Watch A Free Bird

A Free Bird, a 2014 independent drama film directed by Gregg Russell, revolves around the life of Juilliard-trained pianist, Albert, played by Russell Durham Comegys. Despite his impeccable musical talent, Albert lives a solitary life and struggles to find financial stability. He works odd jobs while waiting for a big break that never seems to come. Instead, he receives a sudden diagnosis of terminal cancer, a revelation that turns his monotonous life upside down.

Determined to make the best of his last days, Albert embarks on a journey to fulfill his final wish- compose a symphony. With no money and no connections, he turns to an old friend, an elderly piano teacher, Mrs. Trotter (Karen-Eileen Gordon), who takes him under her wing and gives him a place to live. Mrs. Trotter quickly becomes Albert's mentor, inspiring him with tales of her youth as a jazz singer and helping him overcome his creative block.

Along the way, Albert meets an eclectic group of characters that encourage him to explore novel ideas such as combining rock and jazz music. George Faughnan plays the role of a rock musician, named Scott, who becomes Albert's unlikely collaborator. Together, they experiment with various genres of music, and their partnership reignites Albert's passion for playing the piano.

As Albert's health declines, his journey becomes more urgent. He races against time to finish his masterpiece before he passes away. As he works tirelessly in his basement studio, he is confronted with the reality of his mortality. He realizes that despite his accomplishments, he has made little impact on the world.

A Free Bird is a poignant, emotional story about artistic expression, the meaning of life, and coming to terms with death. It explores the fragility of life and the power of music to heal and connect people. The film encourages its viewers to live life to the fullest and embrace their talents.

The cinematography in the film complements the mood of each scene, with warm colors washing over the screen when Albert is happy, and bolder hues emphasizing moments of intense emotion. The music in the film is exceptional, with a score that evokes emotions and tugs at the heartstrings. The film's soundtrack combines various genres of music, reflecting the diversity of Albert's influences and experiences.

The actors' performances in A Free Bird are outstanding, and each character is unique and memorable. Russell Durham Comegys delivers a masterful performance as Albert, portraying the complexity of his character with sensitivity and nuance. Karen-Eileen Gordon's portrayal of Mrs. Trotter is heartwarming and captivating, and her character serves as a source of inspiration for Albert.

George Faughnan's performance as Scott is an excellent contrast to Albert's character, providing humor and lightness to the film. He delivers his lines with impeccable timing and provides relief from the film's somber tone.

Overall, A Free Bird is a compelling, emotional film that will leave its viewers with a sense of hope and inspiration. It is a reminder to cherish the people and things that matter most in life and to pursue our dreams with passion and determination, no matter the obstacles. The film is a testament to the power of music to connect people and to the beauty of living a life filled with creativity and self-expression.

A Free Bird is a 2014 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 35 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.5.