The same can be said to the film's frequent use of narration. The acting is strong and quietly powerful from beginning to end, and the amount of thoughtful character development that Jenkins deploys throughout the story's narrative is commendable. This sense is heightened further when paired with a meticulous sound design, where even simple and day-to-day sounds like a subway car rolling into the station enhance the viewing experience. New York City feels almost like a character in this film, as it adds a rich tapestry to the film's narrative.

Jenkins' technique of characterizing the setting or settings where his films are set is put to great use here. The score is also superb as well, managing to be both quietly rousing and emotionally stirring. Like 'Moonlight,' the film's aesthetic qualities feel almost lyrical in tone, which is a beautiful sight to behold. While such difficult subject matter could feel slightly tone-deaf to some in the era of #MeToo, viewers should rest assured that Jenkins handles the material with a delicate and incredibly thoughtful sense of sensitivity. The film follows a young African-American couple in Harlem before and during when the man is wrongfully accused of sexual assault.

Analyze how particular elements of a story or drama interact (e.g.Two years after sending shockwaves through the film world with 'Moonlight,' which went on to win Best Picture at the Academy Awards, Barry Jenkins is back with 'If Beale Street Could Talk.' Needless to say, the film is excellent and is everything one could hope a follow-up to 'Moonlight' would be.

Determine a theme or central idea of a text and analyze its development over the course of the text provide an objective summary of the text.

Describe how a particular story’s or drama’s plot unfolds in a series of episodes as well as how the characters respond or change as the plot moves toward a resolution.

Determine a theme or central idea of a text and how it is conveyed through particular details provide a summary of the text distinct from personal opinions or judgments.

Type of Activity: Character Map Common Core Standards

Type of Assignment Individual, Partner, or Group Difficulty Level 3 (Developing to Mastery)

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