The Monk music that courses through the film is extraordinary in its range of feeling.
Thelonious Monk: Straight, No Chaser
1988 · 1h 30m · PG-13
Documentary, Music
Directed by
Charlotte Zwerin
Overview
A documentary film about the life of pianist and jazz great Thelonious Monk. Features live performances by Monk and his band, and interviews with friends and family about the offbeat genius.
Director and cast
Critics on Rotten Tomatoes
Top critics, in their words
The musical value of this footage is so powerful that nothing can deface it, despite the best efforts of Zwerin to do so.
I had heard the music before. What the film gave me was an opportunity to see Thelonious Monk creating some of it, and, just as importantly, an opportunity to see how those who knew him loved him.
We might be moved by Monk's childlike dependency on his wife, baffled by his esoteric humour, honoured simply by his presence, but all we really need now are the records.
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