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because of the way I was raised, or because of the things that have happened to me in my life. But like I said, I just don’t see it as being different. It’s interesting to me, how some
people do find there to be such a huge difference. People have asked me, “How is it possible for you to feel such emotions for another straight man?” To me it’s like this, I love André Holland [Kevin, Chiron’s friend and first sexual experience] for the person that he is, so I can fall in love with someone mentally. If I was attracted to men, I would probably be attracted to André because I do love him for who he is. He has become a really good friend and I feel like that with all of my best friends…I love them so dearly. If it was a woman I was attracted to, I would love her as if she was my best friend and I feel like that’s the most important thing…That connection. One of the other reasons I think this is such an important film is because portrayals of gay, black men are almost nonexistent. It’s a story that is missing from the American film lexicon. Almost is the wrong word, they are completely nonexistent and that’s why this is so unique. How are these stories not portrayed in the narrative? It’s crazy to me. But, I think we are coming to a place where more
of them are being told better and more specifically. It’s good too, that this character isn’t only in the movie to be an overly-flamboyant gay guy or he isn’t in the movie to be just the gangster either and have both ideas be exhausted in the film. It’s all a part of who he is, but it’s not just the person. It’s really cool the we get to delve into him and show everyone that he is three-dimensional. It amazes me to no end that we haven’t had access to a gay character who grew up the way he did and lived where and how he did. In particular, one who is portrayed as human and complex, not just dangerous or as you said, flamboyant. Absolutely. It’s refreshing that we get to see
it at the forefront of a film. Like I said, it’s never happened before and the fact that it’s resonating with people, tells me that we are yearning to hear these stories and want to understand more about
32 RAGE monthly | NOVEMBER 2016 Wanting all the money in the world is
because you want people to love you for that, or being an actor is about wanting
people to love you for your contribution to the world. Everything is for love…
Everything. Be it the love of someone or of something, we all are seeking.”
everyone’s experience. Do you have a favorite moment from the film? One that spoke to you in particular? I’ve seen it like seven or eight times now and
man, every time there is something new that speaks to me. My favorite when I first read the script, was the scene that I had with Naomi [Harris, who plays Chiron’s drug-addicted mother]. I have a wonderful relationship with my mother, so playing a character who didn’t was something that was really interest- ing for me. To kind of assume a moment and then when it all came back around—to where he did end up having it—was special. The second time I saw it, my favorite was in the second chapter at the very end, when Aston [Sanders, who plays Chiron as a teenager] is in the office with his principle and says, “You don’t know, you don’t know, you don’t know.” There was just so much in those words and it was so meaningful to me. The two young actors who played “Little” [Chiron as a boy] and Chiron as a teenager were extraordinary. Incredible, weren’t they? Especially for the youngest, little Alex [Hibbert]. To see him and to get to know him and the work that he did, was inspiring. His relationship with Juan [Mahershala Ali] was such a pivotal part of the story. He really was the only father figure Chiron had and he handled
him with such tenderness. Kind of an odd question, but, how would you handle a relation- ship like that if you were the adult in the situation? I would one hundred percent encourage them to love themselves and to understand themselves, as opposed to trying to fit into any mold or be someone who they perceive as being successful. To understand that everybody is incredibly dif- ferent and therein lies the beauty of it all. We are all so different, but in so many ways that makes us all kind of the same. I’m curious, is there anything about making the film that totally surprised you? Honestly, the understanding
that I gained of myself more than anything. I was brought up to be a person who is compassionate to anyone and everyone…My
mind and my eyes and my heart have been open my entire life. I have maybe a small percentage of Chiron in me and to be able to kind of exhaust that 100 percent, was really unique and let me have more understanding about myself and those around me. What are you most hoping people will get from the film? I hope that everyone has a similar response to the
one you are having. A sort of heart-shaking, deep understanding of what it was like for Chiron. That everyone can relate in a way they can’t necessarily describe, but know on some deep level that this is their story. All these things happen to everyone and I hope
people understand that and how it kind of unifies us all. I say this so often, but love really is the only thing that matters. Everything we do, is for love: Wanting all the money in the world is because you want people to love you for that, or being an actor is about wanting people to love you for your contribution to the world. Everything is for love…Everything. Be it the love of someone or of something, we all are seeking. A wonderful tidbit of wisdom from Mr. Rhodes. (Laughs) Thank you, sir.
Moonlight is in theaters now. Check your local listings for locations and showtimes.
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