A documentary film about the life of pianist and jazz great Thelonious Sphere Monk. Features live performances by Monk and his band, and interviews with friends and family about the offbeat ... Read allA documentary film about the life of pianist and jazz great Thelonious Sphere Monk. Features live performances by Monk and his band, and interviews with friends and family about the offbeat genius.A documentary film about the life of pianist and jazz great Thelonious Sphere Monk. Features live performances by Monk and his band, and interviews with friends and family about the offbeat genius.
- Awards
- 1 win & 1 nomination
Photos
- Self
- (archive footage)
- Self
- (archive footage)
- Self (Thelonious Monk Octet: trumpet)
- (archive footage)
- Self -Vocalist
- (singing voice)
Storyline
Did you know
- Quotes
Thelonious Monk: [scribbles something on a piece of paper] Can you read that?
Nica De Koenigswarter: A beautiful message.
Thelonious Monk: If somebody can decipher that for you, you know, and say what it means, get what it means, it'll upset you. You'll flip, I mean flip for real!
- SoundtracksEvidence
Written by Thelonious Monk
This was a little disappointing given the agenda which I came to the film with, but it was replaced by other things to enjoy since the film is very much about the music – which I guess the man was too, so that works. This focus is facilitated by lots of footage which was apparently found in the 1980's which was filmed inside the studio, out on tour, in hotel rooms etc. There isn't too much talking in this footage; I'm not sure if Monk was particularly talky but if he was then it doesn't come over in the footage we have here. What there is though is music being played live while the camera watches, small moments observed and some contributions from friends and family (although really the vast majority of the film is the music). This is welcome as it all good stuff and has that extra addition of seeing it being performed rather than just listened to on CD.
If you are looking to get informed about the man and his story then this isn't the film for you, but if you like his music and want to see it performed on this very nice looking footage then it will be a very enjoyable 90 minutes and is well worth the look for that.
- bob the moo
- Jul 16, 2013
- How long is Thelonious Monk: Straight, No Chaser?Powered by Alexa
Details
- Release date
- Country of origin
- Language
- Also known as
- Straight, No Chaser
- Filming locations
- Columbia Studios, 30th Street, New York, USA(recording session)
- Production companies
- See more company credits at IMDbPro
Box office
- Gross US & Canada
- $518,918
- Opening weekend US & Canada
- $31,842
- Oct 9, 1989
- Gross worldwide
- $518,918
- Runtime1 hour 30 minutes
- Color
- Sound mix
- Aspect ratio
- 1.33 : 1