Born to be Blue
IFC Films | Release Date: March 25, 2016 CRITIC SCORE DISTRIBUTION
64
METASCORE
Generally favorable reviews based on 32 Critic Reviews
Positive:
22
Mixed:
9
Negative:
1
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Critic Reviews

Critic scorePublicationBy date
60
The New YorkerRichard BrodyMar 24, 2016
The movie offers a more insightful view of the music business than of Baker’s art. Read full review
60
The TelegraphRobbie CollinMar 24, 2016
Hawke expertly captures Baker’s angular fragility, both in his languidly crumpled face and his voice. Read full review
60
The GuardianBenjamin LeeSep 18, 2015
Born to be Blue is a curious mixture of fact and fiction, cliche and originality, style and emotion – it never truly soars but by throwing the ingredients of Baker’s life together and producing something different, it’s never less than intriguing. Read full review
50
ObserverRex ReedMar 25, 2016
This movie is not without its moments of visual interest, but for a more comprehensive study of Baker’s life and career, read James Gavin’s book Deep in a Dream, or better yet, curl up with the real deal and a glass of wine and listen to what used to be. Read full review
50
Village VoiceSerena DonadoniMar 22, 2016
Budreau's variation on the theme of Chet Baker doesn't play out as an inspired improvisation, settling instead into the familiar grooves of a redemptive melodrama Read full review
50
The Hollywood ReporterStephen DaltonSep 15, 2015
Hawke is natural casting as Baker, sharing enough facial similarities to capture some of the late jazz icon's chiseled, hollow-cheeked, fallen-angel beauty. He gives an unshowy and vanity-free performance, all soft-spoken mischief and brittle arrogance, but laced with just enough blood, sweat and tears. Read full review
42
The Film StageJacob OllerMar 24, 2016
Robert Budreau‘s Born To Be Blue turns Baker’s darkest professional and personal period into a sepia weepy. Read full review
40
SlateFred KaplanApr 7, 2016
Born to Be Blue, a less ballyhooed film starring Ethan Hawke as Chet Baker, isn’t as awful as "Miles Ahead" but it’s not as interesting either — mainly because Baker’s story is kind of boring. Read full review
40
Wall Street JournalJoe MorgensternMar 24, 2016
The writing and direction, by Robert Budreau, range from pedestrian to lethargic — not a good thing when the subject is passive more often than not. Read full review
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