Charles Mingus: Triumph of the Underdog (2004)
Don McGlynn's uncompromising and soulful documentary look at the tumultuous life of musician and rebel Charles Mingus is fascinating stuff. Mingus said of himself "I am half black man, half yellow man, but I claim to be a Negro. I am Charles Mingus, the famed jazz musician--but not famed enough to make a living in America." His statement summed up the conflict that plagued this musical genius his entire life: volatility, pain, prescience, and raw rage roiled inside a complex man, composer, bass player, and trombonist who transcended labels and refused to be pigeonholed into a single musical style--and who did not achieve real fame until late in his career.
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That was an excellent one.
Powerful
Good start, but then it gets ruined
This is a tender, generous movie that likes its characters and presents them as real people, full of flaws and strengths.
This film is excellent! Charles Mingus is one the most talented musicians/composers and one of the most interesting personalities in the history of America. I have been a lover of music for my entire life, but I have been a lover of jazz for only the last ten. Before I watched this movie I knew very little about Charles Mingus. About eight years ago I'd heard his music for the first time when I bought a CD of his. I listened to it once and promptly put it back in it's case and decided that it wasn't for me. Then about three years went by and I was at a friend's house party and late that night after most of the quests had left my friend and I were talking about music and he mentioned Charles Mingus and how much he loved his music. He played his CD and I don't know what happened, but it was as if my ears had opened up for the first time and it sounded wonderful. Ever since then I've been a massive fan of all of Charles Mingus' music. His music is textured and layered and full of complexities I couldn't imagine possible. I love the energy and febricity that he infuses in each record. When I listen to his music I'm transported... I'm taken on a journey... I'm given an experience that other music just doesn't replicate. Watching this movie gave me a deeper insight into the man who made that possible. For me, the movie was compelling, but in the end it was still just a glimpse into his life. How can you expect a film to comprehensively capture the essence of a man's life? It left me wanting more, and yet I loved the experience it gave me and the insight it revealed. This film inspired me.
Charles Mingus, one of the most creative forces in American 20th Century music, is examined in depth through archive footage and interviews with two former wives and numerous former bandmates. The music of Charles Mingus goes beyond simple categorization. Schooled in classical music, with his early professional exposure in the Los Angeles swing scene, Mingus moved through numerous styles, working with the major innovaters, such as Bud Powell, Charles Parker, Dizzy Gillespie, & Eric Dolphy. A volatile personality, his gentle and extreme sides are both in view. My favorite scenes are of Mingus' responses to stupid questions. By the end of this film, even those people who do not appreciate jazz will agree to Charles Mingus' place as one of the finest composers & musicians in American history.
Great documentary showing a struggling artist. If you're into jazz the soundtrack is superb.