Overview
A poignant journey through the struggles of a jazz musician battling his inner demons.
Ember's analysis
- Pacing
- Measured
- Intensity
- Strong
- Complexity
- Layered
- Violence
- None
- melancholic
- smoky
- intimate
- late night
- jazz listening session
What critics said
Critics broadly acclaimed the film for its authentic live jazz performances and Dexter Gordon’s extraordinary, dignified portrayal of a troubled musician.
What sets it apart
May contain story progression spoilers
Dale Turner is played by real-life jazz saxophonist Dexter Gordon, and the film is built around authentic jazz performance culture.
Francis befriends Dale because of his music and tries to help him confront alcoholism and estrangement.
Dale is a gifted tenor saxophonist slowly losing his life and relationships to alcoholism.
Real musicians and live jazz performances give the club scenes documentary-like musical authenticity.
Films like 'Round Midnight, and why
Bird
jazz-centered drama with an expatriate musician, addiction, and emotionally intimate performances
The Rose
melancholic musician portrait shaped by alcoholism, artistic genius, and self-destruction
The Cotton Club
poignant jazz drama focused on performance, friendship, and the costs of artistic life
Inside Llewyn Davis
emotionally rich character study of a troubled artist finding temporary renewal through human connection
Movie Details
- Director
- Bertrand Tavernier
- Release Date
- 1986-09-23
- Runtime
- 131 min
- Rating
- 7.1 / 10 (108)
Cast
- Dexter Gordon
- François Cluzet
- Gabrielle Haker
- Christine Pascal
- Pierre Trabaud
- Frédérique Meininger
- Liliane Rovère
- Ged Marlon
- Benoît Régent
- Philippe Noiret
Where to watch in United States
- Rent
- Apple TV Store
- Buy
- Apple TV Store
Streaming options come from TMDB and change over time.
Common questions
- What is 'Round Midnight about?
- A haunted tenor saxophonist finds fragile renewal through friendship, family connection, and the sustaining force of jazz.
- What is 'Round Midnight like to watch?
- Ember's analysis rates the pacing of 'Round Midnight as measured, its intensity as strong and its storytelling as layered.
- Is 'Round Midnight violent?
- No — Ember's analysis finds no violence in 'Round Midnight.
- What did critics think of 'Round Midnight?
- Critics broadly acclaimed the film for its authentic live jazz performances and Dexter Gordon’s extraordinary, dignified portrayal of a troubled musician.
- Which films are like 'Round Midnight?
- Films with a similar feel include Bird, The Rose, The Cotton Club, and Inside Llewyn Davis.
- How long is 'Round Midnight?
- 'Round Midnight runs 131 minutes.
- Where can I watch 'Round Midnight?
- In United States, 'Round Midnight is available to rent or buy from Apple TV Store.
