Round Midnight

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Round Midnight

R

Released Sep 12, 1986

2h 10m

Drama

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100%

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25 Reviews

89%

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2,500+ Ratings

In the 1950s, Dale Turner (Dexter Gordon), a gifted black saxophonist with a drinking problem, leaves behind New York and his estranged family and relocates to Paris. There he plays for a progressive, jazz-loving audience without being judged by his race, and ages quietly in peace. Not intending to turn away from his vices, Dale nonetheless becomes the project of a French fan (François Cluzet) who tries to help him fight his alcoholism, ultimately inspiring both Dale and his music.

Critics Consensus

Brought brilliantly to life by Dexter Gordon's outstanding performance, Round Midnight is the rare jazz-inflected drama that matches the power of the music.

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Richard Brody

The New Yorker

Gordon’s performance conveys something else that’s all too rare in movies of musicians—namely, joy. It’s a serene and lofty joy, with an element of wry detachment and even self-deprecation built in, but it’s vitally present nonetheless.

Feb 16, 2024

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Clayton Dillard

Slant Magazine

The beacon of ’Round Midnight is Dexter Gordon’s performance.

May 20, 2022

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Tim Pulleine

Guardian

A wonderfully detailed performance by a real jazz musician, Dexter Gordon.

Oct 27, 2021

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Nicholas Bell

IONCINEMA.com

‘Round Midnight succeeds as a composite of jazz and its tormented originators thanks to the inspired casting and improvisational skills of real-life bebop musician Dexter Gordon.

Rated: 3.5/5

Jul 28, 2022

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Jas Keimig

The Stranger (Seattle, WA)

Though I think Dale sometimes has a whiff of the inscrutable Magical Negro, Gordon plays him with so much charm and nuance that he becomes fully fleshed-out character. And by God, the music!

Dec 9, 2021

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Philip French

Observer (UK)

Romantic without being sentimental, the picture has a marvelous look and sound and feel.

Oct 27, 2021

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Audience Member

I have never forgotten this movie. It really impressed me as did Dexter Gordon. Have seen it twice and would love to watch it again. :o)

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

02/09/23

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Audience Member

When the jazzman is signifyin', and the band is windin' low It's the late night side of morning in the darkness of his soul He can fill a room with sadness as he fills his horn with tears He can cry like a fallen angel when risin' time is near

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

01/30/23

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Audience Member

Sensitive and inspiring flick from a time when movies used to be about human beings and not politics. A must watch even if you're not a Jazzhead (thou you may become one after watching this).

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

01/18/23

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Audience Member

What an amazing performance from Dexter Gordon. He was nominated for Best Actor in 1987. Any fan of Jazz music should appreciate the nice story and great soundtrack. The story is a little slow and simple, but the music kept me going.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

01/26/23

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steve d

Unless you are really into the music there isn't a lot here.

Rated 2 out of 5 stars

03/30/23

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Audience Member

It's just another musician in deline movie. I found it boring and I didn't think the music was all that good, although the music being second rate may have been to show his alcoholism's effect.

Rated 2 out of 5 stars

02/06/23

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Bertrand Tavernier

Director

Dexter Gordon

Dale Turner

François Cluzet

Francis Borler

Gabrielle Haker

Berangere

Sandra Reaves-Phillips

Buttercup

Lonette McKee

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Synopsis

In the 1950s, Dale Turner (Dexter Gordon), a gifted black saxophonist with a drinking problem, leaves behind New York and his estranged family and relocates to Paris. There he plays for a progressive, jazz-loving audience without being judged by his race, and ages quietly in peace. Not intending to turn away from his vices, Dale nonetheless becomes the project of a French fan (François Cluzet) who tries to help him fight his alcoholism, ultimately inspiring both Dale and his music.

Director: Bertrand Tavernier
Producer: Irwin Winkler
Production Co: Little Bear [fr]
Rating: R
Genre: Drama
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Sep 12, 1986, Original
Rerelease Date (Theaters): Oct 3, 1986
Release Date (DVD): Jan 30, 2001
Box Office (Gross USA): $2.7M
Runtime: 2h 10m
Sound Mix: Surround, Stereo

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