I know what you’re thinking. “What is this?” If you’re an avid reader of James Baldwin (and not just using his quotes for memes on the internet), then this title should ring some bells. I have never read this book but I want to now before I go see this film.
Remember The Oscars last year? When we thought La La Land had won but it was a huge mistake and Moonlight had actually won? Yeah, so the man that so graciously accepted that Oscar for Moonlight is named Barry Jenkins and this is his new movie.
In doing a quick Google search for the synopsis of this film, I found the following about the book:
“The book follows a relationship between a 19-year-old girl named Tish, whose real name is Clementine, and a 22-year-old sculptor named Fonny, whose real name is Alonzo. They become engaged, and she subsequently becomes pregnant. However, he is falsely accused of raping a Puerto Rican woman, Victoria Rogers. It emerges that Fonny was set up by a racist policeman, and soon goes to jail.” (Wikipedia)
Now, I have an initial question that has nothing to do with the movie itself. How did they get “Tish” from “Clementine”? I get “Fonny” but not “Tish”. Just a random thought.
It’s set in the 70’s and it seems to have that “love conquers all” motif. And it will probably have that ambiguous ending like most independent films have (that I hate but will deal with for this film). It looks beautifully shot and the concept is a little different from what is the norm in the film industry now.
What I love about Barry and the films he produces is that his films are purely about depicting black life. Moonlight was about a gay black man growing up in Miami and his journey of self discovery.
In this film, Fonny is played by Stephan James (He was Jesse Owens in Race) whole Clementine is played by Kiki Layne (She’s new). Regina King is in the film, Brian Tyree Henry (who has been on a roll since his roles in Atlanta, White Boy Rick and many others coming down the pipeline), Teyonah Parris, Michael Beach (remember he left Bernie for a white woman. Oh yeah, I will never forget that), and Finn Wittrock (AHS). So far, I see good reviews for this film. I’m excited to see this film and what I love about independent films is the cinematography in them.
So…
When does this movie come out?
November 30, 2018 is when this film should be in theaters nationwide. It’s been to a few festivals and in a few theaters (I think).
Should you go see this film?
Yes, I most definitely think that you should spend your money on this movie.
Will I be seeing this film?
The first chance I get I will see this film.
BLACK WATCH 