Charles Mingus: Triumph of the Underdog

"A thorough, poignant profile of jazz legend Charlie Mingus."

Oct 24 2004 Not Rated 1h 18m
Biography, Documentary, Music

Don McGlynn's uncompromising and soulful documentary look at the tumultuous life of musician and rebel Charles Mingus is fascinating stuff. Mingus said of himself "I am half black man, half yellow man, but I claim to be a Negro. I am Charles Mingus, the famed jazz musician--but not famed enough to make a living in America." His statement summed up the conflict that plagued this musical genius his entire life: volatility, pain, prescience, and raw rage roiled inside a complex man, composer, bass player, and trombonist who transcended labels and refused to be pigeonholed into a single musical style--and who did not achieve real fame until late in his career.

Plot

Nine years in the making, CHARLES MINGUS - Triumph of the Underdog is the first comprehensive documentary about jazz bassist, bandleader and composer Charles Mingus. A lucid involving portrait showing the many faces and tortured heart of a music genius, the film also features an abundance of clips of Mingus in performance.

Written by

N/A

Directed by

Don McGlynn

Cast

Charles Mingus, Gunther Schuller

Crew

View crew

Production Countries

United States of America

Production Companies

Jazz Workshop

Languages

English

Awards

N/A

Scores
# of Votes
179
Average Rating
7.3 out of 10
Metascore
NA
Popularity
NA