If Beale Street Could Talk by James Baldwin

Then I was really moved by how romantic it is on one hand, and then how biting it is on the other.”Īnd so the cinematic adaptation of Beale Street was born. Jenkins said: I was really excited about two things: One, before I read it, I didn’t realize it was basically like James Baldwin writing a thriller, which I thought was cool. A friend gave him a copy of Beale Street, and Jenkins found the project for him. According to IndieWire, the movie's director, Barry Jenkins, knew he wanted to adapt a Baldwin work for the big screen he just wasn't sure which one. Beale Street was originally a 1974 novel written by the esteemed author James Baldwin. It actually is not based on real events, although the movie is an adaptation. With such realistic, simple story, many audience members are wondering: Is If Beale Street Could Talk a true story? Here's everything you need to know.īecause Beale Street is a period piece and the story sounds like many others than people have heard before, lots of people are thinking the movie is based on a true story. The movie takes place in 1970s Harlem, but it unfortunately could just as easily take place today.

His pregnant girlfriend then takes on the difficult task of getting him set free before their child is born. But, their happy plans are cut short when the young man is wrongfully arrested for a crime he didn't commit. A young black couple fall in love and prepare to start a family together. If Beale Street Could Talk tells an all-too familiar story. Warning: Spoilers ahead for If Beale Street Could Talk.

If Beale Street Could Talk by James Baldwin