Ella Fitzgerald: Just One of Those Things
Far from the logic of a conventional biography, this documentary is a blessing for Jazz lovers as it follows the life of this top performer, capturing the reasons why her music essentially became the global soundtrack of a turbulent century. Starting in 1934 at a talent competition in Harlem, she embarked on a five decade-long fascinating journey filled with hard work, sacrifice, famous collaborations and legendary concerts among many other proud moments of a triumphant life and career. The film will be introduced by by singer-composer Dimitra Galani.
UK, USA | 2019 | COLOR | DCP | 90΄ | ENGLISH
Desperate times call for extraordinary people. Ella Fitzgerald was – and still is – such a person. It’s the genuine talent, the integrity, and the timing that made this hopeless street kid from Harlem enter the famous Apollo Theatre in 1934, during the Great Depression and demand with a modesty that always accompanied her, to have her own audience. And then… Chick Webb, her own Orchestra, bop and Dizzy Gillespie, the historical recording of the American songbook with the great orchestras, the concert legend…
A blessing of a documentary for jazz lovers that avoids gossipy slips and offers a rhythmical narration and a rationally modest assessment of the greatest jazz woman. One thing’s for sure, at least for the fans: their feet as well as their hearts won’t stop beating to the rhythm while overwhelmed with nostalgia for an era of better music. I.D.
DIRECTOR: Leslie Woodhead
EDITOR: Ian Meller
LESLIE WOODHEAD
A documentary legend. In his early days he filmed a rock and roll band in Liverpool’s Cavern (…), he was behind the Wall for British television, present during the Soviet invasion of Prague and years later at the Srebrenica Massacre. Since 1989 he collaborates occasionally with BBC, HBO and the Sundance channel.
FILMOGRAPHY
2019 Ella Fitzgerald: Just One of Those Things
