Review of Miles Ahead (2016) by Alex H — 22 Apr 2016

Co-written, directed and starring Don Cheadle; Miles Ahead is a music biopic that feels as fresh and unique as its music and characters. Don Cheadle commands the screen as once famed jazz musician now down and out junkie Miles Davis.

From his scratchy delivery to his ice cold swagger; this is Cheadle's finest performance to date and is most certainly awards worthy. Ewan McGregor is fantastic and very likeable as Rolling Stone reporter Dave Brill and acts as the perfect vessel for the audience to gain insight into the inner workings of Davis' life and mind.

Part buddy movie/comedy caper and part exploration of how an artist seeks inspiration; this unconventional biopic is an interesting take on the genre and sets it apart from contemporaries like "Straight Outta Compton" or "Nowhere Boy".

Fast paced without a single shot wasted mixed the chaotic textured nature of the "social music" soundtrack fits like a glove to the inventive editing providing true flair to the images of violence and martial disputes.

While it must be noted Miles Ahead provides the audience with only a rough sketch of who Miles Davis is and those looking for an in depth, confidential and historical look into the life of the musician may be disappointed.

However, Miles Ahead isn't interested in telling that story and never tries to. Instead the film is more interested in showcasing Davis' personality and attitude and provides a fascinating portrayal of a down on his luck artist tormented by his past mistakes and his future commitments to his label.

Certainly up there with "Walk The Line" and "Control" with the best of the best musical biopics, Miles Ahead is an exciting and exuberant passion project from Cheadle who I hope goes onto direct more in the future.

But will it be the best Jazz biopic of the year?... Your move "Born to be Blue"...