Bird

Clint Eastwood directs this unflinching biopic of one of jazz's most revolutionary, but troubled saxophonists. In his Cannes Best Actor award winning performance, Forest Whitaker is Charlie "Bird" Parker, one of the great jazz musicians of all time, whose self-destructive lifestyle led to his early demise. The film explores Parker's troubled genius, his vast musical influence and his addiction to drugs and women. Diane Venora shines as Parker's unwavering wife, Chan, whose efforts to save her husband ultimately fail. A must see for music enthusiasts, as composer Lennie Niehaus seamlessly blends Parker's original solos with modern musicians. Clint Eastwood won a Golden Globe for Best Director for this film.