Mo’ Better Blues is Spike Lee in a different groove: stylish, romantic, musical, and full of jazz. With Denzel Washington as a brilliant but messy trumpeter, this film pulls you into smoky clubs, complicated love, band tensions, and the irresistible rhythm of ambition. Perfect for anyone who likes music, drama, or just wants to discover a Spike Lee joint that swings.
Genre: music, romance, drama
Language: English , subtitles: none
Length: 2 hrs 10 mins (1990)
In this follow-up to his classic Do the Right Thing, renowned director Spike Lee shies away from his usual political stance and goes romantic and musical.
Financially irresponsible Giant, played by Spike Lee, manages a jazz group, but sax player, Shadow, played by Wesley Snipes -no, not in an action role this time-, wants to replace him with a better businessman. Bleek, played by Denzel Washington, tries to defend his close pal Giant, leading to a power struggle between the two musicians. Meanwhile, as Bleek tries to sort things out with his bandmates and manager, he also has to choose between sweet teacher Indigo, played by Joie Lee, and sultry singer Clarke, played by Cynda Williams.
The film has a fantastic score by Bill Lee and jazz virtuosos such as John Coltrane and Ornette Coleman. Ernest Dickerson’s cinematography turns the film into a dance of primary colors and dazzling lighting effects.
The soundtrack is top notch too, Music From "Mo' Better Blues" is a collaborative album by the Branford Marsalis Quartet and Terence Blanchard, and the film also features one of the greatest Jazz Hip Hop fusion tracks ever: Jazz Thing by Gang Starr.
This screening is organized in collaboration with the Eindhoven University Student Jazz association Studentproof.
Reviews
“The film has a beauty, grace and energy all the same.” Roger Ebert
“Mo’ Better Blues is rich with vibrant hues and Denzel Washington’s impassioned performance.” Rotten Tomatoes Critics Consensus
SG & ITEC registration for bachelor’s students
Please register for SG & ITEC by scanning your student ID card at the venue.
More information about SG & ITEC can be found here.
Ticket information
This film will be shown at Filmhuis De Zwarte Doos.
- Tickets must be purchased online in advance and can be bought by clicking the black “Order” button on this page.
- Cash or card payments are not accepted at the ticket counter.
For more information about tickets, refund policies, and other details, click here.
Please be on time
The screening of the film begin promptly at 19:30 (with no pre-film advertisements), and the cinema hall will open at 19:10. We kindly request that you arrive at the ticket counter at least 10 minutes before the start of the film to ensure a smooth and timely experience for all.
The Studium Generale film program is created in collaboration with the Student Film Committee and Natlab.