Poster for Round Midnight

Round Midnight

1986, Drama, 2h 10m

25 Reviews 2,500+ Ratings

critics consensus

Brought brilliantly to life by Dexter Gordon's outstanding performance, Round Midnight is the rare jazz-inflected drama that matches the power of the music. Read critic reviews

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Round Midnight Photos

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Movie Info

In the 1950s, Dale Turner (Dexter Gordon), a gifted black saxophonist with a drinking problem, leaves behind New York and his estranged family and relocates to Paris. There he plays for a progressive, jazz-loving audience without being judged by his race, and ages quietly in peace. Not intending to turn away from his vices, Dale nonetheless becomes the project of a French fan (François Cluzet) who tries to help him fight his alcoholism, ultimately inspiring both Dale and his music.

Rating:

R
Genre:

Drama
Original Language:

English
Director:

Bertrand Tavernier
Producer:

Irwin Winkler
Release Date (Theaters):

Sep 12, 1986 original
Release Date (Streaming):

Jan 30, 2001
Box Office (Gross USA):

$2.7M
Runtime:

2h 10m
Sound Mix:

Surround, Stereo

Cast & Crew

Dexter Gordon
Dale Turner

François Cluzet

François Cluzet
Francis Borler

Gabrielle Haker

Gabrielle Haker
Berangere

Sandra Reaves-Phillips

Sandra Reaves-Phillips
Buttercup

Lonette McKee
Darcey Leigh

Christine Pascal

Christine Pascal
Sylvie

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News & Interviews for Round Midnight

Definitive Jazz Movies

Definitive Jazz Movies

Critic Reviews for Round Midnight

All Critics (25) | Top Critics (10) | Fresh (24) | Rotten (1)

Full Review… Clayton Dillard Slant Magazine

Full Review… Tim Pulleine Guardian

Full Review… Mark Chalon Smith Los Angeles Times

Full Review… Variety Staff Variety

Full Review… Pat Graham Chicago Reader

Full Review… Janet Maslin New York Times

Full Review… Nicholas Bell IONCINEMA.com

Full Review… Jas Keimig The Stranger (Seattle, WA)

Full Review… Philip French Observer (UK)

Full Review… Dennis Schwartz Dennis Schwartz Movie Reviews

Full Review… Emanuel Levy EmanuelLevy.Com

Full Review… Christopher Null Filmcritic.com

View All Critic Reviews (25)

Audience Reviews for Round Midnight

Mar 05, 2014

Dexter Gordon's portrayal of a fish out of water in Paris is marvelous. We soon learn that stepping across an ocean does not allow one to run away from problems.

John B Super Reviewer
Jul 16, 2008

Captures the essence of Jazz.

Anthony V Super Reviewer
Mar 03, 2007

A very fine movie about a fictional musican based on Bud Powell and Lester Young. The only problem with this movie is that Dexter Gordon was pretty sick when it was filmed, and his playing isn't top notch for him. However, it's still very good music.

Morris N Super Reviewer

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