MOVIE: If Beale Street Could Talk sparks conversation

WITH only his second feature film, ‘Moonlight’ director Barry Jenkins nabbed the Oscar for Best Film in 2017. And although his latest film has been controversially overlooked for a nomination this time around, it’s yet another confirmation of his directorial ability and class. 

‘If Beale Street Could Talk’ is based on the 1974 novel of the same name by James Baldwin, and tells the romantic story of a young Harlem couple, Tish and Fonny, who dream of a future and family together while outside forces conspire to keep them apart. 

It’s a beautifully observed piece with touches of visual genius from Jenkins who already appears to have mastered his art, and the two leads, Kiki Layne and Stephan James are wonderfully compelling and believable. We award it a review score of 4.5 accomplished stars. 

A very different offering is ‘All is True’, from Shakespeare obsessed director, Kenneth Branagh, which focuses on the Bard of Avon’s real life, rather than one of his many plays. 

Most specifically, the story concentrates on the period following the death of Shakespeare’s young son, Hamnet (yes, Hamnet), and his decision to retire as a writer after the Globe theatre burns to the ground. 

While the story is interesting enough and Brannagh clearly revels in playing his idol, it does lack the dramatic thrust of one of the bard’s plays or poems. Sonnet lovers may enjoy a pleasant glow at the sight of a fireside ‘Shakespeare-off’ between Ian McKellen and Brannagh in an acting duel of sorts, but otherwise, all that glitters here is certainly not gold, and we award it 3 bronze stars.

‘Can You Ever Forgive Me’ takes a real life look at another writer, this time an infamous one (Lee Israel), who made a name for herself by forging letters from more celebrated authors in order to turn a quick buck. With excellent  performances from Melissa McCarthy and Richard E. Grant, this is a fascinating and sometimes amusing examination of how talent and morality can be derailed in order to survive. We award it a review score of 3.5 counterfeit stars.

Paul O’Rourke