Moonlight (2016): Vulnerability, Masculinity, and the Journey to Belong with Jeremy Crittenden
We dive into the 2016 masterpiece Moonlight, written and directed by Barry Jenkins, based on the play In Moonlight Black Boys Look Blue by Tarell Alvin McCraney. Moonlight explores the journey of a young African-American man, Chiron, as he navigates his identity, sexuality, and the complexities of growing up, with each chapter of his life portrayed by a different actor. The film is split into three parts: childhood, adolescence, and adulthood, each deeply exploring themes of self-acceptance, vulnerability, and the societal pressures surrounding masculinity.
Trigger Warning:
This episode discusses themes of trauma, violence, homophobia, and identity struggles that may be triggering for some listeners.
Hosts:
Jason Goode is a Somatic Sex Educator and Somatic Performance Coach. Learn more about his work and offerings at somarelating.ca.
Ashley Rose is a Sexological Bodyworker & Intimacy Coach specializing in internal pelvic care. Visit her website at ashleyelisabethrose.ca for resources, workshops, and private coaching.
Our guest today is Jeremy Crittenden (https://jeremycrittenden.com), an actor and comedian based in New York. Follow him on Instagram at@Jcritty and on TikTok at @hijcritty
Important voices to learn from:
Aaron Johnson
The Cut Project: https://www.cutproject.org/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cut.project/
Dark and Tender film: https://www.instagram.com/dark.and.tender.film/
Resmaa Menakem
My Grandmother’s Hands: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/34146782-my-grandmother-s-hand
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/resmaamenakem/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/resmaa
Adrienne Maree Brown
Website: https://adriennemareebrown.net/
Raoul Peck
Exterminate All the Brutes (HBO Mini-series): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dQ4r3Qdrqmo
Based on the book by Sven Lindquist: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/909011._Exterminate_All_the_Brutes_
Raoul Peck
Exterminate All the Brutes (HBO Mini-series): Wikipedia
Explore Your Relationship Patterns:
Take Jason’s Hidden Relationship Patterns Quiz: Uncover subconscious patterns that influence how you show up in your relationships. Get started with the quiz at: https://kiki-g8bvhlnj.scoreapp.com. You'll receive a personalized e-book with insights and practical tips to improve your relationships.
Transform Your Relationships:
Jason also offers The Authentic Intimacy Course as a follow up to the quiz, designed to help you bring clarity, confidence, and authenticity to your relationships. It’s only $59 and you can use promo code CINEMA25 to get 25% off. Go to: http://www.somarelating.ca
Find the Podcast:
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5ZV2L3Qv4TQzXnYSfpFutU
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/sex-bodies-and-cinema/id1782598061
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@sexbodiesandcinema
Youtube Music: https://music.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLGjmizQHfiZhIe5WgPnPMQ3XV7iXGOMVYTopics Discovered
00:00 – Introduction of the podcast, hosts, and the hidden relationship patterns quiz.
02:39 – Opening Reaction to the Moonlight Trailer
03:44 – Relationship to the film: hosts share their deep admiration for Moonlight and the empathy it generates.
08:26 – Disclaimer on speaking to the african american experience: hosts acknowledge their position as white Canadians and direct listeners to voices discussing the African American experience.
10:49 – Complexity of identity and class in the film: reflection on the film’s layers, including identity, class, and orientation.
13:55 – Discussion of Chiron’s emotional isolation and the significance of the community around him.
16:33 – Exploration of the use of classical music in the film, blending it with hip-hop influences.
17:19 – Introduction of key characters, including Juan, Teresa, and Paula, and reflection on their performances.
20:30 – Examination of the developing relationship between Chiron and Kevin, focused on care and tenderness.
21:46 – Discussion of the absence of mentorship and the challenges of parenting amidst addiction.
23:47 – The beach scene and vulnerability: discussion of Juan teaching Chiron how to navigate the challenges of life through the metaphor of the ocean.
26:47 – Chiron’s vulnerability and masking: Chiron’s emotional armor and the societal pressures he faces to mask vulnerability.
28:04 – Reflection on the absence of a mentor figure in Chiron's life and its impact.
33:39 – The role of scapegoating: introduction to René Girard’s concept of scapegoating and how it plays out in the film.
35:16 – Discussion of Chiron’s response to bullying and his journey into emotional isolation.
37:47 – Chiron’s violent retaliation against his bully as a response to his inner turmoil.
41:56 – Kevin and Chiron reconnect at the diner, and the vulnerability they share is explored.
44:59 – Safety, healing, and vulnerability: the emotional safety Chiron finds with Kevin, contrasting with his earlier experiences.
53:48 – Jeremy’s experience with code-switching: Jeremy shares his personal experience of navigating different identities for survival.
59:25 – Scapegoating and social systems: discussion of how scapegoating operates in both personal and societal systems.
1:08:58 – Reflection on Chiron’s transformation and the unmasking of his vulnerability.
1:11:53 – Final thoughts on the film: the tenderness of the final scene, highlighting Chiron's desire to be seen and held.
Additional Resources:
IMDb: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt4975722/
Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moonlight_(2016_film)
Jason’s somatic coach, Bettina Rothe: https://www.bettinarothe.com/
Rene Girard and Scapegoating
Wiki: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ren%C3%A9_Girard
Mimetic Theory: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mimetic_theory
CBC did an incredible series on Girard’s Scapegoat: https://www.cbc.ca/radio/ideas/the-scapegoat-the-ideas-of-ren%C3%A9-girard-part-1-1.3474195
The Scapegoat, Part 1: https://www.cbc.ca/radio/ideas/the-scapegoat-the-ideas-of-ren%C3%A9-girard-part-1-1.3474195
The Scapegoat, Part 2: http://www.cbc.ca/radio/ideas/the-scapegoat-the-ideas-of-ren%C3%A9-girard-part-2-1.3474463
The Scapegoat, Part 3: http://www.cbc.ca/radio/ideas/the-scapegoat-the-ideas-of-ren%C3%A9-girard-part-3-1.3483382
The Scapegoat, Part 4: http://www.cbc.ca/radio/ideas/the-scapegoat-the-ideas-of-ren%C3%A9-girard-part-4-1.3483817
The Scapegoat, Part 5: http://www.cbc.ca/radio/ideas/the-scapegoat-the-ideas-of-ren%C3%A9-girard-part-5-1.3494516
About the Podcast
Sex, Bodies, and Cinema explores films that tackle taboo subjects of sex, embodiment, and intimacy. Co-hosts Jason Goode and Ashley Rose bring their expertise in somatic sex education and filmmaking to spark thought-provoking conversations.
Produced by: Jason Goode
Editing and Mixing by: Taqi
Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):
https://uppbeat.io/t/infraction/ultraviolet
License code: 7RCLJN6MZPXYTYIKSupport the Podcast
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