About Between the World and Me (HBO)

"Between the World and Me" is a 2020 HBO special based on Ta-Nehisi Coates' 2015 book of the same name. In the form of a letter to his teenage son, Coates navigates through the feelings, symbolism, and realities associated with being Black in America. The film combines elements of performances, animation, and archival footage to illuminate the experience of growing up in the racialized America.

Making / Production

The film was directed by Kamilah Forbes and executive produced by Ta-Nehisi Coates, Susan Kelechi Watson and Roger Ross Williams. This adaptation preserved the powerful aesthetic of the book by blending together various documentary techniques and dramatic read-throughs by prominent Black actors.

Actors

• Mahershala Ali: The Oscar-winning actor delivers a captivating performance and adds his unique touch to the narrative.
• Angela Bassett: As always, Bassett steals the scene with her powerful acting prowess, bringing Coates' words to life.
• Joe Morton: Morton makes a lasting impression with his performance, further enriching the narrative's texture.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• "Between the World and Me" was originally a book published in 2015 which won the National Book Award for Nonfiction.
• The film was initially conceived as a stage show at the Apollo Theater, before being adapted for screen by HBO

Awards

While there may not be any awards registered for the film yet, considering its recent release, the critical response bode well for its potential recognition.

Quotes

• "You must resist the common urge towards the comforting narrative of divine law, toward fairy tales that imply some irrepressible justice."
• "The question is not whether Lincoln truly meant "government of the people" but what our country has, throughout its history, taken the political term "people" to actually mean."
• "Race is the child of racism, not the father."

Music, Soundtrack

• The film's score was composed by Jason Moran, a renowned jazz musician and composer who brought a moving soundtrack to the narrative.
• It weaves contemporary and classic songs to complement the film's themes, adding an additional layer of depth to the viewing experience.