Jenkins, just three films into his oeuvre, has a voice- you can compare him to Demme in the brilliant close-ups, WKW in the tone, photography still and mood, but I’d also like to throw Douglas Sirk in the mix with Beale Street and it’s not just the autumnal color scheme to the set design and costume work- there’s a clear detail in the mise-en-scene that Sirk also had
Along with Burning this score here, from Nicholas Britell, is the score of the year. It’s lush- reminded me of 2017’s Phantom Thread from Jonny Greedwood
Adored the 360 shot of Stephan James with his wooden artwork
Close-ups galore and they are repeated to formal effect— and the décor is so sumptuous—even the yellow brick in jail
Shot of them on the street with red umbrella- the film’s highlight to me after one viewing
Wallpaper in the Mexican restaurant—gorgeous
I had a couple small formal problems—we go split screen once, freeze frame once—these are not repeated like the décor and close-ups….
Jenkins holds every scene beyond comfort for effect. Maybe it’s just because I’m spoiled being in the middle of my Antonioni study but I wish there was slightly more to gaze at during these scenes—perhaps I just need a second viewing
Every actor gets a few moments- Regina King in front of the mirror with the wig, Stephan James is excellent here
Sometimes the score for this movie just turns up in my head out of nowhere. It’s really something special. Same goes for Moonlight, especially in the development and maturation of Little’s theme throughout the film. Britell has also done decent work with other directors like Adam McKay, but Jenkins really brings out his best. I do hope they continue collaborating.
Sometimes the score for this movie just turns up in my head out of nowhere. It’s really something special. Same goes for Moonlight, especially in the development and maturation of Little’s theme throughout the film. Britell has also done decent work with other directors like Adam McKay, but Jenkins really brings out his best. I do hope they continue collaborating.