Popcorn With Peter Travers Season 10 Episode 4 'Moonlight' Director Barry Jenkins Says He Can't Watch His Film With an Audience

In the 10th season of Popcorn with Peter Travers, episode 4 titled "Moonlight" Director Barry Jenkins Says He Can't Watch His Film With an Audience, Peter Travers sits down with Barry Jenkins, the director of the 2016 coming-of-age film Moonlight. During the interview, Jenkins reveals that he cannot watch the film with an audience, despite its positive critical reception and praise for its representation of Black LGBTQ+ experiences.

Travers and Jenkins discuss the making of the film, which was based on Tarell Alvin McCraney's play In Moonlight Black Boys Look Blue. Jenkins explains his approach to adapting the play for the screen, including the decision to split the character of Chiron into three actors to represent different stages of his life. He also discusses the challenges of filming in Miami's Liberty City neighborhood, which served as the backdrop for the film.

Throughout the interview, Jenkins speaks candidly about his experiences as a Black filmmaker in Hollywood, discussing the lack of opportunities for Black directors and the importance of representation on-screen. He explains his desire to challenge traditional narratives surrounding Black characters and provide a more complex and nuanced view of Black identity.

Travers and Jenkins also reflect on the impact of Moonlight on audiences and its place in film history. Jenkins describes the film as a "time capsule," capturing a specific moment and experience in Black queer life. He also discusses the film's unexpected Best Picture win at the 2017 Academy Awards, which occurred after presenters Warren Beatty and Faye Dunaway were given the wrong envelope and mistakenly announced La La Land as the winner.

The episode concludes with Travers asking Jenkins what advice he would give to aspiring filmmakers. Jenkins urges filmmakers to trust their instincts and collaborate with others who share their vision, emphasizing the importance of working with people who will challenge and inspire them.

Overall, this episode provides a fascinating look into the making of Moonlight and the experiences of its director. Jenkins' insights into the film industry and the creative process are both illuminating and thought-provoking, making for a compelling interview.