If Beale Street Could Talk | Film Review

Hey Guys x

Although this isn't nominated for Best Picture, I thought I'd get it up before the Oscars (this Sunday!). I'll also be putting up a post all about the Oscars before Sunday, so look out for it!

'If Beale Street Could Talk' tells the story of Tish and her fiancé Fonny. They've been friends all their lives, and know that they want to spend the rest of their lives together. However, their plans change when Fonny is arrested for a crime that he didn't commit.

This film feels extremely real from the offset - these are real conversations between real people, and it shows in the words used and the actors' actions. It's authentic all the way through, particularly in terms of the voice-over. Not only is it really effective, but you get to know the character of Tish intimately. Every time she speaks, it feels like she's speaking directly to you.

The way that the film is written, directed and edited is great. A lot of times, when a non-linear story is told, it is confusing and you tend to lose track of where you are, at least when watching for the first time. But this story, though non-linear, is incredibly clear.

During some of the longer conversations, it's easy to lose focus and allow your attention to wander, especially if the particular scene deviates from the 'main' story-line.

Score and sound is almost as important as the screenplay. There are times when the score is the only thing moving the film forward, and it's beautiful. Having said that, the screenplay is the best thing about the film. It's authentic, extremely well-written, encapsulates a variety of different thoughts and feelings, and rightfully deserves the Oscar nomination for 'Best Adapted Screenplay'.

Overall, this film feels like a documentary rather than a feature film. It's telling a particularly important story, and while boring at times, there are single moments that make it worthy of all the accolades it's received.

7/10

Lou