"Round Midnight" is a movie that is self-selecting. After all, if you don't adore this sort of jazz, you're likely never to see the film in the first place. I'm certainly no fan of freeform jazz (like they have in the picture), but I saw it because I heard so many good things about it. In hindsight, I just don't think I'm the best person to see and review a film like this...unless you are looking for a review by someone who doesn't like this style of jazz!
The film is a French product...even though most of the dialog is in English. With a French director, writer, actors and French setting, I assumed it would be in French. So, if you are worried about reading subtitles, you won't have to during most of the story.
The plot involves the life of jazz sax player Dale Turner (Dexter Gordon) during his time in Paris. This jazz great has left the States for work there and whether or not he can actually perform is in doubt, as he's an alcoholic. One of his French admirers, Francis (François Cluzet), has taken it upon himself to help Dale through this terrible time and Dale spends much of the film living with Francis and his sad daughter. But the trip also heads to police arrests, involuntary hospitalizations and more. Is it just too late to help this musical genius?
Dexter Gordon's performance is good but also very muted. He speaks in a raspy whisper and shows little energy in his delivery. This, combined with a very slow and deliberate pace, make this a tough film for the average viewer. It's not an easy movie to lose yourself in...unless you love this sort of music. For me, it just never piqued my interest...though I do think the movie was generally well made.
For lovers of freeform jazz, 10. For most non-freeform jazz lovers, a 4. Overall, I'd give this one a 6.
The film is a French product...even though most of the dialog is in English. With a French director, writer, actors and French setting, I assumed it would be in French. So, if you are worried about reading subtitles, you won't have to during most of the story.
The plot involves the life of jazz sax player Dale Turner (Dexter Gordon) during his time in Paris. This jazz great has left the States for work there and whether or not he can actually perform is in doubt, as he's an alcoholic. One of his French admirers, Francis (François Cluzet), has taken it upon himself to help Dale through this terrible time and Dale spends much of the film living with Francis and his sad daughter. But the trip also heads to police arrests, involuntary hospitalizations and more. Is it just too late to help this musical genius?
Dexter Gordon's performance is good but also very muted. He speaks in a raspy whisper and shows little energy in his delivery. This, combined with a very slow and deliberate pace, make this a tough film for the average viewer. It's not an easy movie to lose yourself in...unless you love this sort of music. For me, it just never piqued my interest...though I do think the movie was generally well made.
For lovers of freeform jazz, 10. For most non-freeform jazz lovers, a 4. Overall, I'd give this one a 6.