It’s hard to determine exactly what director, co-writer, and star Don Cheadle thinks of Davis. If he adores him, then that never comes through in his film; and if he has nothing but contempt for him, then what’s the point in making it in the first place?

Miles Ahead feels like it has a bone to pick with Davis from the off; it is a bitter, sloppy film that makes the jazz genius out to be little more than an egotistical, childish, and aggressive moron. There is a great film to be made about Miles Davis; this, however, isn’t it.

Jazz is about cadences, rhythm, and daring; everything that this dry biopic seems to lack.

RATING: 2/5

INFORMATION

CAST: Don Cheadle, Ewan McGregor, Emayatzy Corineald, Michael Stuhlbarg

DIRECTOR: Don Cheadle

WRITERS: Don Cheadle, Steven Baigelman

SYNOPSIS: Miles Davis (Cheadle) hasn’t released any new music for five years; a Rolling Stone reporter tasked with writing his comeback is surprised to find what the jazz legend has become. 

Miles Ahead was originally reviewed as part of One Room With A View’s coverage of the 66th Berlinale Film Festival, which runs 11-21 February 2016.