Cast
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Jazsmin Lewis
as Tawanna
Coolio
as Emcee
John Cothran
as Bumma
Steve Connell
as Artis
Rahman Jamaal
as Flip
Kazz Wingate IV
as Cassius 'Cash' Bernard
4-Zone
as Self
Chino XL
as Crazy 8
Takbir Bashir
as Tak
John Cab
as Mugger One
Charlie Capen
as Young Businessman
Michael Colyar
as Chi-Barnes
Keith Ewell
as Tony
J.B. Ghuman Jr.
as Jimmy
Toby Howard
as Quentin Bernard
Crew
Director
- Brandon Sonnier
Writer
- Brandon Sonnier
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, The Beat examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of contemporary challenges that mirror our own experiences. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.
Director Brandon Sonnier brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to character development and emotional depth creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 2005, the film exists within a cultural context that continues to evolve with our understanding of its themes. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of The Beat took approximately 17 months from pre-production to final cut.
- With a budget of $0.7 million, the film represented a significant investment in bringing this story to the screen.
- The final cut of the film runs for 85 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 144 minutes long.
- The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 8 weeks before filming began.
- The film contains approximately 2275 individual shots.
Historical Context
- In 2005, when this film is released:
- Environmental concerns were becoming more mainstream.
- The September 11 attacks changed global security and politics.
- Digital filmmaking technologies were transforming production processes and creating new opportunities.
How This Film Stands Out
While The Beat shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike La Haine, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, The Beat offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like Popular Music and Monsoon Wedding explore similar territory, The Beat stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: August 16, 2005
- Runtime: 1h 25m
- Budget: $700,000
Where to Watch
