Cast
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Dianne Reeves
as Grammy Winning Jazz Vocalist
John Hickenlooper
as Colorado Governor Hickenlooper
Ron Miles
as Trumpet Player Colorado Music Hall of Fame
Charles Burrell
as Legendary Bass Player
Mitch Chmara
as Electric Guitarist
Charlie Hunter
as Electric Guitar-bass
Teresa Carroll
as Jazz Singer
Ben Makinen
as Filmmaker, Jazz Drummer
Billy Wallace
as Jazz Pianist
Art Lande
as Jazz Pianist
Dave Randon
as Electric Bass
Creighton Holley
as Electric Guitar and Singer
Rekha Ohal
as Singer Songwriter
Walter Barr
as Professor, Trumpet Player
Ron Bucknam
as Avant Garde Multi-Instrumentalist
Crew
Director
- Ben Makinen
Producer
- Ben Makinen
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
JazzTown represents a fascinating example of Documentary/Music/History cinema, offering viewers a unique perspective on the human experience and societal structures. The film's approach to its themes demonstrates a creative vision that distinguishes it within its genre.
Director Ben Makinen brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to pacing and visual storytelling creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 2021, the film exists within a cultural context that continues to evolve with our understanding of its themes. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of JazzTown took approximately 29 months from pre-production to final cut.
- With a budget of $0.1 million, the film represented a significant investment in bringing this story to the screen.
- The final cut of the film runs for 92 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 138 minutes long.
- The screenplay went through 11 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
- The film contains approximately 1466 individual shots.
- The musical score contains over 31 unique compositions.
Historical Context
- In 2021, when this film is released:
- Climate change mitigation had become a central policy concern internationally.
- Streaming platforms had largely replaced traditional cinema and television models.
- Streaming platforms were disrupting traditional distribution models and changing how audiences consumed films.
How This Film Stands Out
While JazzTown shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike The Last of the Mohicans, which focuses more on action than character development, JazzTown subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Archie Shepp chez les Touaregs and Blues Road Movie explore similar territory, JazzTown stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its bold artistic choices and willingness to challenge viewer expectations, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: March 14, 2021
- Runtime: 1h 32m
- Budget: $50,000
