Ethan Hawke is said to be “superb” and giving an “extraordinary performance” in this radical Chet Baker biopic, which uses fact and fiction to reimagine the life of the legendary jazz trumpeter and crooner, his addictions, and unlikely comeback.
In the early ’60s, while Baker was imprisoned for drug convictions in Italy, producer Dino de Laurentiis (La Strada, King Kong, Barbarella) approached him to star in a movie as himself. While that film never materialised, director Robert Budreau imagines that Baker did indeed star in that biopic, using this device to capture the improvisational nature of jazz and translate it to film. Tackling Baker’s heroin addiction, his romance with the supportive Jane (Carmen Ejogo, Selma) and his unlikely comeback after losing his teeth, the film is a remarkable visual and aural journey. Hawke, who himself sings, gives one of the greatest performances of his career as the troubled but charming genius – ‘the James Dean of jazz’.
Born To Be Blue screens twice in Sydney
• Wed 8 Jun 6pm Event Cinemas George Street
• Mon 13 Jun 2pm Dendy Opera Quays
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