CriterionCast

Don Cheadle Says A Script Has Been Submitted For His Miles Davis Biopic, Looking For Financing

Apparently Don Cheadle (Traffic) really wants to make this film.

According to THR, Cheadle and writer Steven Vegelman have turned in a screenplay for their much talked about biopic based on the life of jazz music icon Miles Davis, and are now looking for financing:

‘We’re trying to do what  Miles Davis would have wanted us to do, which is approach it as artists with his life as the canvas. In being successful, some people say he sold out, but it’s the opposite. You can stay in one place forever and try to make the same money from the same core fans, but saying to your audience, ‘˜I’m going here now, come along or don’t,’ that’s brave, risky and dangerous. That’s what he did, and that’s what we’re trying to honor in this story’”that kind of spirit.’

The film has Herbie Hancock as its composer, who himself used to be a part of the Miles Davis Quintet, but apparently that’s not all that Cheadle has in store for this project.   Apparently those involved are looking to give a modern spin on Davis’ music, with the idea being that they would bring in ‘hip-hop artists, to play with Miles Davis’ music so the idea is for somebody to hear Jay-Z’s version then turn to the original to learn more about Miles Davis.’ Count me in.

At this point, with the right talent as a part of the film, particularly someone like Jay-Z, financing shouldn’t be all that difficult.   As we learn more and more about what to expect from the film, the more and more I can’t wait to see the damn thing.   It sounds like a real passion project for the actor, and those often breed the biggest successes.

What do you think?

Source: THR

Joshua Brunsting

Josh is a critic, a member of the Online Film Critics Society, a wrestling nerd, a hip-hop head, a father, a cinephile and a man looking to make his stamp on the world, one word at a time.