Miles Ahead Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

Miles Davis snorts coke, punches reporters, and shoots at record executives all while trying to protect a secret tape, which is basically a jazz version of a heist movie.

🍿 Miles Ahead: Detailed Plot Synopsis

1970s Hiatus and Confrontation

The film opens in the late 1970s, during Miles Davis’ self-imposed five-year hiatus from music. He’s living as a recluse, battling drug addiction and creative frustration. Dave Braden, a Rolling Stone reporter, aggressively pursues Davis, hoping for a comeback story. Their initial encounter is volatile, marked by confrontation and Miles’ unpredictable behavior. Braden eventually becomes embroiled in Davis’ chaotic world, offering a glimpse into the musician’s troubled state.

Flashbacks to the 1950s: Frances and Inspiration

Interspersed with the 1970s narrative are flashbacks to the 1950s when Davis was deeply in love with Frances Taylor, a dancer who became his wife and muse. These scenes depict their passionate relationship, which served as a major source of inspiration for Davis’ music. Frances’ influence is portrayed as a pivotal element in his creative output during this period. However, tensions arise when Davis pressures Frances to abandon her dancing career, highlighting the complexities of their relationship.

The Stolen Tape and the Chaotic Chase

A central plot point revolves around a stolen session tape containing Davis’ unreleased music. This triggers a frenzied pursuit as Davis, aided by Braden, attempts to retrieve the tape from a corrupt record executive and a young, ambitious trumpet player. The chase unfolds with elements of action and suspense, reflecting the turbulent state of Davis’ life during his hiatus. This pursuit underscores the lengths Davis is willing to go to protect his creative work.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Miles Davis (Don Cheadle): A troubled but brilliant jazz musician grappling with his past and future while battling personal demons and record company pressures.
• Frances Taylor (Emayatzy Corinealdi): Miles Davis’s former wife and muse, a talented dancer who struggles with his infidelity and controlling nature.
• Dave Braden (Ewan McGregor): An ambitious Rolling Stone reporter who gets caught up in Miles Davis’s chaotic world while seeking a comeback story.
• Harper (Michael Stuhlbarg): A scheming record executive who seeks to exploit Miles Davis’s music for personal gain.
• Junior (LaKeith Stanfield): A talented but troubled young musician caught in the conflict surrounding Miles Davis’s stolen tapes.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Miles Davis: “Don’t call it jazz, it’s social music.” – Miles insists on using this term, as jazz stereotypes his music
• Doorman: “Do you have a pass?” – A security guard denies Miles entrance, and Miles responds with his face
• Miles Davis: “When you’re creating your own shit, man, even the sky ain’t the limit.” – He says this at the beginning of the film.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $25 million
• Domestic Gross: $2,610,896
• Worldwide Gross: $3,473,958

💥 Miles Ahead Reviews

Personal Review

I went into ‘Miles Ahead’ not knowing a ton about Miles Davis, but I left feeling like I got a glimpse into his complex world. Don Cheadle’s performance is incredible – he embodies Davis’s cool swagger and inner turmoil so well. The scene where he’s jamming with other jazz legends at the end gave me chills. It’s not a traditional biopic, which is refreshing; it’s more like a jazzy, improvisational ride through his life. I found the movie to be good, but after reading a few reviews, I realize there’s a lot the film may leave out or misinterpret. Still, an entertaining watch!

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of Miles Davis and jazz music”
  • “Viewers interested in unconventional biopics”
  • “Those who appreciate strong acting performances, especially Don Cheadle’s”
  • “Audiences seeking a blend of drama, action, and music”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Drug use”
  • “Strong language”
  • “Violence”
  • “Brief depictions of domestic abuse”

Professional Reviews

• The New York Times: “Don Cheadle shines as Miles Davis, capturing the musician’s fiery spirit and troubled genius. The film’s unconventional structure keeps things interesting, though it occasionally sacrifices depth for style.
• Rolling Stone: “Cheadle’s passion for Davis is evident, but the film’s fictionalized plot feels contrived. The music is fantastic, but the story struggles to find a compelling narrative beyond Davis’s personal demons.
• Variety: “A vibrant and impressionistic portrait of Miles Davis, anchored by Don Cheadle’s commanding performance. The film’s unconventional structure mirrors Davis’s innovative music, offering a fresh take on the biopic genre.

Audience Reactions

Don Cheadle’s performance as Miles Davis is spot on.: Viewers are consistently impressed with Cheadle’s portrayal of Davis, from his raspy voice to his intense presence.

The soundtrack is incredible and really captures the spirit of Miles Davis’s music.: Fans of Davis’s music appreciate the film’s use of his iconic tracks, which enhance the overall viewing experience.

The film’s unconventional storytelling approach is a refreshing take on the biopic genre.: Audiences enjoy the film’s non-linear narrative and its willingness to experiment with form, making it a unique and engaging experience.

Overall Consensus: Despite some criticisms regarding its accuracy and unconventional narrative, ‘Miles Ahead’ is generally praised for Don Cheadle’s outstanding performance and its vibrant portrayal of Miles Davis’s persona and musical genius.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Don Cheadle not only starred as Miles Davis but also co-wrote, directed, and co-produced the film, marking his directorial debut.”
• “Cheadle spent years learning to play the trumpet in order to portray Miles Davis authentically.”
• “The film deviates from a traditional biopic format, focusing on a specific tumultuous period in Davis’s life rather than a comprehensive cradle-to-grave narrative.”
• “Many scenes were filmed in Cincinnati, Ohio.”

🖥️ How to Watch Miles Ahead?

As of October 2024, “Miles Ahead” is available for rent or purchase on various digital platforms such as Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu. Check your local listings for availability. You can also find it on DVD and Blu-ray through online retailers like Amazon and at local stores like Walmart and Target. Streaming availability may vary by region, so be sure to confirm availability in your location.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Miles Ahead, you might like these similar films:

• Bird (1988): A biographical film about jazz saxophonist Charlie Parker, directed by Clint Eastwood, offering a more traditional approach to a jazz legend’s life.
• Born to be Blue (2015): Another biopic focusing on a jazz musician, Chet Baker, during a specific challenging period of his life, similar to ‘Miles Ahead’s’ narrative structure.
• Round Midnight (1986): This film explores the life of a jazz musician in Paris, capturing the essence of the jazz scene and its struggles during the mid-20th century.

🛒 Miles Ahead Related Products

• Miles Davis – Kind of Blue (Legacy Edition): The quintessential Miles Davis album, ‘Kind of Blue’ is a must-have for any jazz enthusiast. This Legacy Edition features remastered audio and bonus tracks, offering the ultimate listening experience.
• Miles Davis: The Autobiography: Gain insights into the life and mind of Miles Davis through his own words. This autobiography provides a raw and unfiltered account of his journey, from his early days to his rise as a jazz icon.
• The Miles Davis Real Book: This comprehensive collection features accurate, easy-to-read lead sheets for hundreds of Miles Davis compositions.
• Miles Davis: Birth of the Cool (DVD): An insightful documentary that explores Miles Davis’ early career and the creation of his innovative ‘Birth of the Cool’ sound.

🎧 Soundtrack

Miles Ahead features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Gone 2015” – performed by Robert Glasper, Pharoahe Monch, Keyon Harrold
• “So What” – performed by Miles Davis
• “Concierto de Aranjuez” – performed by Miles Davis

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Don Cheadle on Making ‘Miles Ahead’: “Plans Went Out the Window”

Ever wondered how much pressure Don Cheadle was under making ‘Miles Ahead’? He breaks down the messy reality of directing, writing, and starring as Miles Davis. Sounds intense, right? You should check it out.

Keyon Harrold Plays Miles Davis’ ‘Moon and Stars’ Trumpet | Christie’s

Did you know Miles Davis had a custom trumpet? Hear the mesmerizing sound of Keyon Harrold playing Davis’s ‘Moon and Stars’ trumpet, which was also featured in the film. It’s pretty cool to see and hear a piece of music history!

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