Bio-pics

We will be discussing classic studio bio-pics the second week of class. I have mixed feelings on the genre, especially the "entertainer" bio-pic, which is so formulaic. Tell me what's the difference between Walk the Line and Ray? They're the same as Lady Sings the Blues and Coal Miner's Daughter. In fact, the only difference is in some films they get clean, and in some they overdose (with a subgenre in which they die in a plane or car crash before they can get clean or die from an overdose)

With that said, here's Miles --

Cheadle Confirmed for Miles Davis Bio
Posted Dec 5th 2006 5:01PM by Christopher Campbell
Filed under: Drama, Independent, Music & Musicals, Casting, Deals, Sony, Oscar Watch
"There still seems to be no official press release regarding Don Cheadle's involvement in a Miles Davis biopic, but TMZ is reporting that not only is the actor confirmed to star as the jazz trumpet legend, but he will be directing the film, as well. Erik told us back in March about the project, but at that time it was thought that Sony Pictures would be involved and that Antoine Fuqua might be interested in directing it. Then, just a few weeks ago, Jessica mentioned that there are in fact two competing Davis pics."

So knowing that there's at least a couple of jazz fans in this class -- how do you feel about a miles davis movie? Is there something troublesome about putting a jazz legend into a formulaic film genre like the bi0-pic? Or is it worth it if more people become fans of the music?

Personally I wish it was going to be more like 32 short films about glenn gould.
That was a film that captured the music. I'm not saying I didn't like Walk the Line -- but if I wanted someone to understand Cash, they should listen to the Folsom Prison album and watch the Hurt video by Romanek, not listen to Phoenix, no matter how good he sneared. But that's not the film producer's objective -- to spread the music. It's whether or not people will come and buy the ticket and the subsequent DVD- nothing else. Right?

So do we need a Miles Davis movie? Any thoughts on the musical bio-pic in general? Do we at least all agree that "All that Jazz" was the last great one? Good, I'm glad that's settled.