Movie: Miles Ahead

Miles Ahead:  Don Cheadle’s tribute to Miles Davis.  Cheadle is Miles Davis and he gives an Oscar worthy performance.  He also co-wrote and directed the film. In this regard, Cheadle’s performance does not quite equal the quality of his acting.  The movie primarily takes place during the five years in the 1970’s when Miles did not produce an album.  It ends in 1980 with Miles’ comeback concert with cameos by Herbie Hancock, who is now 76, and Wayne Shorter, who is 82.  Unfortunately, performances by Miles and others are limited, although the background music by Robert Glasper is excellent.  The film focuses on Miles’ temper and his drug use with multiple flashbacks involving his wife.  The timelines are blurred and some of the scenes are pure fiction.  Nonetheless, there are parts that are absolutely brilliant and, if you are a Miles Davis fan, there are little things that occur during the 100-minute run time that are impressive.  There is a brief scene where the television is on and you see the first black heavyweight champion, Jack Johnson, wrapping up his humiliation of the then Great White Hope, Jim Jeffries.  In 1971, Miles dedicated an album to Jack Johnson, but there is far more to the connection.  Throughout the film, we witness the blending of Jack Johnson’s attitude and the free flowing spirit of a Miles album.  I suspect the more you know about Miles, the more likely you are to enjoy certain scenes with a proportionate amount of frustration with the factual liberties that are taken.  Emayatzy Corinealdi gives an excellent performance as Miles’ first wife, Frances Taylor.  Unlike the reporter character (Ewan McGregor), Emayatzy is believable.  Arguably, she and Cheadle are the only truly believable characters in the film.  The more I think about Miles Ahead, the more impressed I am with the film, with the most impressive element being Don Cheadle’s performance.  Seldom do I find a singular acting performance sufficient reason to see a film.   Cheadle’s portrayal of Miles Davis is on par with George C. Scott playing General Patton – totally dominating and magnificent.