"If Beale Street Could Talk” Review
“If Beale Street Could Talk” is the latest from director Barry Jenkins and is based the James Baldwin book of the same name. It's a gorgeous love story set in 1970’s Harlem where a man (Stephan James) is convicted of a crime he didn't commit. His lover (KiKi Layne) and extended family fight for his release as they welcome a baby to their family.
Jenkins has a talent for set pieces. Immediately you can see the art direction and costumes’ emphasis on colour. The editing is deliberate, intimate and, at times, hypnotic with meticulous blocking. The performances are grounded and breathtaking from an incredible ensemble cast (Regina King, Colman Domingo, Brian Tyree Henry -dude is in everything!, Michael Beach, Aunjanue Ellis, and Teyonah Parris). Every scene is its own set piece composed with a distinct and beautiful visual sheen backed up by dialogue that cuts as well as it can gush.
Nicholas Britell teams up with Jenkins once more as the film's composer. His neo-romantic classical score adds to the already rich soul and jazz tapestry. They're perfect for the heartbreak and melodrama as well as its more tender and warm moments.
If Beale Street Could Talk is a beautiful story put together by some of the most talented people out there. It has a lot to say about complex social, political and spiritual issues and it's always blunt about it. It's a movie that wears its heart on its sleeve. Although its characters are flawed, I hesitate to use that word to describe the movie. I wouldn’t be surprised if it becomes a classic and an important part of the cinematic canon.