Ornette Coleman: A Jazz Video Game

About This Movie

Ornette Coleman: A Jazz Video Game is this fascinating short that captures the spirit of jazz in a rather unusual way. Shirley Clarke’s direction creates this surreal atmosphere, where sound and visuals meld into a unique experience. The pacing is almost hypnotic, with younger versions of Coleman getting lost in environments that feel as much like a dream as they do a vivid jazz performance. The use of superimpositions and echo effects adds layers to the film, emphasizing this distinct Afrofuturist aesthetic. It’s experimental and playful, making you feel the energy and spontaneity of jazz while also challenging traditional forms of storytelling. You really get a sense of how music can transcend boundaries, even in a short time frame.

Ornette Coleman: A Jazz Video Game has had a bit of a complicated release history, often surfacing in niche collections or festivals, which makes it a bit hard to track down. Its scarcity has given it a certain allure among collectors, especially those with an interest in jazz or experimental cinema. The film has not seen a wide release, so any official copies, even on VHS or DVD, tend to be sought after, resulting in a curious blend of artistic appreciation and hunting for rare finds.