Miles Ahead
2015 · United States · 100 min
- Director
- Don Cheadle
- Screenplay
- Steven Baigelman
- Producer
- Don Cheadle
- Music
- Robert Glasper
- Cinematography
- Roberto Schaefer
What the critics say
74 % Rotten Tomatoes positive reviewsCast
What it is about
In the late 1970s, Miles Davis, at the height of a prolific career, withdraws from public life for several years. He lives in isolation, dealing with chronic hip pain, drug dependence and painful memories from his past. A Scottish music journalist forces his way into the house, and over the following days the two men are drawn into a chase to recover a stolen tape of the musician's latest compositions. The film jumps back and forth in time, mixing this main thread with scenes from his turbulent marriage to dancer Frances Taylor and with recording sessions of landmark albums from his career.
How it was made
Don Cheadle, who directs, co-writes and stars, was drawn less to a conventional biography than to Davis's creative process. The script, written with Steven Baigelman, combines largely fictional vignettes with real episodes. The soundtrack moves through Davis's career, from Agharta to We Want Miles, and the non-linear structure lets the story leap between eras. Financing came from several sources, including a crowdfunding campaign. Shooting began in Cincinnati in July 2014 and wrapped in August. Roberto Schaefer shot the film and Robert Glasper composed the score.
Reception and legacy
Critics gave the film mostly positive reviews, praising Cheadle's work both behind the camera and in front of it, though some reviewers found the plot lacking. It closed the New York Film Festival in 2015 and opened in US cinemas in April 2016, grossing around five million dollars worldwide. Its unconventional approach places it among musical biopics that favor mood and style over chronology.
Stills
Trailer
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Trivia
Directing debut
Miles Ahead marked Don Cheadle's feature directorial debut, in addition to his leading role.
Crowdfunded budget
Part of the budget came from an Indiegogo crowdfunding campaign, alongside personal contributions from Cheadle himself.
Original Cinematopedia text based on Wikipedia (es) and Wikipedia (en) and Wikidata.