“ORNETTE isn't just a love letter to the liberty of jazz rhythms; it excels at expressing them.” - Eric Kohn, IndieWire
“Years after its initial release, ORNETTE: MADE IN AMERICA, part of Milestone's continuing ‘Project Shirley,’ still feels fresh - its moves always surprising, yet always somehow perfect.” - John Anderson, Wall Street Journal
Directed by independent pioneer Shirley Clarke (THE CONNECTION), this film’s jazzlike structure—combining old and new footage, intercut dramatic sequences, and electronically processed video interludes— is as complex and exciting as Coleman himself. ORNETTE deftly honors this great musician without necessarily understanding him. The film follows Ornette through different stages of his career, as he performs "Skies of America" in Fort Worth, in Morocco in 1973, in Berkeley in 1969, and on Italian television in 1980. This rich and poetic portrait includes commentary from the likes of William Burroughs and Buckminster Fuller. (Jim Dempsey) Screened in 2002 as part of our recurring Music Movies series.
25 For 25
To celebrate 25 years on State Street, the 25 For 25 series revisits standout titles from our State Street history, spotlighting films that have lit up our screens since 2001 and reflecting on the Siskel Film Center’s programming legacy. Each selection connects to a past Siskel program, highlighting the Siskel Film Center’s long-standing commitment to diverse and innovative curation.
The Film Center is ADA accessible. This presentation will be projected without open captions. The theater is hearing-loop equipped. For accessibility requests, please email filmcenter@saic.edu