Round Midnight (1986)

Plot: Set in 1950's Paris, an old, alcoholic Jazz Great is helped by a worshipful French fan.
Stars:  Dexter Gordon, François Cluzet

The two best things about Round Midnight are the music (we hear a lot of Jazz) and Dexter Gordon.  An amateur actor, Gordon is completely believable in the role, and with his halting raspy voice, has a great screen presence.  Unfortunately, the story has little drama/conflict and moves at a snail's pace. When Gordon isn't playing jazz, he's drinking at a bar or being helped by his French fan (who's not very interesting).  The plot is repetitive -and way too thin - to cover  2 hour and 14 minutes.

Summary:  With a better script and story, this could've been a contender. Too bad.  Jazz fans might forgive the dull story and enjoy the atmosphere and fine musical score.