MOONLIGHT
Written and directed by Barry Jenkins
Original music by Nicholas Britell
Barbican Centre, London
Saturday, March 18 (8pm show)
SOLD OUT
Already with a Golden Globe for Best Drama Motion Picture, and nominations for four BAFTA awards and eight Academy Awards, Barry Jenkins‘s touching exploration of black gay identity in modern America, Moonlight, is enhanced in this special European premiere screening featuring the soundtrack performed live by the London Contemporary Orchestra.
The story centers around Chiron, a young black man growing up in Miami. Meeting him at three chapters in his life, grappling with his sexuality, fleeting experiences of love and acceptance contrasted with pain and confusion. As he journeys through life and self-discovery, his feelings seem out of touch with the often rough and toxic masculinity of his surroundings – and he struggles to cope.
The character’s sense of isolation, being trapped between conflicting identities, is beautifully reflected in Nicholas Britell’s score. Combining elements of Southern rap with orchestral music, with the score seemingly in slow motion, taking influence from chopped and screwed hip-hop remixes. This effect of slowing things down suspends each interaction, zooming in on Chiron’s emotions, his yearning.
London Contemporary Orchestra
Ryan McAdams, conductor
Nicholas Britell, piano/organ, audio production
Tim Fain, violin soloist
Presented by the Barbican in association with Altitude Films + Wordless Music