Often times, biopics about musicians just don't work. Even more often, the answer as to why is very clear---they're too paint by numbers. Now comes Born To Be Blue, an incredibly inventive take on the life and downfall of Chet Baker from writer-director Robert Budreau. It features smart, layered performances from Ethan Hawke and Carmen Ejogo but it's the way in which Budreau introduces all tactics of stylistic storytelling that really elevates this material.
The film follows Hawke as Baker in a very specific time of his life---when he's planning to make his huge comeback by starring in a film about his life, only to fall in love with co-star Jane (Carmen Ejogo), have the production be cancelled on a dime and fall back into his drug filled ways. Meanwhile, black and white flashbacks and inserts are used to thoroughly put the audience in the position of Baker.
Hawke and Ejogo have instant chemistry, showing this real life couple as they probably were, through thick and thin and not looking back with any large regrets. However, Budreau also helps them out by cleverly telling the story of their relationship in a somewhat scrambled fashion. He doesn't show thing A happening then thing B happening and so on and so forth. Rather, Budreau will show chunks of their ups, chunks of their downs and put them together such so that there's not exactly a pattern to it all. This makes the emphasis on both sides of the coin all the more powerful. As well, Budreau shows that he has clearly done his homework by filling the story of Baker himself with all sorts of personal viewpoints. He really puts the audience inside the mind of Baker. Whether every little thing he says about Baker is 100% accurate is up for question (there's a few moments that feel exaggerated for dramatic purposes, as they often are) but knowing a lot about this story prior to seeing the film, I can certainly say he does all he can to be as accurate as possible and doesn't betray the troubles he went through.
A few pacing problems aside, the film magnificently delivers on everything you hope to have seen. By the end of the film, you will also be amazed by what Hawke and Ejogo have both done. They have completely transformed into these characters, giving complete dedication to everything about who Chet and Jane were. Even with the missing front tooth and slick backed hair, Hawke especially never lets his portrayal of Chet go into caricature mode. He IS this person the entire time he's performing. This is an original, completely satisfying biopic wonderfully made by Budreau and crew and wonderfully performed by Hawke, Ejogo and the supporting players around them. It's a must see for anyone who is fascinated by Chet Baker's story or just likes music in general.
(4 and 1/2 out of 5 Stars, The film is rated R for drug use, language, some sexuality and brief violence.)
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