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John Coltrane, Soundtracking Cinema: Mo' Better Blues (15)

Jazz on Screen

A close up of a man practicing the trumpet

Coinciding with the centenary of John Coltrane, this programme brings together three very different films which draw on both the music and legacy of the legendary musician.

Starting with Soul On Ice by Afro-Brazilian pioneer Zózimo Bulbul, who dedicated his film to Coltrane and uses the 1965 free-jazz piece Kulu Se Mama to guide his reflections on Brazilian history. 

Melvonna Ballenger’s Rain (Nyesha), associated with the foundational LA Rebellion movement, uses After the Rain as the soundtrack to this poetic black-and-white short, on a young woman's reflections on life and politics.

The centrepiece is Spike Lee’s mammoth Mo’ Better Blues, originally titled A Love Supreme, Lee’s film follows trumpeter Bleek Gilliam (Denzel Washington) and his trials and tribulations trying to establish himself as a jazz great, amidst his increasingly chaotic lifestyle. 

The climax draws from Coltrane's masterpiece, infusing with A Love Supreme’s exploration of spiritual awakening in the face of overcoming demons and addiction.

Jazz on Screen is part of EFG London Jazz Festival.

Ticket prices

Standard
£15.50 (£14 + £1.50 transaction fee)
* Excludes £1.50 booking fee

Booking fees

£1.50 booking fee per online/phone transaction.

No fee when tickets are booked in person.

Booking fees are per transaction and not per ticket. If your booking contains several events the highest booking fee will apply. The booking fee may be reduced on certain events. Members do not pay booking fees.

Programme

Soul in the Eye (Alma no Olho), Zózimo Bulbul, 1973, Brazil, 11 mins

Rain (Nyesha), Melvonna Ballenger, 1978, USA, 16 mins

Mo’ Better Blues, Spike Lee, 1990, USA, 129 mins

Cinema 3

Location
Barbican Cinema 1 is located within the main Barbican building on Level -2. Head to Level G and walk towards the Lakeside Terrace where you’ll find stairs and lifts to take you down to the venue floor.   

Address
Barbican Centre
Silk Street, London
EC2Y 8DS

Public transport
The Barbican is widely accessible by bus, tube, train and by foot or bicycle. Plan your journey and find more route information in ‘Your Visit’ or book your car parking space in advance.