significance "Moonlight" is a groundbreaking film that has had a profound impact on the film industry and popular culture. Its win at the 89th Academy Awards marked a historic moment, as it became the first film with an all-black cast to win Best Picture. The film's success has also paved the way for more diverse and inclusive storytelling in Hollywood. "Moonlight" has been praised for its nuanced portrayal of black masculinity, its exploration of themes such as identity and trauma, and its beautiful cinematography. The film has become a cultural touchstone, inspiring countless conversations and debates about the power of cinema to reflect and shape our understanding of the world. **INFOBOX:** - Name: Moonlight - Type: Psychological drama film - Date: 2016 - Location: Miami, Florida - Known For: First film with an all-black cast to win Best Picture at the Academy Awards **TAGS:** Barry Jenkins, Tarell Alvin McCraney, Psychological drama, Coming-of-age story, Black masculinity, Identity, Trauma, Cinematography, Academy Awards, Golden Globe Awards.