if beale street could talk james baldwin movie

Playing on themes of low socioeconomic circumstances, racism and police brutality, If Beale Street Could Talk is surprisingly uplifting as it explores the very best and worst in humanity. Set in the 1970s of Harlem, New York, Tish Rivers (played by newcomer Kiki Layne) desperately fights against a broken system to prove the innocence of Fonny (Stephen James). Beale Street, Memphis / Credit: Pinterestįollowing his Best Picture Academy Award winner Moonlight, writer and director Barry Jenkins has followed up with his next award-winning film, If Beale Street Could Talk. Adapted from James Baldwin’s critically-acclaimed novel, the film follows the love story of a young women after her fiancé is framed for a crime he didn’t commit.

Colourful in its history, misconceptions are quickly abolished when the area is associated with such wonderful concepts and despite this latest film exploring a corrupt justice system, viewers will soon realise it is much, much more. Today the area still brings in tourists from all walks of life to experience the magic. Created in 1841 by entrepreneur and developer Robertson Topp, it soon became a mecca for black travelling musicians and an economic hub of housing and businesses. Located in the city of Memphis, the original Beale Street has long been a representation of the birthing place of jazz. Beale Street is our legacy.” – James Baldwin

“Every black person born in America was born on Beale Street, born in the black neighbourhood of some American city, whether in Jackson, Mississippi, or in Harlem, New York.

If beale street could talk james baldwin movie