Ornette: Made in America
An artist as singular as Ornette Coleman deserves an unconventional bio, and 1985's ORNETTE: MADE IN AMERICA would generally qualify. Director Shirley Clarke, whose final final this was, was known for her experimental stylings, a Greenwich Village ambience that made her a favorite of the indie film world. As of this writing I have not seen her earlier works. From what I know of her background, it was unsurprising to see such a loose approach to a documentary. This film is a real collage, and a real mixed bag, some of which I'd be happy to discard. The film is bookended by clips of Coleman's performance of his 1972 album Skies of America at the Fort Worth Convention Center. The music utilizes a full symphony orchestra, occasionally pausing for the jazzer's trumpet and his three piece. Ornette was well known for his unconventional chordal playing, often quite dissonant. Easily designated as avant garde. I've always been intereste...
