Bird

Forest Whitaker stars as brilliant jazz saxophonist Charlie “Bird” Parker in director Clint Eastwood’s homage to Bird’s life and genius. Charlie Parker pushes the boundaries of jazz, always ahead of the musical sensibilities of his time–and never willing to compromise his artistry. Wrestling with his twin demons, alcohol and drug abuse, he struggles to gain acceptance for his music. But neither his talent nor the love of his devoted wife, Chan, is enough to save Bird from a tragically untimely death at the age of 34.

“There is not a cheap note or a careless image, not an easy judgment or a forced emotion, in the 2 hr. 43 min. of Bird. It permits a man’s life its complexity. It invites us to experience the redeeming grace of his music. And with its passionate craft, it proclaims that Eastwood is a major American director.” ~ Richard Schickel, Time