Round Midnight

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Scott R @ScottR Jun 3 NYT 1000 films. A Jax biopic with the real man acting as himself. Going through his trials and successes as a musician show what he thought really mattered in his story. It was sad and tragic, but at the same time real and interesting. Saw on box. See more Blu B @RT43513976 08/15/2025 A Jazz Musical Biopic Classic. The music is the highlight and is what holds this together through the narrative meandering and slow burn. It truly immerses you in the music, the scene, and the vibes. That's really what this film is 70% of the time. We're just feeling the cigarette smoke coming through the screen with empty glasses of scotch next to us. The cinematography is really good also. The night scenes in Paris, the Jazz club, direction, moody lighting, the smoke, cramped apartments all immerse you with the music and I truly don't mind at all those long scenes because it's such a strong vibe and truly where and how this film soars when it works. Everything else is solid enough save for the editing which isn't bad. The problem is the other 30% or so. It feels like stuff just happens only very loosely connected by the "feelings" you get scene to scene and direction carrying this. But when it gets to Dexter's personal life, relationship with others, and trying to form some kind of narrative it's almost nonexistant at points or loosely connected enough to be passable. If you strip the music away and look at just the characters/story there is pieces and chunks but nothing really solid. This makes this feel like a 3 hour plus movie and it did start to wear off in the last third or so a bit which was also when we focused the most on character/going to NYC. I don't think that's a coincidence. If your a big fan of Jazz, Musical biopics, the director, or any actors in this than give this a shot. I do have to say I struggle to see casual muscial genre fans getting into this and drama fans also because of th elack of narrative. See more 11/21/2021 I have never forgotten this movie. It really impressed me as did Dexter Gordon. Have seen it twice and would love to watch it again. :o) See more 07/13/2021 When the jazzman is signifyin', and the band is windin' low It's the late night side of morning in the darkness of his soul He can fill a room with sadness as he fills his horn with tears He can cry like a fallen angel when risin' time is near See more 12/18/2020 Sensitive and inspiring flick from a time when movies used to be about human beings and not politics. A must watch even if you're not a Jazzhead (thou you may become one after watching this). See more 08/02/2020 What an amazing performance from Dexter Gordon. He was nominated for Best Actor in 1987. Any fan of Jazz music should appreciate the nice story and great soundtrack. The story is a little slow and simple, but the music kept me going. See more Read all reviews

Round Midnight

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