‘Notorious’ Helmer George Tillman Jr. To Direct Miles Davis Biopic
George Tillman Jr., who previously brought rapper Notorious B.I.G.’s life to the big screen inNotorious, is lined up to direct another musical biopic, this time about legendary jazz musicianMiles Davis. Tentatively titledMiles, the project is based on the bookDark Magus: The Jekyll and Hyde Life of Miles Davisby Davis' sonGregory Davis. Gregory Davis will serve as a consultant on the picture, withNick Davis RaynesandGed Dickersinand lined up to produce. More details after the jump.
One of the all-time jazz greats, Davis is among the most influential musicians of the 20th century. Over the course of his five-decade career, he collaborated with the likes of Charlie Parker, John Coltrane, and Thelonious Monk, and pioneered several different styles of jazz including bebop, cool jazz, and jazz-rock fusion. “Miles, in his fifty-year career as a musician, transcends time, space and race,” said Raynes.
It remains to be seen howMileswill affect another Davis biopic currently in the works, which is being developed by actorDon Cheadle. Cheadle has said that he plans to direct, produce, and star in that movie, whichas of last yearhad a completed script and the blessing of the Davis estate and former Davis collaborator (and music legend in his own right) Herbie Hancock. However, that project has yet to come together after several years.
In addition toNotorious, Tillman’s resume also includesFaster,Men of Honor,Beauty Shop, andSoul Food. While he’s not the worst choice to directMiles, he doesn’t seem like the most exciting one, either. But Gregory Davis, at least, seems to have faith in his abilities. “I trust George Tillman and Nick Raynes will tell the true story of my father – without any sugar-coating.” he said. “My father was an amazing man who believed in the promise of America. I know this film will do him justice.”
