Gilad And All That Jazz
Where to Watch Gilad And All That Jazz
Gilad And All That Jazz is a striking, thought-provoking, and unforgettable 2012 documentary film featuring the renowned jazz artist, political activist, and philosopher Gilad Atzmon. The movie gives viewers an in-depth look into the multi-layered life and underlying ideologies of a man who has continually traversed divisions, boundaries, and controversies, both in his music and in his politics.
Directed by Golriz Kolahi, the film challenges and engages the viewer to reflect on complex issues regarding identity, freedom of speech, political ideologies, and the transformative power of music. It weaves together intense personal interviews, captivating performance sequences, backstage footage, and reflective moments with Atzmon himself, painting a vivid picture of a man who is as enigmatic as he is straightforward.
At the forefront of Gilad And All That Jazz is the man himself, Gilad Atzmon. Born into an Israeli family, Atzmon was raised within a Zionist ideology. However, his experiences during mandatory military service led to a complete ideological shift, turning him into a fierce critic of Israel and Zionism. Emigrating to England in the early 1990s, he built a remarkable career as a jazz musician, author and political activist.
Dubbed the "hardest working man in British jazz," Atzmon's paradoxical life, filled with artistic achievements on one hand and blatant controversy on the other, is organically captured throughout the film. His robust saxophone playing enmeshes beautifully with his fiery political discourse, creating a captivating dichotomy that spans the length of the documentary. The performances showing Atzmon and his band, The Orient House Ensemble, are an electrifying infusion of jazz, Middle Eastern influences, and political undertones that keeps the viewers riveted.
Gilad And All That Jazz is an exploration of Atzmon's intellect and artistry. The film moves smoothly between interviews with the saxophonist, wherein he candidly discusses his complex and challenging views on freedom of expression, identity politics, and music, as well as engaging conversations with colleagues, critics, and fans - all of whom have their own unique perspectives to share.
The movie does not shy away from tackling controversial topics head-on. Throughout this biographical portrayal, Atzmon's outspoken views about Israeli policies, Jewish identity, and Holocaust consideration are filled with thought-provoking layers. His bold assertions created a storm of controversy, making him a prominent figure of contention in political and artistic circles. However, even with this context, the film maintains a balanced and nuanced portrayal, revealing enough for viewers to form their personal judgments regardless of their political leanings.
The film is not all politics and debate. Atzmon's enchanting tunes layer the narrative with captivating rhythms. Whether he's playing with his band at a local pub or performing at national jazz festivals, the film is seamlessly synchronized with his passionate performances.
Gilad And All That Jazz does not just focus on Atzmon himself, it also highlights those important figures who share his journey. Whether it’s his band members, often shown in relaxed rehearsal scenes and high-energy performances, or his critics providing vital counterpoints to his arguments, these voices add depth and context to the already complex narrative.
Moreover, the film provides a nostalgic and poignant depiction of Atzmon's past. His journey from an enthusiastic young musician in Israel to a dissident living in exile in London is captured through family photos, archival footage, and personal reminiscences. These intimate glimpses into Atzmon's personal life provide a deeper understanding of the experiences that have shaped his music and political consciousness.
The cinematic style employed in Gilad And All That Jazz is a fusion of concert footage, interviews, and archival material. This format allows viewers to immerse themselves in Atzmon's world - both emotionally and intellectually. The documentary finds a balance between Atzmon's discourses on music, ethnicity, and freedom, and drama produced by Atzmon's saxophone and clarinet, echoing throughout London's jazz clubs.
In conclusion, Gilad And All That Jazz is much more than just a portrait of an influential jazz artist. The documentary film presents a fascinating exploration into the interplay between music and politics, self and society, controversy and discourse. Provocative, engaging, and illuminating, it's a film that boldly navigates through both the soundscapes and landscapes of Atzmon's undeniably provocative life and career.
Gilad And All That Jazz is a Documentary, Musical movie released in 2012. It has a runtime of 59 Critics and viewers have rated it mostly positive reviews, with an IMDb score of 8.6..
How to Watch Gilad And All That Jazz
Where can I stream Gilad And All That Jazz movie online? Gilad And All That Jazz is available to watch and stream at Amazon Prime, Plex, Tubi TV, The Roku Channel.