When actor Don Cheadle was approached to portray Miles Davis, it transformed into the perfect project for his directorial debut, and developed into a labour of love centred around one of the pioneers of jazz music, or ‘social music’ as Davis would call it. Cheadle co-writes, stars in and directs Miles Ahead, a biopic of sorts that looks back on the life and career of the controversial, innovative musician. When Rolling Stone journalist Dave Brill (Ewan McGregor) turns up at Davis’ door to discuss a comeback album, he receives a less than frosty reception. He perseveres and the forms an unlikely friendship with his interviewee, and helps him out when new material is snatched by smarmy producer Harper Hamilton (Michael Stuhlbarg). Meanwhile, Davis reminisces about his muse Frances Taylor (Emayatzy Corinealdi) and their passionate, but turbulent relationship.

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