Team Deakins JAMES LAXTON - Cinematographer
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Nov 12, 2025 James Laxton, an award-winning cinematographer known for his work with Barry Jenkins on films like Moonlight, shares fascinating insights into his career. He discusses the evolution of his prep process and the importance of collaboration with directors. Laxton breaks down the iconic restaurant shot in Moonlight and the use of color in Anything to depict character emotions. He reflects on his indie beginnings, how small locations enhance authenticity, and the challenges of transitioning to virtual production while maintaining the essence of live-action filmmaking.
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Rotate Through Roles To Build Empathy
- Learn multiple roles early; Laxton did craft service and camera positions at film school.
- That broad experience builds empathy and helps you solve other departments' problems on set.
Roommates Turned Creative Partners
- James Laxton met Barry Jenkins as his roommate at film school and they learned to make films together.
- They developed a shared visual 'dialect' by obsessively watching the same filmmakers and references.
Two Filmmakers Shaped Their Visual Voice
- Wong Kar Wai inspired vivid color and city energy while Claire Denis taught subtle camera pacing and wandering movement.
- Those combined influences informed Laxton and Jenkins' rhythm and color choices in later films.