Oscar nominee & KC Native Don Cheadle returned home to celebrate the release of “Miles Ahead.” (Photo property of Jacob Elyachar)
By: Jacob Elyachar, jakes-take.com
Academy Award-nominated actor Don Cheadle returned home to celebrate the exclusive screening of his Miles Davis biopic, Miles Ahead, at the Kansas City FilmFest.
Miles Ahead focuses on the Jazz icon’s elusive years. After dazzling the world with his dynamic sound, the late Miles Davis experienced the dark side of being a human as disturbing ghosts from his past among them: his failed marriage to dancer and muse Frances Taylor (portrayed by Emayatzy Corinealdi), haunted the music icon. Also, his omnipotent musical talent was sidelined because of the combination of drugs, pain medications, and a deteriorating hip.
The film also highlights how the reclusive musician was forced to team up with wily reporter Dave Braden (portrayed by Ewan McGregor) as they went on a wild adventure to recover a stolen tape of Davis’ compositions.
For Cheadle to capture the essence of the celebrated music icon, the Kansas City native vigorously searched through the Miles Davis catalogue.
“I grabbed anything I could get my hands on.” Said Cheadle. “I read his books and magazine articles that featured him. Also, his family supported me every step of the way.”
Cheadle commented that he faced a “legion of challenges” throughout Miles Ahead’s filming process.
“Everything was challenging and tricky up to and including where, when and how we shoot,” said Cheadle. “Our small film also had a $10 million budget and we tried to find ways to stretch it.”
At the sold-out screening, the Iron Man franchise actor received the Kansas City FilmFest KC Legend Award for Outstanding Achievement in Film and Television and Kansas City, Missouri Mayor Sly James declared Friday, April 15: “Don Cheadle Day.”
Miles Ahead will open in Kansas City on April 22.
