Oscar® nominee Don Cheadle makes his bravura feature film directorial debut and stars in the critically-acclaimed Miles Ahead, in which he gives a career defining performance as music legend Miles Davis. Inspired by events in his life, Miles Ahead is a wildly entertaining, impressionistic, no-holds barred portrait of one of 20th century music’s creative geniuses.

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In the midst of a dazzling and prolific career at the forefront of modern jazz innovation, Miles Davis (Cheadle) virtually disappears from public view for a period of five years in the late 1970s. Alone and holed up in his home, he is beset by chronic pain from a deteriorating hip, his musical voice stifled and numbed by drugs and pain medications, his mind haunted by unsettling ghosts from the past.

 

Davis’ mercurial behavior is fueled by memories of his failed marriage to the talented and beautiful dancer Frances Taylor (Emayatzy Corinealdi). The eight-year marriage was marked by infidelity and abuse, and Frances was forced to flee for her own safety as Miles’ mental and physical health deteriorated.

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Plagued by years of regret and loss, Davis flirts with annihilation until he once again finds salvation in his art.

 

Based on a script co-written by Cheadle himself along with Steven Baigelman, the film also stars Ewan McGregor as wily music reporter Dave Braden, and Michael Stuhlbarg as Harper Hamilton. DVD special features include Sundance Film Festival Q&A, as well as commentary with Don Cheadle and co-writer Steven Baigelman.

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I had the pleasure of speaking with Frances Davis herself to talk about the film Miles Ahead, her with life with Miles Davis, and her career; and actress Emayatzy Corinealdi, who portrays her in the film. Take a look at our chat above.

 

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Sony Pictures Classics’ Miles Ahead, debuts on Blu-ray®, DVD and digital this week from Sony Pictures Home Entertainment.