Watch Born to Be Blue

Born to Be Blue is a 2015 biographical drama film starring Ethan Hawke in the lead role of legendary jazz trumpeter, Chet Baker. The film follows a turbulent period in Baker's life, beginning with his comeback attempt in the late 1960s after years of drug addiction, and ending with his brutal beating in 1966 that left him with serious dental injuries that impacted his ability to play the trumpet.

The film opens with Baker in prison, reflecting on his life and his music. Through a series of flashbacks, we see him in a rehab facility in the 1950s, where he meets Jane (Carmen Ejogo), a young actress who becomes his lover and muse. The two fall in love, but their relationship is plagued by Baker's drug addiction and infidelity.

Despite his personal demons, Baker manages to continue making music, and the film is punctuated by several live performances of his iconic songs. However, his addiction and poor choices catch up with him, and he becomes involved in a series of robberies to fund his drug habit.

After serving time in prison, Baker attempts to make a comeback with a new album and a European tour. However, his injuries from the beating make it difficult for him to play the trumpet, and he becomes increasingly frustrated and despondent.

Throughout the film, we see Baker's struggle to reconcile his love for music with his destructive behavior and the toll it takes on his relationships and his health. Hawke gives a powerful performance as Baker, capturing both his vulnerability and his charisma. Ejogo is equally impressive as Jane, conveying both her strength and her vulnerability as she tries to help Baker overcome his demons.

The film's soundtrack, composed by David Braid, is a fitting tribute to Baker's music, expertly capturing the sense of longing and melancholy that characterized his style. Director Robert Budreau expertly balances the film's music and drama, creating a moving portrait of an artist struggling to find his way back to the music he loves.

Overall, Born to Be Blue is a powerful and intimate look at the life and music of Chet Baker, and a testament to the enduring power of his music. Hawke and Ejogo deliver standout performances, and the film's soundtrack is sure to delight both jazz aficionados and casual listeners alike.

Born to Be Blue is a 2016 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 37 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.8 and a MetaScore of 64.