“such an improvisational riff on the genre that is more like an anti-biopic” - Vulture
Don Cheadle makes a bold step into writer-director territory with his biographical drama about
the legendary composer, band-leader and jazz musician, Miles Davis. Also starring Cheadle in the
ead role, the film focuses on a reclusive period of Davis’ life when he hid away from the public eye,
addicted to cocaine and obsessed with watching old recordings of the boxer Jack Johnson’s fights.
It’s during this period of hermitude that shady journalist Dave Braden (Ewan McGregor) turns up at
his home, claiming to be a reporter for Rolling Stone, and looking to write the story on Davis’
comeback. Together they become embroiled in a mission to retrieve the master tapes of Davis’ new album
back from a record executive.
Cheadle nails it as Davis in full on 1970s regalia and his unlikely friendship with McGregor’s reporter
adds a hit of inebriating humour as they find themselves fumbling their way through a series of
unexpected hijinx. Jazz composer Robert Glasper’s original score is smoothly intertwined with Davis’
recordings from the period, and the sets, costume design and cinematography all add up to a slick
visual vibe.
David Desmond
Audi Dublin International Film Festival
