Thelonious Monk Straight, No Chaser
Studio: The Criterion Assortment
Jun 17, 2025
Internet Unique
Images by The Criterion Assortment
The jazz big Thelonious Monk was an elusive character even to those that knew him. In her 1988 documentary Thelonious Monk Straight, No Chaser, director Charlotte Zwerin presents each the artist and the person, utilizing archival footage of the enigmatic pianist and composer, together with interviews with household and associates, to ship a revealing and engrossing profile. And whether or not he’s onstage, backstage or alone along with his spouse, Monk is a captivating examine in each body.
There are few correct superlatives that match a real authentic, and simply seeing Monk work by way of the exceptional constructions of his compositions (typically equally advanced, melodic and swinging) on the piano is a deal with all through. One priceless inclusion is Monk’s 1957 look on the CBS tv collection The Seven Energetic Arts, the place we see a bemused Rely Basie watching Monk play from the top of the piano, and a clearly bothered Monk later tells his supervisor that he plans to stare from throughout the piano the subsequent time Basie performs. Because the documentary strikes by way of Monk’s profession, interview insights supplied by his son, musician T.S. Monk, present invaluable element for a determine whose habits was typically bewildering to these in his orbit. Footage of Monk’s spouse, Nellie, caring for him behind the scenes underscores her significance in his life.
Whereas Monk’s compositions and recordings proceed to encourage and entertain performers and listeners, Thelonious Monk Straight, No Chaser offers, as a lot as potential, the remainder of the image. Options included with the Criterion Assortment’s new launch embody: a brand new 4K digital restoration, an introduction by Zwerin, a brand new interview with T.S. Monk, and a brand new program about Zwerin and the making of the movie.
