Introduction and Screenwriting Context
‘Moonlight’ (2016) is a cinematic gem that leaves an indelible mark on the landscape of contemporary cinema. Directed by Barry Jenkins and based on the unproduced play In Moonlight Black Boys Look Blue by Tarell Alvin McCraney, the film is a poignant exploration of human identity, love, and the quest for self-understanding. Garnering widespread critical acclaim, ‘Moonlight’ won the Best Picture Oscar in a historic moment for both independent cinema and representation of LGBTQ+ narratives.
Before diving into ‘Moonlight’ and its interplay of realism and humanity, let’s lay out the general landscape of screenwriting and the importance of these themes.
Screenwriting, at its core, is about crafting a narrative that captures audiences, holds their attention, and, ultimately, emotionally moves them. To achieve this, scriptwriters often lean on screenwriting tips and techniques aimed at creating compelling characters, constructing intricate plots, and fabricating immersive worlds. However, one fundamental aspect of powerful storytelling often overlooked in these guides is the importance of injecting realism and humanity into the script.
Realism in screenwriting isn’t merely about accurately portraying real-world events or conforming to the bounds of physical reality. It’s also about crafting authentic characters that feel like flesh-and-blood people rather than caricatures. It’s about ensuring dialogue feels natural and organic, not stilted or overly expository. Realism invites audiences to engage deeply with the narrative, fostering a sense of investment and empathy.
Meanwhile, humanity in storytelling refers to the portrayal of characters’ emotions, motivations, conflicts, and growth that feel recognizably human. Humanity allows audiences to see themselves reflected in the characters and their experiences. It’s about exploring themes that are universally relatable, such as love, fear, hope, loss, and redemption. This emotional resonance can transform a movie from a mere spectacle into a profound, moving experience.
‘Moonlight’ masterfully brings together these two essential elements, realism and humanity, to deliver a screenplay that feels deeply personal yet universally relatable. The movie doesn’t just tell a story; it mirrors life, reflecting the complexities and ambiguities that make us human. This combination of realism and humanity is why ‘Moonlight’ resonates with audiences worldwide, transcending barriers of race, culture, and sexuality.
Moreover, ‘Moonlight’ is an exceptional example of a well-crafted screenplay that adheres to the basic principles of screenplay structure while still leaving room for artistic creativity. The film cleverly employs a three-act structure, but it does so in a unique way, dividing its narrative into three distinct chapters in the protagonist’s life, each capturing a critical phase of his identity development.
The Anatomy of ‘Moonlight’: A Deep Dive into Realism and Humanity
‘Moonlight’ unfolds its narrative through a beautifully structured screenplay that flawlessly intertwines elements of realism and humanity. From its unique three-chapter structure to the deftly written characters and dialogue, every aspect of the screenplay contributes to a profound, deeply humanistic exploration of identity, love, and the struggle for self-understanding.
The screenplay of ‘Moonlight’ adopts a three-act structure — a well-established formula in scriptwriting — but employs it with originality. Rather than dividing the plot into the traditional setup, confrontation, and resolution, the film segments its narrative into three significant stages of the protagonist’s life: “Little,” “Chiron,” and “Black.” Each represents a distinct phase in the life of Chiron, the central character, reflecting his childhood, adolescence, and adulthood.
This innovative application of the three-act structure amplifies the movie’s realism. By allowing audiences to witness Chiron’s growth and transformation over time, the screenplay creates a vivid, longitudinal portrait of a character, enhancing the sense of authenticity and emotional connection. This approach to script writing techniques forms a narrative progression that feels organic, echoing the natural progression of life itself.
While structure provides the skeleton of the screenplay, the film’s realism and humanity are further amplified through its characters. Chiron is a compelling protagonist not merely because of the circumstances he finds himself in, but because of his complex, multifaceted personality. He is shy yet resilient, vulnerable yet strong, confused yet longing for clarity. Chiron’s mother, Paula, also displays a depth of character that goes beyond the stereotype of a drug-addicted parent. She is simultaneously a source of pain and love for Chiron, a dichotomy that adds layers of complexity to her character.
The dialogue in ‘Moonlight’ further reinforces the screenplay’s realism. It is unpretentious, direct, and true to the socio-cultural context of the characters. Conversations are not used as a means to dump information or artificially propel the plot. Instead, they serve to reveal character traits, express emotions, and hint at underlying conflicts. The sparing use of dialogue, especially in Chiron’s case, reflects his internal struggle and inability to articulate his feelings, thereby deepening the emotional resonance of the film.
Arguably, the most striking aspect of ‘Moonlight’s screenplay is its humanity. This is most evident in the film’s exploration of universal themes such as identity, self-acceptance, and love. The film does not offer easy answers but instead presents the ambiguity and complexity inherent in these human experiences. The scene where Juan teaches Little to swim, for instance, is not merely a lesson in swimming. It’s a metaphorical baptism, a moment of empowerment and paternal affection that Little is otherwise deprived of. This scene, like many others in the film, transcends its literal meaning to explore deeper emotional truths, illuminating the screenplay’s profound humanity.
‘Moonlight’ also doesn’t shy away from exploring harsh realities, such as neglect, bullying, and societal prejudice. However, it does so without sensationalism or unnecessary drama. Instead, it adopts a nuanced, empathetic approach that highlights the impact of these experiences on the characters’ lives. This honest and sensitive portrayal of difficult topics further elevates the film’s humanity, making it a compelling study in empathy and emotional depth.
In terms of writing a screenplay, ‘Moonlight’ provides a masterclass in how to inject realism and humanity into a narrative. It skillfully melds a unique structural approach with deeply developed characters and authentic dialogue. It explores universal human themes with sensitivity and nuance, offering a stark yet empathetic portrayal of harsh realities. It’s a remarkable example of how the fusion of realism and humanity can produce a screenplay that not only entertains but also resonates deeply with audiences, irrespective of their background or experiences.
By dissecting the anatomy of ‘Moonlight,’ screenwriters can gain valuable insights into how to infuse their scripts with a similar depth of realism and humanity. However, it’s crucial to remember that these elements need to be tailored to fit the unique contours of your story. As ‘Moonlight’ demonstrates, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to screenwriting. Instead, it’s about finding the right balance and interplay of elements that best serve your narrative, characters, and thematic objectives.
Learning from ‘Moonlight’: Screenwriting Tips and Takeaways
Having delved into the anatomy of ‘Moonlight’ and its masterful blend of realism and humanity, let’s explore some practical screenwriting tips and prompts we can glean from this cinematic masterpiece. From structure to characters, dialogue to themes, ‘Moonlight’ offers a treasure trove of insights for aspiring and experienced screenwriters alike.
- Reimagine Traditional Screenplay Structure: ‘Moonlight’ shows us that traditional screenplay structure, such as the three-act structure, is not a rigid formula but a flexible tool. The film divides its narrative into three distinct life stages of its protagonist, offering a longitudinal study of character development. This provides a fresh, engaging narrative progression that mimics the rhythm of life itself. When writing a screenplay, don’t be afraid to reinterpret traditional structures to serve your unique story.
- Create Multifaceted Characters: One of the key elements contributing to ‘Moonlight’s realism and humanity is its complex, nuanced characters. Chiron, Paula, Juan – they all feel like real people with their own set of contradictions, vulnerabilities, and growth. When crafting characters, strive to go beyond stereotypes and cliches. Make your characters multifaceted, capable of surprising both themselves and the audience.
- Use Dialogue to Reveal, Not Tell: ‘Moonlight’ exhibits a minimalist, authentic approach to dialogue. It uses dialogue not as an expository tool but as a means to reveal character traits and emotions. Avoid on-the-nose, expository dialogue. Instead, let your characters’ words subtly express their personalities, conflicts, and emotions.
- Explore Universal Themes: ‘Moonlight’ is a deeply humanistic film that touches upon universal themes of identity, love, and self-acceptance. Regardless of your story’s specific context, explore themes that are universally relatable. This will not only broaden your story’s appeal but also deepen its emotional resonance.
- Treat Harsh Realities with Empathy: ‘Moonlight’ presents a stark portrayal of harsh realities, such as neglect and societal prejudice. However, it does so with empathy and sensitivity, making the audience feel for the characters rather than merely observe their struggles. When dealing with difficult topics, approach them with empathy. Make your audience feel, not just understand, the impact of these experiences on your characters.
To apply these screenwriting tips in your work, here are a few writing prompts inspired by ‘Moonlight’:
- Prompt 1: Write a scene where a character learns a life skill that also serves as a metaphorical moment of growth or change. Think about the swimming lesson scene in ‘Moonlight’.
- Prompt 2: Write a dialogue between two characters where the true subject of their conversation is never explicitly mentioned, reflecting the way Chiron and Kevin often communicate in ‘Moonlight’.
- Prompt 3: Develop a character who, like Chiron, is struggling with their identity. How do external influences and internal conflicts shape their journey of self-discovery?
- Prompt 4: Like ‘Moonlight’, divide your narrative into distinct time periods in your protagonist’s life. How does this structural choice affect the development of your story and characters?
In conclusion, ‘Moonlight’ provides invaluable lessons in crafting a screenplay that beautifully marries realism and humanity. Its unique approach to screenplay structure, nuanced characters, authentic dialogue, and deep exploration of universal themes make it a compelling study for any screenwriter. As you integrate these insights into your writing, remember that they should serve your unique story and vision. Ultimately, the goal is to create a narrative that not only entertains but also resonates deeply with audiences, much like ‘Moonlight’ continues to do so even years after its release.
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A.I. in Screen Trade 