Bird (Clint Eastwood, 1988)

" Bird " is a film interpretation of Charlie " Yardbird " Parker, jazz visionary and consummate musician, who took the saxophone to new heights of expression? The film portrays the man and the creative genius, establishing Parker's early years and moves back and forth through time as his career and personal problems unfold.
Charlie Parker was an enigma. The power and beauty of his style put "Bird" ahead of his time musically, but elements of his life off-stage had him constantly wrestling with his demons. The film hopefully gives insight to Parker's taste for drugs, alcohol and women and the essence of his love affair with Chan Richardson. Also, the complexity of his vision, and most centrally, his music.
" Bird " tries to bring the man and his art into focus; the man who lived his life without limits and the man whose music set jazz free.