IF BEALE STREET COULD TALK Cast and Crew Q&A | TIFF 2018

Summary

At the world premiere of 'If Beale Street Could Talk,' director Barry Jenkins discusses the film's inspiration and the importance of adapting James Baldwin's work. He highlights the film's exploration of love and struggle within the African American community, emphasizing the power of connection and the unspoken moments that define the characters' experiences. The cast shares their emotional journey and the significance of representing black love and resilience on screen.

Takeaways

• 🎬 The event is the world premiere of Barry Jenkins' film adaptation of James Baldwin's 'If Beale Street Could Talk'.
• 📽️ Barry Jenkins is known for his previous work 'Moonlight', which won the Academy Award for Best Picture.
• 🌟 The film is described as an act of love, showcasing compassion, insight, generosity, and clarity.
• 🏆 'If Beale Street Could Talk' is Barry Jenkins' follow-up to 'Moonlight' and features a diverse and talented cast.
• 🏠 The film is set in Harlem and explores the African-American experience with love and struggle.
• 🎭 Stephan James, a Toronto native, plays one of the lead roles, reflecting Jenkins' fondness for the city.
• 🎵 The film's score is composed by Nicholas Britell, incorporating jazz elements and emotional resonance.
• 🎭 The cast and crew formed a close-knit community during production, emphasizing the collaborative nature of the film.
• 🗣️ Regina King, who plays a pivotal role in the film, discusses the importance of James Baldwin's language and themes.
• 🏆 The film is noted for its powerful performances and the way it brings Baldwin's words to life on screen.

Q & A

Who is the speaker introducing at the start of the event?

The speaker, Cameron Bailey, is introducing Barry Jenkins and the world premiere of Jenkins' film 'If Beale Street Could Talk.'

What is significant about the land where the event is taking place?

The event is taking place on the treaty territory of the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation and the traditional land of the Haudenosaunee, Anishinaabe, and Huron-Wendat First Nations. The speaker acknowledges their history of caring for the land for thousands of years.

What connection does Cameron Bailey make between the film and love?

Cameron Bailey emphasizes that while many films show love stories, Barry Jenkins' films, including 'If Beale Street Could Talk,' are acts of love themselves, portraying love with compassion, generosity, and clarity.

What unique approach did Barry Jenkins take in adapting 'If Beale Street Could Talk'?

Barry Jenkins wrote the screenplay for 'If Beale Street Could Talk' and 'Moonlight' during the same six-week period in 2013, seeing them as a pairing. He also mentions he didn't initially have the rights to adapt the Baldwin novel, which allowed him to work without pressure.

What role does black love play in the film according to Barry Jenkins and the cast?

Barry Jenkins and the cast emphasize that 'If Beale Street Could Talk' portrays black love as beautiful and enduring, with characters experiencing both joy and struggle, yet never being broken. The love among family, friends, and partners is central to the film's message.

How did the production team recreate the Harlem setting from the 1970s?

The production team found a brownstone in Harlem and worked with the owner to restore it to its 1970s appearance. The production designer, Mark Friedberg, went to great lengths to make the set feel like stepping back into Harlem in 1973.

How did Barry Jenkins approach the unspoken moments in the film?

Barry Jenkins focused on the emotional depth in the unspoken moments, especially through casting. He empowered the actors to bring authenticity to their roles, allowing them to convey deep emotions, such as love, anger, and sorrow, through subtle gestures and expressions.

What was the importance of the scene with Brian Tyree Henry and Stephan James?

The scene between Brian Tyree Henry and Stephan James was particularly powerful as it reflected the challenges black men face in society. Barry Jenkins called it a defining moment, showing the psychological weight of oppression and the solidarity between the two characters.

How did Regina King approach her role as Sharon in the film?

Regina King discussed the significance of the line 'daughter' in her scene with Victoria. She explained that calling Victoria 'daughter' was Sharon’s way of appealing to her humanity, as all women have been daughters at some point in their lives.

What role does the film's score play in its storytelling?

The score, composed by Nicholas Britell, blends jazz influences with orchestral elements, such as cellos playing in jazz registers. The music was carefully crafted to match the emotional tone of the film, with pieces like 'PTSD' and 'Hypertension' reflecting the characters' inner struggles.