The first trailer released for Miles Ahead depicts the life and times of Miles Davis during his upswing back into the spotlight. Rather than hold the focus on his early success and career, Cheadle’s depiction of the broken celebrity is both riveting and jarring. Rough voiced, angry and unafraid, we’re immediately treated to a Behind the Music-esque docu-drama placing Davis above his handlers as he navigates through the dangers of letting the life take over the music.
Director and star Don Cheadle has made it very clear that he has not made a bio-pic. Instead, he’s encapsulated the life of one of his heroes, straying away from the “biopic” insta-genre. A smart move on his part, considering the creative freedoms allowed by creating a persona and drama based on a knowledge of one’s career and life rather than attempting to fully recreate each moment to the tee.
At first Cheadle’s depiction of Davis almost feels humorous. At the initial meeting of the fictional Davis, one calls to mind Robert Downey Jr’s character in Tropic Thunder; gruff, audacious, and ridiculous, their vocal patterns and nuanced styles could match up perfectly. Fortunately, the character’s consequential nature soon takes hold, and the story rapidly unfolds. The use of Ewan McGregor is welcomed, playing a plucky Rolling Stone reporter intent on bringing Davis’ career up into the eyes and ears of a new generation. Drugs are bought, fights are fought, and it soon becomes apparent that Davis does not need the appreciation of the public as he’s quite pleased with himself.
It seems we’ll get flash backs to his heyday including the tumultuous relationship with his first wife, actress Frances Taylor. In a scene towards the end of the trailer we’re subject to Miles being dragged out of a boxing event while he watches himself as a young artist play the trumpet in the ring. Cheadle’s use of character will be well worth the watch, along with an ensemble cast that looks eager to portray the legend in a truthful manner. The close of the trailer finds Cheadle and McGregor discussing his music with Cheadle’s Davis adamantly declaring, “It’s not Jazz man, that’s a made up word. It’s social music.” Cementing the idea that this isn’t just a film, it’s a commentary on a life-style.
Miles Ahead hits theaters April 1, 2016.
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