PLOT:
Don Cheadle co-wrote, directed, and stars in this biopic of legendary jazz musician Miles Davis, which takes a free-form approach to its subject’s life that mirrors his playing style. As the story skips around in time, it depicts Davis’ attempts to get his career back on track following a period of listlessness and drug addiction in the ’70s, his relationship with a journalist (Ewan McGregor) who wants to profile him, and his troubled marriage to a former dancer (Emayatzy Corinealdi).
REVIEW:
What did I like?
All about the music. Chances are you are in one of two camps if you’re checking this film out, maybe a third, if you know about it. Either you’re a fan of Miles Davis and/or jazz in general, a fan of Don Cheadle, or you dig on Ewan McGregor (not many people know he’s actually in this).Having said that, you would expect their to be a fair amount of Davis’ music to be played or featured. For the most part, you won’t be disappointed. The film uses a variety of flashbacks to show Davis playing in 50s (the main part of the film takes place in the 70s). You can also hear many of his compositions being played on records and in the score. Be warned, though, while this is a biopic about the jazz master Miles Davis, the music isn’t as bountiful as one would imagine.
Let’s have some fun. Most biopics show the depressing life that iconic subject leads. Very rarely do we get one that is fun, especially these days. The last one I can think of that was any fun to watch was Get on Up starring Chadwick Boseman, and even that had its set of issues. Director Don Cheadle has taken a period of Miles Davis’ life that isn’t as well known and embellished it a little. That is to say, he took the facts and made them more “movie friendly”. In the film, we get sort of a gangster vibe, but in real life none of this ever happened, other than the studio threatening Davis for the tape he owed them. Having that extra element in there does make for a better movie, though I think there are those that could have made it work as is.
The voice. Cartoons, movies, and other media have given us the stereotype of the husky voiced jazz musician who smoked 5 packs of cigarettes a day and drinks like a fish. Many of these elements come from Miles Davis, most notably the voice. Cheadle has the voice down so well, you almost think he spliced in recordings of the man speaking. A little history, Davis had some kind of throat surgery and doctors told him not to speak for a month. Someone pissed him off and caused him to yell which permanently damages his vocal chords, resulting in the voice. I have to back and see when the flashbacks take place, now that I think about it. Cheadle was using that voice for the whole film, when Davis had a normal voice until he had to have said surgery. All that said, if Cheadle had not have gotten the voice right, this film may not have worked.
What didn’t I like?
Caricature and the attack. There are two things that that I wasn’t a fan of with this film. The first is how much Davis was portrayed as a caricature and not a person. Cheadle emphasized the eccentricity of Davis, rather than the person, which is a detriment to the film and his filmmaking. Sure, Cheadle resembles Davis, especially when he puts on the shades, but there is still something missing. The second, and this may be more because of the current climate, is the scene where Miles was beat outside of the club by the cops. From everything I know about Davis, this is a huge turning point in his life. It isn’t skipped over in the film, but they don’t make it as big of a deal as it should be. I mean, the man was beaten by cops when all he was doing was escorting a woman to her car and then standing outside smoking a cigarette before going back in. Such a shame this kind of thing can and probably still does happen today. I guess that’s why I wish more time would have been spent on it, rather than rushing through that sequence.
Blow the horn. AAARRRGGHHH!!!! I can’t tell you how frustrated it makes me, as someone who played trumpet all the way through college, to watch actors attempt to fake their way through playing. Admittedly, some are better than others. I read somewhere that Cheadle learned to play trumpet (he played sax in school) before taking on this role, but Davis’ actual recordings were used in the final cut. Kudos to him for doing so, but the scenes that made it into the film are obviously his attempt to look like he was playing, except may the final scene where modern day Miles picks up the horn after not playing for years.
Skin I’m in. Miles Davis had a string of women throughout his lifetime, but the one that meant the most to him was obviously Frances Taylor (she is featured prominently on many of his albums). Why do I bring her up? Well, she is in the film, portrayed by Emayatzy Corinealdi. Frances was a supremely talented dancer. From my understanding, she was the 1st African American dancer to perform with the Paris ballet. Alot of important info about her is skipped over, including her marriage before Miles, but that was most likely for time. The fact that she was his muse is important and the film makes sure to not let us forget that. I have a small qualm with the casting of Corinealdi. No, there isn’t anything wrong with her acting but rather her look. She is a gorgeous dark skinned woman, but Frances Taylor was a light skinned lady. Maybe I’m just being too judgemental on this, but it took me aback to see her in the role (they do have similar facial features).
Final verdict:
Miles Ahead was a surprisingly good time! Not often do you hear someone say that after watching a biopic. Cheadle’s first outing as director was ambitious, especially with him also starring and funding this film, but it works. Just like a jazz composition, the film bounces around with a few ideas before combining everything for a satisfying finish. I can’t help but wonder if that was done on purpose. Do I recommend this? Yes, very highly!
4 out of 5 stars
Mystery Man's Musings 