One Night in Miami places four African American actors in a predominately set bound drama. Tensions rise as Malcolm X seeks to recruit Clay (Eli Horee) into the Nation of Islam. Sam Cooke isn't too impressed, telling the activist: I wanna damn party! Civil rights, and the struggle for them, occupy Malcolm X's every waking moment. As the storyline unfolds frailties emerge, not least those of the ill-fated activist.
Short on dramatic action, heavy on dialogue (King's directorial debut could readily transfer to the stage), One Night in Miami is yet another reminder that oppressive forces continue to exert power in present day America. As the sole surviving member of the celebrated quartet It would be interesting to hear Jim Brown's take on current events.
The jazz interest in One Night in Miami stems from the fact that Terence Blanchard orchestrated the soundtrack and the main piano part is played by Benny Green.
Russell
1 comment :
Ah the memories! I remember listening to the Clay v Liston fight on the radio in the early hours of the morning - there was no Sky Pay Per View in those days.
I also remember Liston riding a horse in Newcastle. Clay, as Ali also visited Newcastle and South Shields.
I gather the film was based on a stage play of the same name.
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