The movie is notable for the performance of Dexter Gordon, who plays the American saxophonist Dale Turner. With the help of a young French fan, Turner decides to go to Paris, where he finds himself a job at a club. But Turner's alcoholism and drug addiction begin to distract him from what it takes to pursue a career in music.
The film's soundtrack was composed by Herbie Hancock and features performances by Dexter Gordon as Dale Turner. "Round Midnight" earned Bertrand Tavernier an Oscar nomination for Best Director in 1987, and it won an Oscar for Best Original Score that same year.
1986's Round Midnight is a drama film that tells the story of Dale Turner, an American saxophonist. Dale Turner came to France from America to work in jazz clubs in Paris. However, the bad habits of the years have clouded his music career. Dale gets to know Francis Borler, a young female fan and manager. Francis does his best to cure her and get her back to her music career.
Dale and Francis start working together and perform at a nightclub. Here Dale meets Bud Powell, a pianist and composer. Dale realizes that Powell also has drug problems and wants to help him. However, he may not be able to fully help Powell as Dale has to deal with problems in his own musical career and life.
The main theme of the film is the struggle of musical geniuses with problems that often plague their music careers because of their private lives and bad habits. In addition, the subject of the film gives information about the jazz clubs and music scene in Paris, and also gives an idea about the relationships with the stars in the music world and the historical importance of jazz music.
Round Midnight is inspired by real life stories and reflects the lives of some real-life musicians. The film is a staple for music lovers and has an inspiring story about music-related topics.
The film is inspired by real-life jazz musicians such as Bud Powell, Lester Young, Ben Webster, Charlie Parker, and Coleman Hawkins. Here are some of the interesting facts about the movie:
- "Round Midnight" started as a project where director Bertrand Tavernier was himself a jazz listener. Tavernier teamed up with French writer Claude Nougaro to write the screenplay for the film.
- Dexter Gordon, the lead actor of the movie, was a real-life jazz musician and also sang the soundtrack for the movie. Gordon was nominated for an Oscar for Best Actor for his performance in the film.
- "Round Midnight" is Tavernier's first English-language film. The film was shot in French, English and Spanish.
- The film was screened at many jazz clubs and festivals in France and was praised by many jazz musicians.
- During the filming of the movie, Dexter Gordon had a fainting attack on set due to his health problems. However, with the support of the other cast and crew on the set, he recovered and was able to continue filming.
- The film also features Bud Powell, who has an important place in the history of jazz music. Powell was one of the most important pianists of the bebop era and found himself in the soundtrack of the film.
- The soundtrack of the film was composed and recorded by Herbie Hancock. Hancock also contributed to the production of the film and appeared briefly in the film.
- "Round Midnight" won the Oscar for Best Original Screenplay the same year it was made and was nominated for Best Picture, Best Director and Best Actor.
Director : Bertrand Tavernier
Writers : Francis Paudras, Bud Powell, David Rayfiel
Director of Photography : Bruno de Keyzer
Writers : Francis Paudras, Bud Powell, David Rayfiel
Director of Photography : Bruno de Keyzer
Music : Herbie Hancock
Production : 1986 - France, USA - 133 m.
Genre : Drama / Music
Production : 1986 - France, USA - 133 m.
Genre : Drama / Music
CAST :
Dexter Gordon
François Cluzet
Gabrielle Haker
Sandra Reaves-Phillips
Lonette McKee
Christine Pascal
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