February’s Book + Film Club selection features the novel and screen adaptation of James Baldwin’s If Beale Street Could Talk as a part of Sidewalk’s Black Lens celebration sponsored by Gilead Sciences. Baldwin’s fifth novel, first published in 1974, is told primarily from the perspective of Tish, a young Black woman in New York City as she works to get her boyfriend, Fonny, out of jail before their baby is born. With themes of love and injustice, centering on the emotional bonds holding two African American families, If Beale Street Could Talk still resonates with readers over 50 years later.
In 2018, Academy Award winning filmmaker Barry Jenkins brought the story to life on the big screen with an ensemble cast featuring KiKi Layne, Stephan James, Colman Domingo, and Regina King. Lead actress Kiki Lane says this about the story, “It’s such an unfortunate thing that so much of what is happening in the film and the book, those same circumstances people are still dealing with today. What’s so beautiful about this work from Baldwin is that it’s wrapped up in so much love. I feel that’s what he’s forcing you to look at and acknowledge. Those people who have been done wrong by the judicial system. These people who have experienced police brutality. They have loved ones. They love and they are loved. This film forces you to acknowledge that you have to look us in the eye and you have to witness the pain and the trauma that all of these characters are going through. I think that’s what makes this story so special. At the core, it’s about that love and fighting for that.”
Further Reading:
Color Theory: ‘If Beale Street Could Talk’ | Proof of Concept (No spoilers!)
Why don’t you see more James Baldwin works on the big screen? | NPR (No spoilers!)
Director Barry Jenkins Talks On Behalf Of ‘Beale Street’ | NPR (Light spoilers!)
Where To Start With James Baldwin Books | Penguin Random House (No spoilers!)
Sidewalk’s Book + Film Club unites movie and book lovers for a monthly film screening and discussion about famous films and the people who make them. At the end of the month, we host a screening of a film related to the book and host a round-table discussion.
Seating is limited! Register today!
Registration Deadline to have books mailed to you: Friday February 7th. Books will be mailed within 72 hours of this date.
Registration Deadline to have books picked up: Monday, February 17. Books can be picked up from our Box Office during our regular operating hours Thursday & Friday from 2pm til Close and on Saturday & Sunday from 10:30am until close. You will receive an email when your book is ready to be picked up.
– Director of Education + Outreach, Jessica Chriesman