By Liz Lopez
Rating: A
I viewed Miles Ahead as part of the SXSW Film Festival this year and it is one of the favorite music related feature films that I enjoyed this year. This is definitely one of the films that I will not mind viewing over and over again, given Don Cheadle’s interpretation of the music giant, as well as the serving as the director, co- writer and producer (along with six other producers). He clearly stated during the SXSW Film/Music panel I attended that serving in different capacities in this film was a difficult feat for him, but he also had many good things to say about the process and the production.
The story centers on a certain point in time in the virtuoso’s life, including the time spent with Dave (Ewan McGregor), a Rolling Stone reporter who seeks to secure an interview with the musical star, but ends up with so much more while trying to do so. There are some great scenes that Cheadle portrays, both the happy days and the dark days with the graceful dancer, Frances Taylor (a beautiful Emayatzy Corinealdi). It is a sad truth to view how the drug abuse and domestic violence tore these two talented artists apart. I highly recommend the film for music fans and for fans of the actor/director, Don Cheadle.
Also starring in this drama, among many other supporting actors is Michael Stuhlbarg as Harper Hamilton and Keith Stanfield (Short Term 12) as his talented client, Junior.
Mark Amin, Baigelman, Jonathan Gardner and Brian Pope serve as Executive Producers. Erin Davis and Cheryl Davis are also Executive Producers, and the film was made with the participation of The Miles Davis Estate.
The 100 minute film is rated R for strong language throughout, drug use, some sexuality/nudity and brief violence.
Source: Sony Pictures Classics