Round Midnight (film)

At midnight, is a French-American feature film from the year 1986. Considered one of the best films about and with jazz.

Action

Paris in the 1950s. The alcohol-dependent saxophonist Dale Turner ( Dexter Gordon) had not played due to a nervous breakdown for a long time, as he comes from New York to Paris. In Paris he had been 15 years earlier success in the bebop scene. Night after night he plays in the famous Jazz Club Blue Note. His concerts are successful. His manager Buttercup tries to keep him away from alcohol, so that he is fit for his performances in the evening. She closes it during the day in his room and agreed with the host of the club that this Turner does not serve alcohol and their Turners pays fees.

Francis borated is a big fan of Dale Turner. He lives alone with his daughter, who suffers from the separation of the parents and of his frequent absences. Night after night he persecuted because he can not afford the entrance, at the open window of the jazz clubs squatting, concerts Turner. One night comes Turner in search of a drink from the club and meets with Francis. He asks them to donate him a drink. Thus the friendship between the two begins.

Francis is the paternalism unbearable by Buttercup. He wants his idol enable a life of dignity and invites Turner, to live with him. At the same time he tries to dissuade the brilliant musician from alcohol, which also succeeds after several relapses and hospitalizations.

On the birthday of daughter Beranger Turner informs him that he will return to the USA. Francis accompanied him to New York to continue to take care of him. After some time, however, he must return to France.

After an alcohol relapse dies Turner.

Background

Tavernier originally wanted to create a tribute to the saxophonist Lester Young with this film, but the story is based on the friendship between Bud Powell and Frenchman Francis Paudras. The film is ultimately a coherent picture of the Paris jazz scene. Tavernier put unlike other jazz films such as Bird of Clint Eastwood greater emphasis on musical talent than on the acting cast. To play in this film besides Dexter Gordon, Lester Young embodies a similar character, including Wayne Shorter, Tony Williams, Billy Higgins (drums ), John McLaughlin, Freddie Hubbard, Pierre Michelot, and Ron Carter. Shall maintain the ensemble of musicians from the composer of the film, which also occurs even as a pianist in the movie: Herbie Hancock.

Reviews

  • Lexicon of international film: In a masterly narrative rhythm of the film develops gently and lovingly portrays a musician. Feelings and passion, beauty of the moment and their transience are compressed in intricate detail to a quieter expression of grief and yet resistant joy of existence.
  • Fischer film Almanac 1987: Tavernier ... managed a all round harmonious work of art, in which each of the actors and musicians is congenial involved. Are crucial along with his book and his directing the arrangements Herbie Hancock as well as the architecture and design of Alexandre Trauner's ...
  • Epd Film (11/ 1986): Dexter Gordon is the sensation of this film, go with him music and body language seamlessly into one another.

Awards

  • Herbie Hancock won an Oscar for the best film music. Dexter Gordon was nominated for an Oscar in the Best Actor category.
  • Golden Globe Award: Nominations for Best Actor Dexter Gordon and Herbie Hancock for the best music.
  • César for best film music of Herbie Hancock.
1986 in film Bertrand Tavernier Screenplay David Rayfiel Irwin Winkler Film score Bruno de Keyzer Bird (Film) John McLaughlin (musician) The Clockmaker Coup de Torchon A Sunday in the Country The Bait (1995 film) In the Electric Mist The Princess of Montpensier
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de