Films about jazz musicians often capture the passion, creativity, and struggles of these talented artists as they navigate the music industry and their personal lives. These films showcase the vibrant world of jazz music, the improvisation, and the unique culture surrounding it. They often delve into the complexities of the characters, their relationships, and the impact of their music on the world around them.
“Bird”, 1988
Director: Clint Eastwood
Directed by Clint Eastwood, this biographical film depicts the life of legendary jazz saxophonist Charlie “Bird” Parker. It explores Parker's rise to fame, his battles with addiction, and his profound influence on the world of jazz.
Starring: Forest Whitaker, Diane Venora, Michael Zelniker, Samuel E. Wright, Keith David, Michael McGuire, James Handy, Damon Whitaker, Morgan Nagler, Arlen Dean Snyder, Sam Robards, Penelope Windust, George Orrison, Bill Cobbs, Hamilton Camp, Chris Bosley, George T. Bruce, Joey Green, John Witherspoon, Tony Todd, Jo de Winter, Richard Zavaglia, Anna Thomson, Al Pugliese, Hubert Kelly, Billy J. Mitchell, Karl Vincent, Lou Cutell, Roger Etienne, Jason Bernard, Gretchen Oehler, Richard McKenzie, Tony Cox, Diane Salinger, Johnny Adams, Natalia Silverwood, Duane Matthews, Slim Jim Phantom, Matthew Faison, Peter Crook, Alec Paul Rubinstein, Patricia Herd, Steve Zettler, Ann Weldon, Charley Lang, Tim Russ, Richard Jeni, Don Starr, Richard Mawe;
Production year: 1988;
Genre: drama, biography, music;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 161 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,1;
More information about the film “Bird” on the website imdb.com
“'Round Midnight”, 1986
Director: Bertrand Tavernier
Directed by Bertrand Tavernier, this film tells the story of an expatriate American jazz musician living in Paris, struggling with personal demons and finding solace in the music scene of the city.
Starring: Dexter Gordon, François Cluzet, Gabrielle Haker, Sandra Reaves-Phillips, Lonette McKee, Christine Pascal, Herbie Hancock, Bobby Hutcherson, Pierre Trabaud, Frédérique Meininger, Hart Leroy Bibbs, Liliane Rovère, Ged Marlon, Benoît Régent, Victoria Gabrielle Platt, Arthur French, John Berry, Martin Scorsese, Philippe Noiret, Alain Sarde, Eddy Mitchell, Billy Higgins, Éric Le Lann, John McLaughlin, Pierre Michelot, Wayne Shorter, Ron Carter, Palle Mikkelborg, Mads Vinding, Cheikh Fall, Michel Pérez, Tony Williams, Freddie Hubbard, Cedar Walton, Charles Belonzi, Arno Chevrier, Marpessa Djian, Guy Louret, Patrick Massieu, Philippe Moreau, Jacques Poitrenaud, Luc Sarot, Jimmy Slyde, Pascal Tedes, Pascale Vignal, Noël Simsolo, David Lautrec, Marcel Zanini;
Production year: 1986;
Genre: drama, music;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 133 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,4;
More information about the film “'Round Midnight” on the website imdb.com
“Miles Ahead”, 2015
Director: Don Cheadle
Directed by Don Cheadle, this biographical film focuses on the life and music of jazz trumpeter Miles Davis. It delves into Davis' creative genius, his tumultuous personal life, and his enduring impact on the world of jazz.
Starring: Don Cheadle, Ewan McGregor, Emayatzy Corinealdi, LaKeith Stanfield, Brian Bowman, Michael Stuhlbarg, Christina Browder, Brent Vimtrup, Michael Bath, Reginald Willis, Montez Jenkins, Morgan Wolk, Austin Lyon, Nina Smilow, Chris Grays, Amber Hawkins, Mariah Means, Ken Early, Jeremy Dubin, Shyra Thomas, Brian Phillips, Marissa Ford, Jeffrey Grover, Courtis Fuller, Drew Lachey, Chris Bortz, Theron Brown, Mark Turkeltaub, Brian Cashwell, Paul Chambers, Ernie Royal, Herbie Hancock, Wayne Shorter, Gary Clark Jr., Antonio Sanchez, Esperanza Spalding, David Horace Greer, John E. Brownlee, Shuo Chen, Gary Chinn, Michael Cole, Bobbi Feinauer Combs, William Cross, Coy DeLuca, Mike Dennis, Jennifer Dior, Michelle Dobrozsi, Kiya Fix, Alvin J. Frazier II;
Production year: 2015;
Genre: drama, melodrama, biography, music;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 100 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 6,4;
More information about the film “Miles Ahead” on the website imdb.com
“Mo' Better Blues”, 1990
Director: Spike Lee
Directed by Spike Lee, this film follows the life of a talented but self-destructive jazz trumpeter as he navigates the competitive and often cutthroat world of jazz music.
Starring: Denzel Washington, Spike Lee, Wesley Snipes, Giancarlo Esposito, Robin Harris, Joie Lee, Bill Nunn, John Turturro, Dick Anthony Williams, Cynda Williams, Nicholas Turturro, Jeff «Tain» Watts, Samuel L. Jackson, Leonard L. Thomas, Charlie Murphy, Steve White, Rubén Blades, Abbey Lincoln, Linda Hawkins, Raye Dowell, Angela Hall, Coati Mundi, Zakee Howze, Deon Richmond, Raymond Anthony Thomas, Sheldon Turnipseed, Christopher Skeffrey, Terrence Williams, Darryl M. Wonge Jr., Jelani Asar Snipes, Glenn Williams III, Arnold Cromer, Leon Addison Brown, Scot Anthony Robinson, Herbert Daughtry, Branford Marsalis, Doug E. Doug, Tracy Camilla Johns, John Canada Terrell, Carol M. Wiggins, Isabella, Mamie Louise Anderson, Joe Seneca, John Sobestanovich, Flavor Flav, Diahann Carroll, Esther Castro, Dave Droge;
Production year: 1990;
Genre: drama, melodrama, music;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 129 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 6,7;
More information about the film “Mo' Better Blues” on the website imdb.com
“Whiplash”, 2013
Director: Damien Chazelle
Directed by Damien Chazelle, this intense drama explores the relationship between a young jazz drummer and his demanding music instructor at a prestigious music conservatory. The film captures the drive for perfection and the sacrifices made in pursuit of musical greatness.
Starring: Miles Teller, J.K. Simmons, Paul Reiser, Melissa Benoist, Austin Stowell, Nate Lang, Chris Mulkey, Damon Gupton, Suanne Spoke, Max Kasch, Charlie Ian, Jayson Blair, Kofi Siriboe, Kavita Patil, C.J. Vana, Tarik Lowe, Tyler Kimball, Rogelio Douglas Jr., Adrian Burks, Calvin C. Winbush, Joseph Bruno, Michael Cohen, Jocelyn Ayanna, Keenan Henson, Janet Hoskins, April Grace, Clifton «Fou Fou» Eddie, Marcus Henderson, Tony Baker, Henry G. Sanders, Sam Campisi, Jimmie Kirkpatrick, Keenan Allen, Ayinde Vaughan, Shai Golan, Yancey Wells, Candace Roberge, Krista Kilber, Shannon Adawn, Cici Leah Campbell, Damien Coates, Ellee Jane Hounsell, Stephen Hsu, Herman Johansen, Brittany Paige, Wendee Lee, Dakota Lupo, Jesse Mitchell, Arnold Montey, Amanda Noriko Newman;
Production year: 2013;
Genre: drama, music;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 106 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 8,5;
These films about jazz musicians offer a captivating glimpse into the lives and artistry of these remarkable individuals, showcasing the power of music to inspire, transform, and transcend.
The selection of films about jazz musicians offers a mesmerizing journey into the heart and soul of this uniquely American art form. From the smoky clubs of New York City to the vibrant streets of New Orleans, these films capture the passion, struggle, and triumph of jazz musicians, bringing their music to life on the silver screen. Each film weaves a rich tapestry of sound and story, celebrating the improvisation, creativity, and sheer brilliance of jazz. As viewers, we are transported into the world of these legendary musicians, feeling the rhythm in our bones and the soul-stirring melodies in our hearts. These films not only honor the legacy of jazz but also invite us to experience the timeless allure of this evocative musical genre.
