Is Bill Evans: But Beautiful Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (2008)
Pianist Bill Evans (1929–1980) was one of the most influential jazz musicians of his instrument from his first recordings to his last. He possessed a very personal touch combined w...
✨ The Quick Verdict
If you are a fan of Music cinema, then Bill Evans: But Beautiful offers a standard experience that justifies its existence in the 2008 landscape.
👥 Target Audience
📔 Detailed Analysis
📖 The Core Premise
Bill Evans: But Beautiful stands as a 2008 entry that attempts to leave its mark on the Music landscape. At its heart, the film explores complex themes wrapped in a compelling storyline. As the plot unfolds, we see characters navigating a world where stakes are high. "Pianist Bill Evans (1929–1980) was one of the most influential jazz musicians of his instrument from his first recordings to his last. He possessed a very personal touch combined with a unique harmonic style. He played in many different instrumental settings, but he is best remembered for his many trio recordings and his less numerous solo albums. A very introverted figure, Evans' life was tormented by an addiction to drugs that proved fatal. The selections on this DVD—taken from a single concert—show him performing marvelous music with the members of his last regular trio—bassist Marc Johnson and drummer Joe La Barbera—nearly a year and a half before his tragic and untimely death. Among the highlights are versions of Gary McFarland's waltz "Gary's Waltz" and of Bill Evans' own composition "Turn Out the Stars". Live in Iowa, January 30, 1979."
🎬 Performance & Direction
A movie's success often hinges on its execution. Bill Evans does well with the material given, though the script occasionally limits their range. The direction aims to balance pacing with character development, a hallmark of good Music. While there are moments of brilliance, the pacing occasionally dips.
🤔 Why You Should Watch (or Skip)
Is Bill Evans: But Beautiful worth your time? If you appreciate Music films that take risks, this is likely a decent one-time watch. However, if you are looking for a flawless masterpiece, you might find some plot points predictable.
🏆 Final Verdict
Ultimately, Bill Evans: But Beautiful is a mixed bag with some redeeming qualities.
With a runtime of 50 minutes, it asks for a significant time investment, but for the right audience, it pays off.
Our recommendation: Watch on OTT.
⏳ Time Investment
At approximately 0.8 hours, the film requires a standard time commitment.