“Louis” a Silent Movie with Live Accompaniment by Wynton and Jazz Ensemble to Premiere in August with a US Tour
“Louis,” a silent film directed by Dan Pritzker and starring Jackie Earle Haley, Shanti Lowry and Anthony Coleman, will premiere in US cities in late August with live musical accompaniment by Wynton Marsalis, renowned pianist Cecile Licad and a 10-piece all-star jazz ensemble, including Sherman Irby, Victor Goines, Marcus Printup, Ted Nash, Kurt Bacher, Vincent Gardner, Wycliffe Gordon, Dan Nimmer, Carlos Henriquez, Ali Jackson, and conductor Andy Farber. Marsalis will play a score comprised primarily of his own compositions. Licad will play the music of 19th century American composer L.M. Gottschalk.
The group will perform live with the film in a series of special performances in New York City, Chicago, Washington, D.C., Detroit, and Philadelphia from August 25-31. Partial proceeds from the five concerts will benefit Providence Saint Mel School in Chicago, IL in honor of Paul J. Adams III
Shot by Academy Award-winning cinematographer Vilmos Zsigmond as a modern re-imagining of early silent film, “Louis” is an homage to Louis Armstrong, Charlie Chaplin, beautiful women and the birth of American music. The grand Storyville bordellos, alleys and cemeteries of 1907 New Orleans provide a backdrop of lust, blood and magic for 6 year old Louis (Anthony Coleman-pictured above; photo credit: Peter Sorel) as he navigates the colorful intricacies of life in the city. Young Louis’s dreams of playing the trumpet are interrupted by a chance meeting with a beautiful and vulnerable girl named Grace (Lowry) and her baby, Jasmine. Haley, in a performance reminiscent of the great comic stars of the silent screen, plays the evil Judge Perry who is determined not to let Jasmine’s true heritage derail his candidacy for governor.
“The idea of accompanying a silent film telling a mythical tale of a young Louis Armstrong was appealing to me,” says Marsalis. “Of course, calling it a silent film is a misnomer — there will be plenty of music, and jazz is like a conversation between the players so there’ll be no shortage of dialogue. I look forward to playing with Cecile. The contrast between Gottschalk’s music and jazz can be a revelation to those unfamiliar with Gottschalk’s music and jazz.”
“The combination of Cecile playing Gottschalk and Wynton and his ensemble playing jazz reflects the wide-ranging nature of the American musical landscape,” notes Pritzker.
“‘Louis’ came about when I was writing a screenplay about Buddy Bolden, the first jazz trumpeter of New Orleans, and I took my mom to see Chaplin’s ‘City Lights’ with the Chicago Symphony performing the score. It was without a doubt the best movie experience I ever had. The challenge of trying to tell a story visually, without dialogue, was compelling. I thought that if I was going to shoot one film, I might as well try to shoot two–the second being a silent film that picked up where “Bolden” ended. And it put Vilmos and me on even footing–he’d never made a silent film before either.”
“Louis” is a companion piece to Pritzker’s “Bolden,” starring Anthony Mackie, Wendell Pierce and Lowry. “Bolden” will be released theatrically in 2011.
Tour dates for “Louis” with Wynton Marsalis and Cecile Licad:
Wednesday, August 25–Symphony Center, Chicago
Thursday, August 26–Max M. Fisher Music Center, Detroit
Saturday, August 28–Strathmore Center, Bethesda, Md.
Monday, August 30–Apollo Theatre, Harlem, NYC
Tuesday, August 31–Keswick Theatre, Glenside (Philadelphia) Pa.
The film is rated “R” - Restricted (Some Sexual Content), so that U.17 must be accompanied by parent or guardian.
“Louis” a Silent Movie with Live Accompaniment by Wynton and Jazz Ensemble to Premiere in August with a US Tour | Jazz Music Blog said
on June 9, 2010 @ 9:06 am
[…] Wynton Marsalis official web site […]
Camden Hughes said
on July 10, 2010 @ 3:58 pm
I’d love to see Wynton play live for the film! I wish they were doing a more extensive tour.
Linda said
on July 18, 2010 @ 12:19 pm
No screenings scheduled for Los Angeles?
Noel Garcia, MD said
on July 21, 2010 @ 7:06 pm
I think there should be a performance in the South particularly New Orleans and Memphis
where the jazz, blues and rock and roll music started. Let me know!
Roger said
on July 23, 2010 @ 9:09 am
The film was shot in Wilmington, NC. There should be a performance in North Carolina.
liprap said
on July 28, 2010 @ 10:28 am
Yes, please, when will there be a performance in New Orleans?
MP said
on July 29, 2010 @ 3:06 pm
why isn’t this playing in LA???
Roberta Markow said
on August 1, 2010 @ 11:37 am
Sorry I will not be able to attend the movie with live music in August but would love a CD of the soundtrack. Is one available?
Caroline said
on August 11, 2010 @ 1:03 pm
I can’t believe this is not screening in New Orleans!
Dee said
on August 11, 2010 @ 5:42 pm
I purchased 2 tickets to the Philadelphia concert for August 31, 2010 and sadly will not be able to attend.
If anyone would like to purchace them please submit a followup comment with email address.
Films to Look For (August 15th, 2010) « Desertpunk films said
on August 15, 2010 @ 9:19 am
[…] WYNTONMARSALIS.ORG […]
Jeff said
on August 17, 2010 @ 4:58 am
A movie set in New Orleans about a New Orleans legend accompanied by a New Orleans musician playing New Orleans music. Makes perfect sense that the movie wouldn’t be screened in New Orleans. I can’t imagine why anyone would be baffled or upset about this.
Robin Smith said
on August 20, 2010 @ 4:17 pm
Will it be possible for other musicians to perform to the film? If so, how can they get the music and royalty permission?
Robin Smith said
on August 20, 2010 @ 4:24 pm
Is there a way for musicans in other cities to perform for the movie? If so, how can they obtain the music and the royalty permission?
Joan Pierce said
on August 20, 2010 @ 7:01 pm
Please make this available in a DVD for
those of us who can not see the
performance. I live in Minnesota.
Tami Tyree said
on August 20, 2010 @ 11:56 pm
Would love to see this. I’ve heard about this for a long time in the making. Some of the musicians that will be on the bandstand are friends of mine. Will be there in the spirit of my organization ECHOES of our ANCESTORS, http://www.echoesofourancestors.com Will bring an entourage!
Jane Teague said
on August 24, 2010 @ 4:41 am
One night in Chicago is simply not enough. What a disappointment to miss this. Please show it again or offer it in DVD.
Doug said
on August 24, 2010 @ 2:36 pm
You simply MUST bring this home to New Orleans!!!
Maceo Leon Thomas said
on August 25, 2010 @ 2:27 pm
Louis Daniel Armstrong is Jazz! He is the epitome of greatness in every single facet of jazz: as a cornetist, trumpet player, singer,…composer!
But, just as important, “Pops” was an exemplary person, a genuine, beautiful human being!
It is my hope, that people everywhere, who do not know about this great man, will take the time to read about him and teach their children about him too.
In closing, I agree, this movie should be shown in New Orleans, LA…everywhere! Here’s hoping that it is a great success and its promoters heed our sentiment.
Tom said
on August 25, 2010 @ 11:18 pm
I just got back from the premiere Chicago “Louis” movie event at the Chicago Symphony Center, and I have to say that this was probably one the most engaging Film experiences that I have had in some years. It was great to see a story told through, “Pure Cinema”. Great montage sequences and use of varied film rate speeds, old school techniques and modern techniques. And hearing it with a live Jazz Ensemble featuring Wynton Marsalis and Cecile Licad on piano. AMAZING. I don’t know the procedure to get nominated for academy awards, but I definitely feel that this film should be up for best soundtrack and best cinematography. This really needs a bigger tour with encore performances cause it is a one of a kind Film Experience that is nothing short of brilliant in it’s vision and execution. A Film Lovers Dream Project and a Jazz lovers delight. BRAVO to all the Artists concerned.
Violet said
on August 25, 2010 @ 11:44 pm
I agree with Tom above. Just returned from the Chicago showing and thought it was fabulous. I’ve never been to a silent film and I’ve never seen Wynton live before. This was an incredible experience. I highly recommend it!
Jim said
on August 26, 2010 @ 3:57 pm
My wife and I met the delightful young man, Anthony Coleman who portrays Louis while on business in Wilmington, NC. He is a true talent and an upstanding person. We would love it if this film was brought to the Pittsburgh and/or Cleveland areas. Can’t wait to see it and Bolden! someday soon. Best of luck, Anthony!
Annie said
on August 26, 2010 @ 4:52 pm
Please extend the tour, release a DVD, SOMETHING, BOTH! Don’t deprive the rest of us!
milo barrera said
on August 26, 2010 @ 6:16 pm
Saw Louis last night. “Wow!!”
Michael Johnson said
on August 26, 2010 @ 9:41 pm
Truly a special experience. The cinematography and musicianship are spectacular-an amazing experience!
cindi warblow said
on August 26, 2010 @ 11:03 pm
I would like the 2 tickets in Philly…my son is a jazz nut. Please email me.
Pauline Averbach said
on August 27, 2010 @ 2:12 pm
We saw “Louis” last night at Orchestra Hall in Detroit. Packed house. Standing ovation. So much going on and all of it outstanding. If you can get to Bethesda, New York or Philadelphia, don’t wait — just go.
Nancy Baron Harrison said
on August 27, 2010 @ 7:54 pm
I saw “Louis” in Detroit last night, Orchestra Hall, fabulous, fabulous, fabulous. Sold out crowd all seemed to agree. How lucky we were it came to Detroit!
Hazel Barnes said
on August 28, 2010 @ 12:11 pm
My husband and I would love to see the movie tonight at the Strathmore in Bethesda, Md but it is sold out. My sister-in-law saw it in Chicago and created a Smilebox. She waid it was absolutely enthralling. Please let me know if anyone has 2 tickets.
Karen Rosenthal said
on August 28, 2010 @ 10:13 pm
This was a perfect performance. Am walking on air and can’t stop smiling.
john b holway said
on August 29, 2010 @ 7:57 am
Hi
Just saw a wonderful – something. Was it a movie or an opera or a movie-opera? It’s called “Louis,” filmed in sepia as a silent movie melodrama with live orchestra accompaniment about seven-year-old Louis Armstrong. But it’s not a biopic either. The kid who plays Louis is a cute little guy, a lot like Gary Coleman. Think Shirley Temple as a black and a boy. He’s got the same sparkle. There’s a lot of Chaplinesque comedy.
The score, by Wynton Marsalis, doesn’t owe anything to Armstrong, pr even jazz, as far as I can tell. Wynton also has a cameo part in the film.
It was a one-night stand, but I’m sure it will return many times. In fact, it was kind of like being present at the first performance of Beethoven’s Fifth, because I think its going to be a classic. The rest of the audience ate it up too.
So if it hasn’t come to your hometown yet, don’t miss it. And if it has and you did, don’t worry, it’ll be back.
Mark Miword
Picknhand said
on August 29, 2010 @ 8:00 am
Saw the film last night in Bethesda, MD. What a great experience and a great film. It is crazy to me that the film isn’t being shown, at least now, in NOLA.
http://www.nytimes.com/1988/07/31/arts/music-what-jazz-is-and-isn-t.html
Jennifer said
on August 29, 2010 @ 9:01 am
I just saw the DC showing of Louis and was blown away! Everything was spectacular! I REALLY hope that a DVD or Blu-Ray can come out with the band playing to the movie. I don’t think anyone else could replicate this event except for Wynton and the group he has put together. That piano player was AMAZING! I love the idea of the silent film with live music being brought back. Can the genre be brought back to life? Maybe the dialog could be in sub-titles like they have at the Met. Ohhh, the possibilities!!!
Thank you Wynton for bringing this project to life. More cities and people need to see this fantastic project!!!
G G Battle said
on August 29, 2010 @ 10:02 am
Saw ‘Louis’ last night in Bethesda, Maryland at the Strathmore. It was WONDERFUL!!!! Mr. Marsalis and his orchestra were superb! Please do more productions like this! Maybe something on Josephine Baker or Miles Davis.
Jim C said
on August 30, 2010 @ 9:17 am
Saw it at Strathmore last night. Magical evening.Thank you Wynton!
Gloria Smith said
on August 30, 2010 @ 8:12 pm
I happened to be visiting friends in Virginia who suggested that we attend the Swarthsmore event. This was a night I’ll never forget. This was the most amazing performance that I’ve seen in a very long time. The silent film and this incredible jazz group was a great combination.
Chaya said
on August 31, 2010 @ 12:04 am
Amaaaaaaaaazing performance tonight at the Apollo Theater! Now I’m hooked on you
Mike Chio said
on August 31, 2010 @ 7:08 am
Just saw “Louis” at the Apollo”—WOW!!!! Louis Armstrong, Louis Moreau Gottschalk, Wynton Marsalis-All born in New Orleans- Great tribute to New Orleans!
Diane said
on August 31, 2010 @ 7:44 pm
We saw “Louis” at the Apollo last night… The heat outside was nothing compared to the performances on stage and on screen - incredible!
laura Kingbo said
on August 31, 2010 @ 11:30 pm
Saw the Louse show to night with my mom in PA. She was looking forward to it so much it was wonderful a wonce in a life time experence we will never for get. We also wated and wated and wated after the show and finnaly we got to meet Wynton. He is such a nice and humble guy to take the time to speek with fans it is a night I know me and my mom will never for get.
Brian Reese said
on August 31, 2010 @ 11:39 pm
Louis was absolutely amazing! The best musical experience/movie experience ever. This was spectacular. Id love to see this come out on Blue Ray/DVD. Fantastic! Got a meet and Greet after the show which really made it all that much better!! Go see this show!!
Lee B said
on September 1, 2010 @ 4:54 pm
“Louis”, with the live accompaniment by Wynton Marsalis, his band and Cecile Licad, was an incredible visual and musical experience, totally unique and memorable. I hope there is a plan to release the soundtrack for CD, podcast, purchase, etc. Wow. Hats off to the producers, directors, writers, actors for this really original experience.
Rah said
on September 2, 2010 @ 3:32 pm
Well , we missed “Louis” but here in Houston we saw Delfeayo Marsalis on Sunday at the Houston Theatre District open house. You get to see numerous upcoming acts that are coming for the season, music, drama, dance, everything, all for free. The group did a lovely instrumental version of Wonderful World that brought tears to your eyes. It’s one of my 12 year old daughter’s favorites, and we met him afterward for a chat and a photo. Another elegant afternoon, brought to you by the Marsalis family. Smile.