“If you’re going to tell a story, come with attitude.” That is a phrase that is taken to heart in “Miles Ahead,” a film about jazz musician Miles Davis.
Produced/directed by/starring Don Cheadle, the film is a passion project if there ever was one, matching Davis’ music in its freeform structure. Fans hoping to see a complete biopic will be disappointed, as the film serves as a snapshot of Davis’ life towards the end of his five-year break from recording. Nevertheless, what an interesting snapshot it is—brimming with attitude.
Holing himself up in his apartment—and showing an affinity for cocaine and the gun he carries around—Davis clearly wants to be left alone. He even refuses to give the record label his most recent session tape, a decision that backfires on him. That tape becomes the Holy Grail for those who want a step up in the industry.
David Brill (Ewan McGregor), an eager reporter from Rolling Stone, begins following Davis around, hoping to write his comeback story, when the tape catches his eye. And he is not the only one interested in it. An agent producer (Michael Stuhlbarg), trying to get his client (Lakeith Lee Stanfield) noticed by Davis, instead refocuses his interest on the session tape. The narrative cuts jarringly back and forth from this chase to the past, indicating Davis’ ex-wife, Frances Taylor (Emayatzy Corinealdi), as the root of his break from music.
Cheadle, with his raspy voice and limping gait, transforms into Davis, revealing not just the story behind the music but the story behind the man. And it isn’t all pretty. The film gets right to the point examining the abuse he inflicted on Taylor, along with the abuse he received from a still-racist society. Davis’ nastiness and his genius are both exposed, offering a poetic study of the way that these opposing sides intertwined.
The film is not perfect. A few moments feel out of place, though this could be attributed to its freeform structure. But, overall, it is an absorbing watch. “Miles Ahead” is coming soon to the Midtown Cinema.
April Special Events
The Late Shift with Zeroday
“Inception”
Saturday, April 2, 10:30 p.m.
Down in Front!
“Hard Ticket to Hawaii”
Friday, April 8, 9:30 p.m.
Classic Film Series
“The African Queen”
Sunday, April 10, 6 p.m.
3rd in the Burg! $3 Movie
“National Lampoon’s Vacation”
Friday, April 15, 9:30 p.m.
Faulkner Honda Family Film Series
“Where the Wild Things Are”
Saturday, April 16, 12 p.m.
Sunday, April 17, 2 p.m.
15th Anniversary Series
“The Grand Budapest Hotel”
Saturday, April 23, 8 p.m.
Popcorn Bowl
Sunday, April 24
Shakes-Beer Week (Free!)
Sunday, April 24, 4 p.m.
Wednesday, April 27, 7 p.m.
Thursday, April 28, 7 p.m.
Saturday, April 30, 4 p.m.
Tasting, Tour & Tinseltown
Tuesday, April 26, 6 p.m.
(starts at Zeroday)
