#1122: TAVERNIER, Bertrand: 'Round Midnight (1986)
TAVERNIER, Bertrand (United States)
'Round Midnight [1986]
Director/Writers
'Round Midnight [1986]
Spine #1122
Blu-ray
’Round Midnight is a love letter from director Bertrand Tavernier to the heyday of bebop and to the Black American musicians who found refuge in the smoky underground jazz clubs of 1950s Paris. In a miraculous, sui generis fusion of performer and character that was nominated for an Oscar, legendary saxophonist Dexter Gordon plays Dale Turner, a brilliant New York jazz veteran whose music aches with beauty but whose personal life is ravaged by addiction. Searching for a fresh start in Paris, Turner strikes up an unlikely friendship with a struggling single father and ardent jazz fan (François Cluzet) who finds his life transformed as he attempts to help the self-destructive musician. Herbie Hancock’s evocative, Oscar-winning score sets the mood for this definitive jazz film, a bittersweet opus that glows with lived-in, soulful authenticity.
131 minutes
Color
Color
Stereo
in French and English
2:39:1 aspect ratio
in French and English
2:39:1 aspect ratio
Criterion Release 2022
Written by David Rayfiel and Bertrand Tavernier.
Tavernier was 45 when he directed 'Round Midnight.
Other Tavernier films in the Collection:
#106: Coup de Torchon (1981)
Tavernier was 45 when he directed 'Round Midnight.
Other Tavernier films in the Collection:
#106: Coup de Torchon (1981)
The Film
a
Film Rating (0-60):
The Booklet
Eight-panel foldout featuring an essay by scholar Mark Anthony Neal.
Commentary
None.
Interview
With jazz and cultural critic Gary Giddins.
Conversation
With music producer Michael Cuscuna and author Maxine Gordon, widow of musician Dexter Gordon.
Before Midnight
A 1986 behind-the-scenes documentary by Jean Achache.
Panel discussion
From 2014 featuring Cuscuna, Maxine Gordon, director Tavernier, and jazz scholar John Szwed, moderated by jazz critic and broadcaster Mark Ruffin.
Performance
From 1969 of “Fried Bananas” by Dexter, directed by Teit Jørgensen.
Extras Rating (0-40):
60
The ExtrasThe Booklet
Eight-panel foldout featuring an essay by scholar Mark Anthony Neal.
Commentary
None.
Interview
With jazz and cultural critic Gary Giddins.
Conversation
With music producer Michael Cuscuna and author Maxine Gordon, widow of musician Dexter Gordon.
Before Midnight
A 1986 behind-the-scenes documentary by Jean Achache.
Panel discussion
From 2014 featuring Cuscuna, Maxine Gordon, director Tavernier, and jazz scholar John Szwed, moderated by jazz critic and broadcaster Mark Ruffin.
Performance
From 1969 of “Fried Bananas” by Dexter, directed by Teit Jørgensen.
Extras Rating (0-40):
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