Chasing Trane: The John Coltrane Documentary
By Renee Longstreet,
Common Sense Media Reviewer
Common Sense Media Reviewers
Passionate docu about iconic jazz musician; drugs, alcohol.
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Chasing Trane: The John Coltrane Documentary
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What's the Story?
John Scheinfeld calls upon interviews with an extensive array of musicians and music historians as witnesses to his subject's legendary life in CHASING TRANE: THE JOHN COLTRANE DOCUMENTARY. In addition, the film uses photographs and film clips -- of Coltrane, his family and friends, and the culture in which he lived -- to illuminate the revolutionary saxophonist's story. And Denzel Washington, as Coltrane, reads from the musician's liner notes and transcribed interviews, so that it's all very personal. Foremost, Coltrane's music is featured throughout. His skills as both musical artist and composer are always either shown, heard, or talked about. From his early days as a very young man playing with Miles Davis to his years as the vanguard of experimental jazz with The John Coltrane Quartet, "Trane" broke new ground with his very personal and audacious music.
Is It Any Good?
The best thing about this documentary, besides the music, is the filmmaker's blending of the culture in which John Coltrane lived with the cutting-edge innovations he contributed to that culture. For Coltrane, the answer to everything is "truth." He found his truth by connecting with his faith and his music. As Coltrane says, "I don't play jazz; I play Coltrane." It's clear that John Scheinfeld wants to share Coltrane's truth with his film audience. "Free jazz," as the style that Coltrane actualized is often called, does not appeal to all, but this beautifully conceived and realized tribute to the artist makes Chasing Trane: The John Coltrane Documentary worth a look for all music lovers.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how music can both reflect the culture from which it emerges and change that culture. How is Chasing Trane: The John Coltrane Documentary a very good example of that concept?
Find out the meaning of the classification "free jazz." How does it differ from traditional and/or modern jazz?
What character strengths and skills did John Coltrane call upon to get clean and sober in 1957? How did his faith play an important part in his efforts as well?
How does the rise of so many outlets for movies (e.g., streaming, DVD, cable channels) give both audiences and filmmakers new opportunities? Before these technological advances, would movies like this one have been able to reach a wide audience? A niche audience? What is a niche audience?
Movie Details
- In theaters: April 14, 2017
- On DVD or streaming: November 17, 2017
- Cast: John Coltrane, Denzel Washington
- Director: John Scheinfeld
- Inclusion Information: Black actors
- Studios: Netflix, Abramorama
- Genre: Documentary
- Topics: History, Music and Sing-Along
- Character Strengths: Perseverance
- Run time: 99 minutes
- MPAA rating: NR
- Last updated: July 17, 2022
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