Mo' Better Blues (1990)

Director:

Spike Lee

Writer:

Spike Lee (writer)

Release Date:

3 August 1990 (USA)

Genre:

Comedy | Drama | Music

Tagline:

A Spike Lee joint.

Plot:

Opens with Bleek as a child learning to play the trumpet, his friends want him to come out and play but mother insists he finish his lessons...

Plot Keywords:

Trumpet | Directed By Co Star | Jazz Music | Star Died Before Release | Quintet

Awards:

1 win & 2 nominations

Cast

Denzel Washington	...	Bleek Gilliam
Spike Lee	...	Giant
Wesley Snipes	...	Shadow Henderson (Sax)
Giancarlo Esposito	...	Left Hand Lacey (Piano)
Robin Harris	...	Butterbean Jones
Joie Lee	...	Indigo Downes
Bill Nunn	...	Bottom Hammer (Bass)
John Turturro	...	Moe Flatbush
Dick Anthony Williams	...	Big Stop Williams
Cynda Williams	...	Clarke Bentancourt
Nicholas Turturro	...	Josh Flatbush
Jeff 'Tain' Watts	...	Rhythm Jones (Druns)
Samuel L. Jackson	...	Madlock
Leonard L. Thomas	...	Rod
Charles Q. Murphy	...	Eggy

Also Known As:

A Love Supreme (USA) (working title)
Variations on the Mo' Better Blues (USA) (working title)

Runtime:

129 min | USA:130 min

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Sound Mix:

Dolby SR

Certification:

Australia:M | Iceland:16 | Canada:13+ (Quebec) | Finland:K-16 | USA:R | West Germany:16

Filming Locations:

141st Street, Manhattan, New York City, New York, USA

Company:

Universal Pictures

Trivia:

Wesley Snipes' character, Shadow, purchases a stack of John Coltrane CD's with an American Express card. When he shows his American Express card he smiles and says: "American Express. Gold card, pow. Been a member since 1989". In 1989, Snipes had another encounter with the American Express credit card, in the movie Major League (1989). Snipes' character, Willie Hayes, acts in a commercial for American Express in which he slides into home saying "American Express, don't steal home without it".

Goofs:

Continuity: During the performance of Bleek's "Pop Top Urban 40 Funk Love ... Song", Bleek's headgear changes from hat to baseball cap.

Quotes:

Bleek: I may have been born yesterday, but I stayed up all night.

Movie Connections:

Referenced in "The Simpsons: A Star Is Burns (#6.18)" (1995)

Great film

One of the best film's Spike Lee has ever created. Denzel Washington plays Bleek Gilliam, a selfish musician who only listens to his music. He cheats on his women and wants the spotlight only to himself. On his road to redemption he encounters betrayal, lies, and greed before he finds happiness. A happiness that comes at a heavy price. Denzel Washington and Wesley Snipes give superb performances in their roles. The supporting cast members also give terrific performances in this film. The supporting cast members include Giancarlo Esposito, Samuel L. Jackson, Bill Nunn and Spike Lee. Spike Lee gives these characters enough personality to keep this movie entertaining. Each member adds enough color commentary to the film making this a joyous event from beginning to end. Add this movie to your video collection if you haven't already.