Born to be Blue

IFC Films | Release Date: March 25, 2016

6.5	USER SCORE Generally favorable reviews based on 34 Ratings

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BHBarryApr 12, 2016

"Born to be Blue" stars Ethan Hawke and Carmen Ejogo in this film written and produced by Robert Budreau. This is the story of Chet Baker, the famous jazz trumpeter who in the mid 20th Century captivated jazz audiences and fellow musicians"Born to be Blue" stars Ethan Hawke and Carmen Ejogo in this film written and produced by Robert Budreau. This is the story of Chet Baker, the famous jazz trumpeter who in the mid 20th Century captivated jazz audiences and fellow musicians until his consumption with heroin destroyed him. Although the film moves at a rather slow pace and is unevenly edited, it nevertheless serves as a vehicle for Mr. Hawke who gives an extraordinary performance as the ill fated musician. It also gives an insight into the music business and the lives of those who lived and played in midtown Manhattan where this music genre found its life and audience. I give the film a 7.0 and recommend it especially for those who were aware of and listened to this great talent.… Expand

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LynApr 6, 2017

Subtle, understated and bleak, this is another story about the intersection of music and addiction. It doesn't quite paint a complete picture of either, in Chet Baker's case. But Ethan Hawke gives his usual stellar portrayal of nervousSubtle, understated and bleak, this is another story about the intersection of music and addiction. It doesn't quite paint a complete picture of either, in Chet Baker's case. But Ethan Hawke gives his usual stellar portrayal of nervous energy, insecurity and underlying pain. A brief view of his family back in Oklahoma hints at the origins of all those ... not that it mitigates the frustration you feel at another tremendous talent ravaged by addiction. Haunting though it is, I don't think the music in the film matches up to Baker's. But its greatest achievement might be sending people to Baker's recordings -- or at least to YouTube -- which I promise you will be a beautiful, if melancholy, experience.… Expand

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SpangleOct 15, 2016

Far from your typical musical biopic, Born to Be Blue tells the tragic tale of jazz legend Chet Baker. Plagued with heroin addiction, but blessed with a musical gift, Baker is a truly tragic figure brought to life by Ethan Hawke. With a knackFar from your typical musical biopic, Born to Be Blue tells the tragic tale of jazz legend Chet Baker. Plagued with heroin addiction, but blessed with a musical gift, Baker is a truly tragic figure brought to life by Ethan Hawke. With a knack for telling a quality story that adequately blends Baker's earlier days with the beginning of his resurgence, Born to Be Blue manages to feel wholly unique in its biographical approach to a story that is largely pretty typical in the musical biopic subgenre.

In all of these films, a talented musician cheats on his women and does drugs to the point of being a hopeless addict. Scenes of adultery and drug use are juxtaposed with that musician turning in tremendous performance after tremendous performance. The end result is a heart wrenching look at the marriage of abuse and talent. Born to Be Blue touches on a lot of these same notes, but is largely quite unique. With flashbacks taken from a film about his own life done by Baker (Hawke) put shoulder-to-shoulder with scenes from the "modern" day of Baker making his comeback, the film's narrative never feels stale. Instead, its focus on his drug abuse feels largely in-reflection as he tries to move past it. Yet, at the same time, it shows the siren call of the drugs and the feeling of inadequacy that haunts musicians who have convinced themselves they need the drugs to perform. While he most certainly still battles drug use in the "modern" day, the musings and explanation as to why it is addictive (beyond it being just naturally addictive) to talented musicians elevates Born to Be Blue above classic musician biopics. It does not just show him using drugs, which would be deeply affecting on its own. Instead, it takes it a step further and shows him doing drugs, while explaining why he uses them, which practically rips your heart out.

In the lead role, Ethan Hawke is tremendous. I do not know if it was his real singing voice (I assume the trumpet was not him, maybe I am wrong), but he was terrific. Even if none of the music was him, his performance was still terrific. He really brings Baker to you and makes you feel empathy for him as you watch his downfall, rise, and self-medication. From his portrayal, Hawke makes the viewer root for Baker, even if you know he will trip and fall over-and-over again.

Visually, the film is very good. With lush blue hues touching many of the shots, Born to Be Blue imbues the film with the sadness and heartache felt by Baker. As he performs, the film is most prominently covered with blue, showcasing how something that should bring him so much instead brings so much agony given the self-doubt and addiction that haunts him as a result. The jazz music score itself even proves quite haunting at times with solemn notes accompanying many scenes.

As a whole, Born to Be Blue is a pretty good film with a killer lead performance from Ethan Hawke, as well as terrific use of color and a unique approach to a well-trodden tale of drug abuse by musicians.… Expand

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CinemaxFeb 11, 2018

Es una película sobre la vida del genial tompetista Chet Baker, si bien es cierto que esta película es tu primer contacto con este músico no te habrá sorprendido su vida, ya que solo cuenta una estrecha parte de ella. Para los demás que si loEs una película sobre la vida del genial tompetista Chet Baker, si bien es cierto que esta película es tu primer contacto con este músico no te habrá sorprendido su vida, ya que solo cuenta una estrecha parte de ella. Para los demás que si lo hayan conocido anteriormente, seguramente les haya respondido a un par de cuestiones. Aun así creo que estas películas biográficas relatan la inseguridad de los protagonistas, solventándolas con drogas. Algo que no creo que sea real. Ya que ni Mile Davis ni Johnny Cash tuvieran algún problema de seguridad en el escenario. Por lo que creo que en esta parte, esta profundamente equivocada.
Por el elenco de la película y sus interpretaciones solo debo aplaudir.… Expand

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