Review of Miles Ahead (2016) by Mandela W — 10 Sep 2016

I took a jazz course my sophomore year in college. We studied all the greats Duke Ellington, Louie Armstorng, Buddy Bolden, Art Tatum, John Coltrane, Dizzy Gillepse and of course Miles Davis. Davis was a beyond gifted musician he was so influential and awe inspring in the world of Jazz music. Miles Ahead looks a wild and insane time period that was also reflective for the legendary musican. Don Cheadle portrays to us a man who was at a crossroads of sorts in his life and it took some wild shit to make him rethink things again. This passion project paid divedends as it turns out to be an amazing biopic movie.

The movie takes place in the late 70's during his isolation period. Miles is living alone and is not the same man he once was. He gets a knock on his door form Dave Braeden of Rolling stone who wants to interview him. Braeden proves to be a tenacious fellow as he still wants to do a piece despite him being rebuffed physically and verbally by Davis. After findng out his tape of new music was taken without his permission him and braeden set out on a wild adventure to get It back. Along the way Davis looks back at his early days making his hit albums and his tumultuous marriage to frances taylor. All making him wonder about the state of his future and what he should do after he gets the tape.

Amazing film. Its very jazzy, soulful and smooth. It's incredible to know all the shit he during the years he took off from music. don Cheadle as a director is amazing to watch. you can truly tell from watching him that he knew how every scene was supposed to play out and he directs in such a precise and sure fashion in every scene. He paints an honest picture of the man. he provides such great visuals such as a young davis in the boxing ring while all this chaos is going on around him involving the present miles davis.

Don Cheadle acting wise gives an unbelievable performance as Miles Davis. Hell the man becomes him embodies him if you will. he got his raspy voice down pact. Miles is a guy who lived a long life but is at a interesting crossroads and goes on a wild adventure to sort of reclaim him self so to speak once again. However he doesn't make that road easy for himself since he's turned into a somewhat of a grumpy fellow. Ewan McGregor did a great job here. he plays braeden as a persistant reporter desperate to tell the story of a legend.

The film had beautifully orchestrated music. Miles was a true tactician when it came to the music, legendary man legendary. You feel the soul and coolness of his jazz. the flashbacks were done so beautifully and you fell into each one. great editing and nice cinematography.

One of my absolute favorite films of this year without question.