#1265: ZWERIN, Charlotte: Thelonius Monk Straight, No Chaser (1988)

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ZWERIN, Charlotte (United States)
Thelonius Monk Straight, No Chaser [1988]
Spine #1265
Blu-ray


The closest a film camera ever got to enigmatic jazz visionary Thelonious Monk, this intimate portrait sheds light on the corners of a brilliant and complex life. Superbly crafted by Direct Cinema pioneer Charlotte Zwerin from a trove of precious 1960s archival footage, Thelonious Monk Straight, No Chaser captures the pianist and bebop innovator in rare, unguarded moments on- and offstage, revealing an eccentric and complicated personality. Made with the same freedom of spirit that defines Monk’s artistry, this essential slice of jazz history is a unique glimpse into the quixotic world of one of the twentieth century’s most revolutionary artists.

89 minutes
Monaural
Color/Black and White
1:33:1
Criterion Release 2025

Director

Charlotte Zwerin was 57 when she directed Thelonius Monk Straight, No Chaser.

The Film


The Extras

The Booklet

Commentary

Video tribute

Documentary 1

Documentary 2

Documentary 3

Controversial altered ending

Theatrical trailer

By Spine #

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