Review of 'Round Midnight (1986) by Elif Y — 26 Sep 2007

This is one of my all time favorite flicks. The performances are top line. Dexter Gordon's character Dale Turner is a likeable yet troubled individual. He is also a living jazz legend. He goes to Paris to escape the problems of racism in America, the negative attitudes about the rise of jazz as one of the nation's original music forms.

This film was shot in New York City and Paris. The Blue Note Club sessions are a must for live jazz lovers. The cast also includes French Cinema's Francois Cluzet. His character is named Frances'.

He is a fan of Dale Turner's music and their road to freindship begins when Frances' stands out in the pouring rain just to hear Dale Turner play. Little does he know that his adoration as a fan of Dale's will develop into a life saving friendship.

This is a complex film. With a nice set of subplots that show the individual struggles of these two friends. I would recommend this as a must see. The late Dexter Gordon was nominated for his lead role in this film.

It also features a variety of musicans in the cast including Herbie Hancock, Lonette McKee does an outstanding vocal performance in this film! Sandra Reeves performance and Butter, the woman in charge of seeing that Dale makes it to the gig, sober and on time is sheer entertainment.

Her powerful vocal style is also featured during the film. Along with the talents of various jazz greats who make up the band that plays at the Note. The relationships in this movie are believeable and the characters will grab and keep your attention from the beginning until the end.