Watch Miles Davis: Birth Of The Cool

Miles Davis: Birth Of The Cool is a documentary film that takes a deep dive into the life and legacy of one of the most iconic jazz musicians of all time. The film is directed by Stanley Nelson and features some never-before-seen footage, photographs and interviews with Davis' friends, family, and fellow musicians. The film opens with Miles Davis' early life in St. Louis where he was born in 1926. His father was a successful dentist, and his mother was a music teacher. They encouraged Miles to take up trumpet at the age of 13, and he quickly showed remarkable talent. However, Miles was not a typical child prodigy. He was rebellious, and his parents' divorce made him even more difficult to handle.

The first part of the film also delves into Miles' musical education. He attended Juilliard School of Music in New York City but was disappointed with the institution's focus on classical music. Miles was more interested in jazz and began playing in clubs in Harlem. He quickly made a name for himself and became part of the bebop movement.

The documentary then shifts to Miles Davis' career in the 1950s, a period that saw him gain critical acclaim and commercial success. The film explores his collaborations with other jazz greats such as John Coltrane, Charlie Parker, and Gil Evans. It's fascinating to see how Davis evolved musically during this time. He was always pushing the boundaries and experimenting with new sounds, which sometimes led to controversy.

The film doesn't shy away from discussing Miles' personal life either. His first marriage to Frances Taylor, a black model and dancer, was turbulent, and they divorced in 1968. Miles later married actress Cicely Tyson but was unfaithful to her. The film also touches on Miles' struggles with addiction, which affected his career and relationships.

Despite these personal struggles, Miles Davis continued to create music that was innovative and inspiring. The documentary highlights his later work, which featured collaborations with artists from different genres such as hip-hop, rock, and funk.

The film's interviews with Miles Davis' family, colleagues, and friends provide insights into his personality and character. His son, Erin, talks about his father's love for boxing and how it influenced his music. Jazz critic Gary Giddins discusses Miles' unique style and influence on the music industry. Quincy Troupe, a poet and friend of Miles', talks about their relationship and the musician's love for the arts.

The documentary also shows how Miles Davis' music was influenced by the social and political issues of the time. He was at the forefront of the civil rights movement and used his music to spread awareness and promote change. Miles Davis' music was a reflection of his environment, and the film shows how he responded to issues such as racism and police brutality.

Overall, Miles Davis: Birth Of The Cool is a fascinating and in-depth look at the life and work of one of the most influential musicians of the 20th century. The film is beautifully shot, and the archive footage and photographs help to bring the story to life. It's a must-watch for fans of jazz and anyone interested in the history of music.

Miles Davis: Birth Of The Cool is a 2019 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 55 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.4 and a MetaScore of 76.