Watch Miles Ahead

Miles Ahead is a 2015 biographical drama film that chronicles the life of legendary jazz trumpeter, Miles Davis. The movie was directed by and stars Don Cheadle as Miles Davis. Emayatzy Corinealdi plays Frances Taylor, Davis's ex-wife, and Ewan McGregor plays Dave Brill, a music journalist who befriends Davis. The movie takes place in the late 1970s when Davis had been largely out of the public eye for several years. Miles has become reclusive and is plagued by his memories of his past, particularly his relationship with Frances. When Dave approaches him for an interview, Davis becomes defensive but eventually agrees to talk to him. As they spend more time together, they form a friendship and begin to collaborate on Davis's comeback album. The album reflects Davis's emotional state and his many musical influences.

The film is structured around Davis's memories, which he experiences as vivid and disjointed flashbacks. We see him as a young musician, struggling to find his voice and to break free of the constraints of traditional jazz. We see him at the height of his fame, living the high life and fighting against racism and oppression. And we see him in his later years, struggling with addiction and trying to find his way back to music.

Throughout the film, we are given a portrait of a complex and multifaceted man. Miles Davis was known for his raw talent, but he was also known for his many flaws. He was a drug addict and an alcoholic, and he was often abusive towards the women in his life. However, the film does not shy away from these darker aspects of Davis's personality. Instead, it shows us a man who was deeply flawed but also deeply passionate about his music and his art.

One of the things that makes Miles Ahead such a compelling film is the way that it blends fact and fiction. The movie is not a straightforward biopic but rather a fictionalized version of Davis's life. This allows the filmmakers to take creative liberties with the story and to give us a more nuanced and complex portrait of the man behind the music.

Don Cheadle's performance as Miles Davis is nothing short of remarkable. He captures both the musician's charisma and his mercurial temper. He also learned to play the trumpet for the role, which adds an extra layer of authenticity to the film. Emayatzy Corinealdi is also excellent as Frances Taylor, Davis's ex-wife. She brings a sensitive and nuanced portrayal to the character, making her more than just a prop in Davis's story.

The film's soundtrack is also a standout element. Miles Davis's music is woven throughout the film, from his early recordings to his later, experimental work. The score, composed by Robert Glasper, blends Davis's music with more modern elements, creating a sound that is both timeless and contemporary.

Overall, Miles Ahead is a must-see for any fan of Miles Davis or jazz music in general. The film captures the spirit of the music and the man behind it, giving us a portrait that is both flawed and beautiful. Don Cheadle's direction and performance are exceptional, and the film's blend of fact and fiction makes for a compelling and unique movie experience.

Miles Ahead is a 2016 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 40 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.4 and a MetaScore of 64.