🎯 Quick Overview
Trailer
- Director: Joe Talbot
- Genre: Drama
- Release year: 2019
- Runtime (length): 2h 1min
- IMDb rating: 7.3/10 (23K votes)
- Rotten Tomatoes: 92%
😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained
A guy really, really wants his old house back, even though he doesn’t own it and it’s super expensive, so he just…moves in, with his friend who’s writing a play about the whole thing.
🍿 The Last Black Man in San Francisco: Detailed Plot Synopsis
Jimmie’s Obsession with His Childhood Home
Jimmie Fails IV, a young black man living in San Francisco, is deeply connected to a Victorian house in the Fillmore district, a home he believes his grandfather built. Despite his family losing the house years ago, Jimmie regularly visits to maintain it, much to the annoyance of the current owners. This act represents his longing for a sense of belonging and stability in a rapidly changing city. Jimmie works at a senior care facility and lives with his best friend, Montgomery, and Mont’s blind grandfather, sleeping on the floor of a cramped bedroom. Montgomery works at a fish counter and is an aspiring playwright. Their lives are juxtaposed against the backdrop of gentrification and the displacement of black communities.
Squatting in the Vacant House
When the white couple living in Jimmie’s former home moves out due to a family dispute, Jimmie and Montgomery seize the opportunity to move in. They bring in old furniture and attempt to recreate the home as Jimmie remembers it from his childhood. This act of squatting becomes a form of protest against the forces of gentrification and a way for Jimmie to reclaim his past. During their time in the house, Jimmie grapples with the reality that his idealized memories may not align with the truth. Montgomery begins writing a play inspired by their experiences and the changing dynamics of San Francisco.
Confronting Reality and Loss
As Jimmie and Montgomery settle into the house, they face external pressures from real estate agents and the looming threat of eviction. Jimmie’s estranged family members, including his father and aunt, provide glimpses into his past and the reasons behind their displacement. Mont stages his play in the house, exposing the complexities of their situation and the illusions they’ve been clinging to. The play culminates in a revelation that the house was not actually built by Jimmie’s grandfather, shattering Jimmie’s long-held belief. This revelation forces him to confront the truth about his past and the fragility of his identity.
⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained
🎬 Cast & Characters
- Jimmie Fails (Jimmie Fails): A San Franciscan man obsessed with reclaiming his childhood home in a gentrified city.
- Montgomery Allen (Jonathan Majors): Jimmie’s loyal and artistic best friend who supports his quest while grappling with his own identity.
- James Sr. (Rob Morgan): Jimmie’s estranged father who struggles with his own displacement and contributes to Jimmie’s emotional turmoil.
- Wanda Fails (Tichina Arnold): Jimmie’s aunt, who represents a connection to his past and offers a glimpse into the family’s history of displacement.
- Grandpa Allen (Danny Glover): Montgomery’s blind grandfather, representing a fading generation and a connection to the city’s past.
💬 Memorable Quotes
- Jimmie Fails: “You don’t get to hate it unless you love it.” – Jimmie passionately defends his connection to San Francisco against those who criticize it, suggesting that true criticism comes from a place of deep affection.
- Montgomery Allen: “People just want a place to be from.” – Mont reflects on the universal human need for belonging and identity tied to a specific location, highlighting the pain of displacement.
- Jimmie Fails: “I fix things on the house, Mont. So that it always looks nice.” – Jimmie explains his compulsion to maintain the house, seeing it as a way to preserve his history and connection to the city.
💰Box Office
- Budget: $3.5M
- Domestic Gross: $4,515,719
- Worldwide Gross: $4,637,830
💥 The Last Black Man in San Francisco Reviews
Personal Review
I was captivated by the movie’s dreamy atmosphere and the strong bond between Jimmie and Mont. The scene where Mont performs his play in the house was both beautiful and heartbreaking. It made me think about how much our sense of home is tied to memory and community, and how devastating it is when those things are taken away. It is a movie I will definitely be thinking about for a while.
- Who would enjoy:
- “Fans of independent films”
- “Viewers interested in social commentary on gentrification and urban change”
- “Those who appreciate character-driven stories with strong emotional depth”
- “People who enjoy visually stunning and poetic filmmaking”
- Content warnings ⚠:
- “Brief male nudity”
- “Mild language”
- “Themes of displacement and social issues”
Professional Reviews
- IndieWire: “A lyrical and visually stunning portrait of displacement and the search for identity in a rapidly changing city, ‘The Last Black Man in San Francisco’ is a must-see for anyone who cares about independent cinema.
- The Hollywood Reporter: “Director Joe Talbot infuses the film with an arresting visual style and a deep empathy for its characters, making it a poignant and unforgettable experience. Jonathan Majors delivers an exceptional performance.
- Variety: “This is an artful movie about an individual’s yearning to regain what was lost, it’s slow pace might not appeal to everyone. Jimmie Fails delivers a nuanced, heartfelt performance, and the film’s cinematography is breathtaking.
Audience Reactions
The beautiful cinematography of San Francisco.: The visuals are amazing
Thoughtful exploration of gentrification.: The movie really made me think
Overall Consensus: A visually stunning and thought-provoking film that explores themes of identity, displacement, and the changing landscape of San Francisco. It’s slow pace may not appeal to everyone, but its beautiful cinematography, strong performances, and powerful message make it a memorable cinematic experience.
Awards
- Sundance Film Festival (Directing Award: U.S. Dramatic)- 2019
🛠️ Behind the Scenes
- “The film is based on the real-life experiences of Jimmie Fails, who also stars in the movie.”
- “Director Joe Talbot and Jimmie Fails worked on the concept for nearly a decade before filming began.”
- “Many of the supporting cast members were non-professional actors from the San Francisco community, adding to the film’s authenticity.”
- “The house featured in the film is a real house in San Francisco’s Mission District, and the production team secured permission to film there.”
🖥️ How to Watch The Last Black Man in San Francisco?
The Last Black Man in San Francisco is available for streaming on various platforms. You can find it on demand through services like Prime Video, Apple TV, and Vudu. It’s also available for purchase or rental on these platforms. Check your local listings for availability.
🎥 Similar Movies
If you enjoyed The Last Black Man in San Francisco, you might like these similar films:
- Moonlight (2016): Both films explore themes of identity, belonging, and the challenges faced by young black men in urban environments.
- Blindspotting (2018): Explores similar themes of gentrification, race, and identity in Oakland, California, offering a contemporary perspective on the changing Bay Area.
- Minari (2020): Focuses on a family struggling to find their place in a new environment, highlighting themes of home, family, and the pursuit of the American dream.
🛒 The Last Black Man in San Francisco Related Products
- The Last Black Man in San Francisco [Blu-ray]: Own the critically acclaimed film on Blu-ray and experience the stunning visuals and powerful story in high definition. This Blu-ray edition includes bonus features.
- San Francisco Foggy Cityscape Poster: Capture the dreamy aesthetic of San Francisco with this poster. Perfect for decorating your living space and celebrating the unique visual style of the film.
- Jonathan Majors – Magazine Dreams [Blu-ray]: Discover another great movie starring Jonathan Majors on Blu-ray. Explore the talent and diversity of the actor.
- San Francisco City Guide: Explore San Francisco and discover the real locations featured in ‘The Last Black Man in San Francisco’. Plan your trip and experience the city’s culture, art, and history.
🎧 Soundtrack
The Last Black Man in San Francisco features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:
- “MGV (Musique à grande vitesse)” – performed by Michael Nyman
- “San Francisco (Be Sure to Wear Flowers in Your Hair)” – performed by Michael Marshall
You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.
🤨 FAQ
The main theme is the impact of gentrification on black communities in San Francisco and the search for identity and belonging in a rapidly changing urban environment.
The film is semi-autobiographical, drawing inspiration from the real-life experiences of Jimmie Fails, who also stars in the movie. It reflects his personal connection to San Francisco and his experiences with displacement.
The main actors are Jimmie Fails, who plays a fictionalized version of himself, and Jonathan Majors, who plays his best friend, Montgomery Allen. Rob Morgan, Tichina Arnold, and Danny Glover also have significant roles.
The Victorian house symbolizes Jimmie’s connection to his past, his family history, and his sense of belonging in San Francisco. It represents the loss of community and the impact of gentrification on long-time residents.
🔥 Bonus Content
Kendrick Lamar – Crown
Ever wondered what “The Last Black Man in San Francisco” would look like as a music video? This Kendrick Lamar unofficial video totally nails it! The visuals are stunning and really make you appreciate the movie’s vibe.
Basic Film Analysis – Introduction to Film
Want to understand why “The Last Black Man in San Francisco” is so captivating? This video breaks down the basics of film analysis and uses it as an example alongside other classics. It’s super informative and makes you see movies in a whole new light!
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