Art is inherently political. Even trying to make a film that has nothing to do with politics is, in and of itself, a political act.
It's interesting because I think class is a heavy, heavy part of 'Moonlight,' and I think, in a certain way, through the sum of all these parts, it's become a commentary on the black experience in America.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote reflects on the theme of class and its impact on the representation of the black experience in America through the film 'Moonlight'.
Barry Jenkins points out that the film 'Moonlight' delves deeply into the theme of class, suggesting that the various elements of the film collectively offer a rich commentary on the complexities of the black experience in America. He emphasizes how these interconnected parts create a narrative that reflects societal issues and identities, highlighting the importance of class as a lens through which to view the characters' struggles.
Themes
In practice
Example use cases
During a lecture on film studies, one might use this quote to illustrate how cinema can address complex societal issues.
More from Barry Jenkins
All quotes →'Moonlight' is a story that hasn't been told. Whether placed as queer black cinema or urban male cinema, the lack of coming-of-age films featuring people like Chiron and set in places like inner-city Miami is pronounced and unfortunate.
I have friends who I consider my peers, who have done amazing work, particularly in the film and television space, who came up as independent artists and who have been - to be brutally honest - much more prolific than I was able to be.
As a writer, a blank page will humble the hell out of you. It always does, and it always will.
Cinema is a little over 100 years old, and a lot of what we do is built around film emulsion. Those things were calibrated for white skin. We've always placed powder on skin to dull the light. But my memory of growing up in Miami is this moist, beautiful black skin.
'Moonlight' changed me. To see people so moved by this movie inspires me to find something else to offer. And maybe the next one touches only five people or maybe just one person. To me, you know, that would still be worth it.
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