Predictable is not a word Oscar winning Director Barry Jenkins has in his vocabulary.
His latest film, “If Beale St Could Talk” is another moody piece like his last classic, Moonlight. Set in Harlem in the 1970’s, it’s a simple plot based around two young African Americans, Tish and Alonzo who are deeply in love and dealing with the challenges of Alonzo being incarcerated on false criminal charges.
The only other significant entrant to the plot, is that Tish is pregnant. So why on earth would you stay there watching for over 2 hours?
Well this is where Jenkins is in his element. He is so subtle with everything he does and never rams the “bleeding obvious” down your throat. He knows we are in 70’s Harlem but instead of a Motown or Stax soundtrack he uses beautiful classical pieces to draw out the emotion of the brilliant acting you’re witnessing.
We are aware of the racial discrimination that was so prevalent in New York in that era, so what he has done is intersperse some actual stilled images of police brutality again backed by the stunning soundtrack. There is only one cop in the film who is only introduced spasmodically but ever so effectively, and the scenes of Tish working in the department store in Manhattan are a powerful reminder of how insidious racism is.
Jenkins is an “actor’s director” in that he lets the actors explore their range. That’s why his films aren’t necessarily the popcorn munching type! If you were an actor you’d be lining up have a crack in one of his films. He will draw out a scene for as long as he sees necessary and in a time where instant gratification is all the go, this is a brave film maker indeed.
The cast is exceptionally real and convincing, led beautifully by the two main leads and a standout performance by Regina King who plays Tish’s mum, that has earned her a Golden Globe and a possible Oscar. The camera work is so close up and intense that you can’t help get caught up in the emotion. One scene where Tish and Alonso’s families come together in the tiny Harlem apartment is worth the price of admission alone.
“If Beale St Could Talk” isn’t for everyone, but if you enjoyed Moonlight and want to see an authentic film utterly devoid of cliché, then you’re likely to enjoy this. 9/10.
