This Wednesday, April 26, the biopic dedicated to Django Reinhardt, precursor and virtuoso guitarist of gypsy jazz, is released in French cinemas. A look back at his work, which has forever marked music but also the history of cinema.
A musical icon of yesterday and today
During his career, Django Reinhardt has influenced many musicians. Indeed, he is considered one of the best guitarists of his generation, especially in the gypsy jazz world (which he created). By bringing jazz into gypsy music, which was then more of a swing genre, Django created a new and very technical genre.
After the death of the guitarist in 1953, gypsy jazz did not die out with him. Many musicians have either taken over from him or been greatly influenced by his pieces. In addition, he has acquired this post-mortem notoriety both nationally but also and especially internationally.
In France, musicians such as Boulou and Elios Ferré as well as Biréli Lagrène took up the torch. The latter do not deny their admiration for the cult guitarist. Today, it is Thomas Dutronc (son of Jacques Dutronc) who is the most successful with the public.
"[Django Reinhardt] is a timeless musician, like Armstrong, Parker or Coltrane" – Elios Ferré
On the other side of the Atlantic, many American jazzmen say they are very influenced by Django Reinhardt. The famous Joe Pass released an album called For Django in 1964. James Carter says that for him, "he is as essential as Louis Amstrong, Duke Ellington or Charlie Parker. »
Then, in the UK, the famous Jeff Beck recently claimed that Django Reinhardt was "by far the most incredible guitarist that has ever existed. »
Finally, many agree that his son Babik Reinhardt and grandson David Reinhardt are in his lineage. A hell of a weight on the shoulders… If that doesn't make you want to listen to his music, maybe the movie Django will change your mind!
Django Reinhardt: his music in cinema, a rich history
Django Reinhardt's music has been heard far beyond concert halls and turntables. His compositions and the seventh art have often come together with strength and accuracy. A multitude of cinematographic works of all registers, all eras and nationalities have found in Django's music a resonance with their images. Whether for French or international cinema, the list of films where the name of the famous guitarist appears in the soundtrack is long. Small selection JustFocus.
- Matrix Revolutions, 2003
In this cult American film about reality, illusions and choices, we can hear the famous song Minor Swing in a sequence where the Neo visits the Oracle.
- Le chocolat, 2000
A French film released in 2000, Le chocolat is a story that borders on magic while bringing together Juliette Binoche and Johnny Depp on screen. Work on a philosophy of liberation of the soul and joy through good food, the character played by Johnny Depp is a wandering traveler, poet, philosopher, and guitarist in his spare time. He performs Minor Swing during a village festival.
- Agreements and Disagreements, 1999
In this false biopic on Django Reinhardt, it is the real music of the musician to which Woody Allen pays tribute. The film is a light and sparkling ode to the jazz of the great guitarist.
Among the other works that we will not detail are Les Valseuses, Vincent François Paul and others, Bienvenue à Gattaca, Lacombe Lucien, Une Histoire d'initiation Guinevere, L' Entourloupe, Le Gitan, Cortèges, Le Prix du silence, Swing Kids, Arizona Dream, Metroland or La Verte moisson.
The series are not left out, among others Sopranos and Fringe, which have both integrated at least once in their episodes one of the music of the ace of the guitar.
With Django, scheduled for release on Wednesday, April 26, find both the life of the musician and his music on screen! See you tomorrow in French cinemas.
TRAILER:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4fs6vDM-ipk
As a bonus, to find on Spotify some of the movie soundtracks including songs by Django Reinhardt:
