Review of Born to Be Blue (2016) by Lyn — 06 Apr 2017
Subtle, understated and bleak, this is another story about the intersection of music and addiction. It doesn't quite paint a complete picture of either, in Chet Baker's case. But Ethan Hawke gives his usual stellar portrayal of nervous energy, insecurity and underlying pain.
A brief view of his family back in Oklahoma hints at the origins of all those ... not that it mitigates the frustration you feel at another tremendous talent ravaged by addiction. Haunting though it is, I don't think the music in the film matches up to Baker's.
But its greatest achievement might be sending people to Baker's recordings -- or at least to YouTube -- which I promise you will be a beautiful, if melancholy, experience.
This review of Born to Be Blue (2016) was written by Lyn on 06 Apr 2017.
Born to Be Blue has generally received positive reviews.
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