Moonlight director Barry Jenkins: ‘I wondered if a straight person could tell this story’

Barry Jenkins, the director of the acclaimed, Oscar-nominated drama about three stages in the life of a man growing up gay in 80s Miami visits the BFI Southbank. Joined by Tarell Alvin McCraney, who wrote the play on which the film is based, he talks to Danny Leigh about the film’s resonance in the Trump era and how his own preconceptions about gay men changed over the course of shooting.
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[@acrophobe]

The casting of Trevante Rhodes as the adult Chiron was brilliant. It made perfect sense that Chiron would transform himself into a buffed up, grilled hypermasculine man after what he had been through. It's a case study in sexuality, social expectations, gender performance, denial and overcompensation. I liken it much to De Niro's transformation at the end of Raging Bull. Sometimes a character's physical change says more than any choice in performance, set decoration, sound or visual design ever could.

[@cardion411]

Beautiful comment.

[@pinkcloudsnightlightbell]

You make it sound like we’re specimens. If you’re cishet you should delete this obscenity. I really can’t find any fucks to give.

[@nolababy7428]

acrophobe Well put.

[@Maxblind20]

Barry Jenkins is so captivating when he opens his mouth. He just radiates charisma.

[@rolybling]

If you haven't seen this film you should, it is excellent. I've watched it 5 times now lol.

[@WordWoman111]

So did I! I still watch scenes on occasion.

[@semplicementenadia]

@artmusicfood Oh my... Me too! 😆 I even read essays about this movie☺️

[@elkings4758]

Barry Jenkins is brilliant and talented, he sometimes repeats himself but whenever he speak you feel like listening to him over and over again.

[@FREELEOONE]

What an incredible film. I'm glad that it was made. Truly a work of art.

[@Biring1]

Congrats with the prize, guys. You deserved it more than anyone.

[@reginapates2582]

This movie allows you to place yourself in his shoes, the unhealthy socioeconomic environment he grew up in, the lack of love growing up as a child, the emotional abuse he endured from his mother and the constant bullying from his peers could have very well made him suicidal but he survived. That one expression of human sexual contact from someone that understood him was something he couldn't forget about. It was the deepest connection he ever felt. This Movie is Deep and Real as it gets. GREAT MOVIE!!! WOW!!!! It's sooooo much to learn from this movie, I've watched it multiple times....

[@EscargoTouChaud]

It was a blessing they could share that moment of tenderness, but let's not forget Juan. To have a grown up, black man that he trusted, speak of homosexuality with openness and compassion, also helped.

[@jrmrtn]

this is a lovely conversation, thank you.

[@maddiebarnes5684]

My favourite film by far, an absolutely amazing story that actually needed to be told, and what a director Barry Jenkins is an amazing director with so much to tell

[@julia76300]

Guys, I really advise you to watch it. This movie can give you another perspective, especially about love and parents-kids relationship. It's so so powerful, because it shows this hard battle inside of you when you fight with your fears and desires. We often don't know the real story behind a person and "Moonlight" depicts the idea that everyone can be heard and understood. For me it's like reborning after watching this.

[@theodoresherman5707]

These two told an amazing story and honestly, I feel like they should become a film duo

[@coopercarr9407]

that story about his "panic" moment and how it went away was so cool

[@KevinETaylor]

...with the shore not in sight. MY GOD...words.

[@anushaallamsetty8423]

this is just so inspiring and beautiful, i'm so glad space is being made to celebrate their work

[@aap2310]

I'm glad it was funded I love this movie, so long overdue. I wish they would tell all of these brilliant stories. wake up Hollywood

[@sandman6040]

That intro was all I needed to hear.

[@KevinETaylor]

...place myself within his being. LORD...words.

[@eddiegee545]

Poetry

[@suzieq1827]

Beautiful 🙏🏽

[@aap2310]

I thought Mr. Jenkins identified as a gay man. But it doesn't matter it was such a beautiful and brilliant film.

[@OscarEDodier]

BRAVO!!!!!!

[@topgurl9313]

drawing the gaze

[@lightuponlight6727]

BRILLIANT!!

[@brooker.9305]

phenomenal movie

[@Jonas1998Skov]

*Top 100 Most Amazing Movie You Must See Before You Die* These are all amazing movies; some are funny comedies, some are psychological thrillers others have great plot twists, but they are all definitly worth your time and very entertaining. If you don't know what to watch or just like movies you should check out this list. Many of the titles are also available on Netflix. *Check the list out here:* www.imdb.com/list/ls031367581/

[@kevaughncampbell7343]

there is a movie called children of god reminds me of moonlight.

[@bxbxb1_800]

LMFAOOO "The gays-- G A Z E!! Not "gays" LMFAOOO 😂😂😭😭

[@thespunkavenue3471]

Is the little boy., sterling k brown son ??

[@blkfan1]

The film is almost perfect. But why in the cast there is no real gay black men? No one???

[@cinthia3242]

Have you thought that some cast members could be gay, but have chosen not to come out publicly? Just a thought.

[@alexanderomalley7053]

Because they’re actors - you can’t really hire an actor based upon their sexuality. More than likely they didn’t find any skilled enough gay black actors.

[@cubo121]

Besides isnt that what acting is ? Pretending to be something different

[@reginapates2582]

The guy that played the teenage actor is gay, but it really doesn't matter...

[@elijahlittle7912]

Yeah I agree, the director even said should he be directing this story as a straight man? The same question should go for the actors, as a gay man would obviously have the depth for a gay character quite easily. However, Trevante Rhodes is honestly an incredible actor who actually found the depth to be this gay character and to be him well. He did incredibly with this story but for the majority of the time it'd be much better to have someone with first hand experience to tell such a personal and emotional story. I'm saying this as a gay black man btw.