Mo' Better Blues (1990) 6.4
Jazz trumpeter Bleek Gilliam makes questionable decisions in his professional and romantic life. Director:Spike LeeWriter:Spike Lee |
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Mo' Better Blues (1990) 6.4
Jazz trumpeter Bleek Gilliam makes questionable decisions in his professional and romantic life. Director:Spike LeeWriter:Spike Lee |
|
| Watch Trailer 0Share... |
| Cast overview, first billed only: | |||
| Denzel Washington | ... | ||
| Spike Lee | ... | ||
| Wesley Snipes | ... | ||
| Giancarlo Esposito | ... |
Left Hand Lacey (Piano)
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| Robin Harris | ... |
Butterbean Jones
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| Joie Lee | ... |
Indigo Downes
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| Bill Nunn | ... |
Bottom Hammer (Bass)
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| John Turturro | ... |
Moe Flatbush
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| Dick Anthony Williams | ... |
Big Stop Williams
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| Cynda Williams | ... |
Clarke Bentancourt
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| Nicholas Turturro | ... |
Josh Flatbush
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Jeff 'Tain' Watts | ... |
Rhythm Jones (Druns)
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| Samuel L. Jackson | ... |
Madlock
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Leonard L. Thomas | ... |
Rod
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| Charles Q. Murphy | ... |
Eggy
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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. Bleek grows into adulthood and forms his own band - The Bleek Gilliam Quartet. The story of Bleek's and Shadow's friendly rivalry on stage which spills into their professional relationship and threatens to tear apart the quartet. Written by David <DGOWERS6@CHECLABA.SCU.EDU.AU>
This is a very entertaining movie and it is underrated. The characters, story and music are captivating.
However, I think part of the reason for the lower ratings is the the poor camera effects. Lee focuses in on characters at times, as though they are standing and talking to a camera by themselves in some sterile room, such that it actually cheapens the film. There is a real lack of realism to this technique - it reminds me of 1960's style TV shows like Batman. It gives a feel that they ran out of money and when they had to go back and re-shoot the scene, they did so on the cheap. A minority may find this unique or appealing, but no great movie or director will use this technique. The filming with multiple characters in the shot is generally very good. But, the movie could have been better without these flaws.
The writing at times is exceptional. There are great lines, as well as very entertaining dialogue. The scenes between Denzel and Snipes are exude an extraordinary power and they offer an exceptional dynamic to the movie as a whole. The female characters are also very compelling. "Clark" (Cynda Williams) is extraordinarily attractive and the movement of the character through the course of the movie is well done.
It is difficult not to be captivated by this film. The positive cultural dynamic it captures is one that Americans can only hope to be present. Yet, one gets the feeling that reality is closer to the darker elements the movie exposes. Yet, there is ultimately a very positive message of love, responsibility.