Miles Davis: Birth of the Cool

This was a really strong and incredibly polished documentary, with only a couple of minor criticisms worth noting, such as a lot of the old footage featured being awkwardly cropped to fit the 16:9 ratio, and also (more a very personal complaint) I was a bit bummed they didn't discuss either of my two favourite Miles Davis albums (In a Silent Way and A Tribute to Jack Johnson, for the record).

I will say that by and large this is a very good documentary, though. It showcases the good and bad sides of Miles David with a strikingly objective tone, portraying him as a complex person and not shying away from the negative aspects of his life - like his addictions and the abuse in some of his relationships - while also celebrating his talents and contributions to the music world. Many documentaries about deceased artists gloss over darker times in their subject's lives, so this one deserves credit for being so honest- the documentary is all the more compelling for it, too.

Also great was the wide range of interviewees - including still living friends, ex-partners, and bandmates of Miles Davis. Then there was the great voiceover work of Carl Lumby, who narrates quotes and journal entries (I think?) written by Davis himself- a creative choice that could have been cheesy if not handled well, but it was executed fantastically here.

And the budget of the documentary helped, too. They were able to license a great deal of Miles Davis songs (ensuring the soundtrack in general was consistently excellent), and featured clips from films like Elevator to the Gallows and Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs to great effect (licensing footage from a Disney film in particular can't be cheap).

Recommended for Miles Davis fans or just fans of music in general, because I've been watching a lot of music documentaries lately and this is clearly a cut or two above your average one.

This was a jazz person's documentary, and I am not that. I have heard and read much about Miles Davis here and there. People like to attach themselves to famous personalities, and with Davis we see these in his diverse orbits. When he got down, they jumped off him like fleas, and when he got back up, they hopped back on. His accomplishments as a musician overwhelmed-truly this documentary established that Miles Davis was a unique force in music. The documentary showed directly if diffidently that as a father and a husband he was a flop; also, as a personality he was misanthropic, narcissistic and a materialist. The two of three wives interviewed established that about him and ironically, themselves. His last wife, Cicely Tyson, a superior artist in her own field, kept her observations to herself, and did not appear. One question not addressed in this documentary lingers with this viewer: Why did he return to the U. S. when his reception is Europe was so warm and appreciative? Other African-American artists did stay, why not Davis?

A decent biography. As a younger fan I certainly learnt quite a bit. But while it is interesting to hear about Miles' personal life, relationships, addiction issues, etc I would have liked the film to balance the screen time a little more towards the music and essentially, why we are all sat here in 2020 watching a documentary about this guy - his musical genius. The most interesting parts of the film to me were where we were given insight into Miles' musical motivations, what it was like in the studio with the interview commentary from Hancock, Shorter etc. The part about Miles' improvised score for the French film 'elevator to the gallows' was great - a work of music I wasn't aware of and made me desperate to watch that film. On the other hand sad to see in a silent way given no mention - very signficant as the stepping stone to the full on fusion of brew, and an incredible album. 5 minutes of personal life stuff could certainly have given way for some discussion of the musical ideas behind that project in my opinion. Still, if you want to know more about Miles, his personality, his life story this will fill you in pretty well.

I was really amazed to read that there had not been made a comprehensive documentary about the work and life of Miles Davis yet. With full access to the Miles Davis Estate, this film features never-before-seen footage, including studio outtakes from his recording sessions, rare photos and new interviews. Quincy Jones, Carlos Santana, Clive Davis, Wayne Shorter and Ron Carter are just a few of the luminaries weighing in on Davis' life and career.

Miles Davis' (simulated) voice over in this documentary is very effective, especially since his husky, raw voice (caused by an illness) is so powerful, however soft it sounds simultaneously. Like his voice, his trumpet sounds very fragile as well, but it is still so intense and powerful and gorgeous to listen to... Miles Davis' music will live on forever...this documentary let's us hear why...

A neat and classy entry in the ongoing "American Masters" series, "Miles Davis: Birth of the Cool" is a smooth and laidback chronicle on the life and legacy of Miles Davis. Jazz's greatest chameleon and one of its groundbreakers, Davis was the innovator and progressive who took Jazz beyond tradition and trends with his boldness and skill elevating the music to new heights while taking it to new worlds that would prove influential. The documentary charts Davis' life from his privileged upbringing to the start of his music career from being a protege of luminaries like Charlie Parker and Dizzy Gillepsie to being a trendsetting visionary as bandleader where he made some of the most distinguished music of the genre and became a mentor to some of the greatest names in Jazz. His personal life is also highlighted and his character is touched on, warts and all: the drugs, women, violence and the highs and lows of his tempestuous relation with his muse and the world around him. The film features interviews with fellow musicians and people who knew Davis while attractive images and films complement and they're a beaut with the fine strains and stirring melodies of the music as soundtrack. While nothing revealing or outstanding the documentary is a well-done showcase of one of Jazz's most important and talented figures. Hip, suave, complicated and talented, Miles Davis was the personification of Jazz at its most complex and compelling.