It's a biopic of legendary saxophone player Charlie "Bird" Parker (Forest Whitaker) directed by Clint Eastwood. His home life with wife Chan (Diane Venora) is troubled after the death of their daughter. He attempts suicide in 1954 and gets put in a mental hospital. Trumpet player Red Rodney is a friend who falls into drug problem.
Forest Whitaker is a great Charlie Parker. Clint Eastwood's directing seems to have garnered much praise but I'm less certain. The story flows like jazz for both good and bad. The first part is a compelling love story between Bird and Chan starting with 1954 and then going back to their origins. At some point, Chan goes away and it's Red Rodney. It does get back to Chan but it feels like a grind. I really want more of the drama in his marriage which the first act suggests. In the end, well over two hours is a long drive on a dark rainy road with no particular destination in mind. I see some aspects of the directing that is worthy of praise but the grind leaves me more tired than exhilarated.
Forest Whitaker is a great Charlie Parker. Clint Eastwood's directing seems to have garnered much praise but I'm less certain. The story flows like jazz for both good and bad. The first part is a compelling love story between Bird and Chan starting with 1954 and then going back to their origins. At some point, Chan goes away and it's Red Rodney. It does get back to Chan but it feels like a grind. I really want more of the drama in his marriage which the first act suggests. In the end, well over two hours is a long drive on a dark rainy road with no particular destination in mind. I see some aspects of the directing that is worthy of praise but the grind leaves me more tired than exhilarated.