Question 1

Which actors received musical training to convincingly play their instruments in Mo' Better Blues?

Accepted Answer

Denzel Washington and Wesley Snipes were trained by musicians Terence Blanchard and Donald Harrison to mimic playing trumpet and saxophone, respectively, with Washington later able to mimic most songs.

Question 2

Why was the film's original title 'A Love Supreme' not used?

Accepted Answer

Permission to use the title 'A Love Supreme' was denied by Alice Coltrane, widow of composer John Coltrane, whose composition inspired the name.

Question 3

Which festivals officially selected Mo' Better Blues?

Accepted Answer

The film was selected for the Venice Film Festival in 1990 and the Locarno International Film Festival in 2003.

Question 4

Who provided the actual trumpet and saxophone music heard when the actors are 'playing' in the film?

Accepted Answer

Terence Blanchard played Denzel Washington's trumpet parts, while Branford Marsalis played saxophone for Wesley Snipes, with Marsalis's working band performing the music.

Question 5

What is the central conflict for trumpeter Bleek Gilliam in Mo' Better Blues?

Accepted Answer

Bleek Gilliam is a talented but self-centered trumpeter obsessed with his music and indecisive about his girlfriends Indigo and Clarke, whose world becomes fragile when forced to aid his manager and childhood friend.

Question 6

Which actors were trained to mimic playing instruments for their roles, and by whom?

Accepted Answer

Denzel Washington and Wesley Snipes were trained by musicians Terence Blanchard and Donald Harrison to mimic playing trumpet and saxophone respectively for their roles.

Question 7

Who was the film dedicated to, and why was this significant?

Accepted Answer

The film was dedicated to actor and comedian Robin Harris, who died after the film was completed.

Question 8

What prevented the film from using its original title 'A Love Supreme'?

Accepted Answer

Permission to use the original title 'A Love Supreme' was denied by Alice Coltrane, widow of composer John Coltrane.

Question 9

Which actress turned down the role of Clarke Bentancourt and why?

Accepted Answer

Halle Berry was considered for Clarke Bentancourt but turned it down after learning the character had sex scenes.

Question 10

What is the central conflict for trumpeter Bleek Gilliam in the story?

Accepted Answer

Bleek Gilliam is obsessed with his music and indecisive about his girlfriends Indigo and Clarke, but his world becomes fragile when forced to aid his manager and childhood friend.

Mo' Better Blues

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