Most modern biopics aren’t structured in traditional chronological order, hitting the personal and professional highlights. This exploration of jazz innovator Miles Davis “riffs” on one incident in his life with flashbacks to fill in a few blanks. Don Cheadle not only co-wrote and directed, he also stars as the trumpet pioneer. After 5 years of producing no music (and enduring chronic pain and extended drug use), he’s approached by a writer (Ian McGregor) whose effort for a story turns into much more. Flashbacks reveal bits of Davis’ relationship with his wife and a few other seminal moments. You could say the film is constructed in a free-form sort of jazz improvisation style. This approach, while interesting, doesn’t help build any dramatic force or tension. Fans of the musician may appreciate this opportunity, but regular film goers won’t find much meaningful here.
(3 / 5)