Cert 15
100 mins
BBFC advice: Contains strong language, drug use, sexualised nudity
I've always enjoyed the sound of jazz since I had trumpet lessons as a young boy.
Sadly, my instrument has been left, dented and abandoned in a corner of my parents' loft for the past 40 years but the style of music to which I briefly aspired still floats my boat
And that is why I was so keen to nip into Derby Quad to see Don Cheadle as the prime exponent of jazz, Miles Davis.
Don Cheadle directs and stars in a biopic which demonstrates a degree of love for the genius trumpeteer and arranger but which does not shy away from his many flaws.
Miles Ahead sees Davis portrayed as a drink and drug-addled womaniser whose best music is long behind him.
Ewan McGregor plays a freelance reporter who wants the exclusive interview on the rumours of his re-emergence from a five-year break from music.
However, he finds Davis in a dark and dangerous place and at odds with record producers who, he believes, are ripping him off.
The film flits between Davis's earlier, more coherent life, and scenes from the 'retirement' period between 1975-79 when he drifted into addiction.
Cheadle's portrayal as an unhinged gangster figure has caused consternation among some observers although he was given approval by the musician's family.
I can certainly vouch that some of the scenes, particularly those involving, McGregor seem to be needlessly fraught.
Nevertheless, Cheadle is superb, demonstrating the sublime range of his acting abilities within one, often chaotic, role.
Emayatzy Corinealdi impresses as Davis's wife, Frances Taylor, and McGregor adds the star dust which enabled what was a crowdfunded project to hit screens worldwide.
But above all there is the music. And, of course, that is of the highest quality.
Reasons to watch: Don Cheadle is superb in the lead role
Reasons to avoid: flits around too much
Laughs: none
Jumps: none
Vomit: yes
Nudity: yes
Overall rating: 7.5/10
Star tweet
Ben SchwartzIf @DonCheadle was playing Miles Davis inside that War Machine armor, the whole Civil War thing would have been over in seconds. #TeamMiles
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