Everybody Digs Bill Evans

Directed by Grant Gee
Run Time 102 min

June 1961, New York. Legendary jazz pianist Bill Evans has found his musical voice and created the perfect trio, including bass player Scott LaFaro, his musical soulmate. A residency at New York’s Village Vanguard culminates in the live taping of two of the greatest jazz records of all time in one day. Days later, LaFaro dies tragically in a car crash. Numb with grief, Evans stops playing for the first time since childhood. This is the story of what happened next for one of the most influential and gifted figures in 20th century music.

Cutting between Bill’s present and future, his sobriety and intoxication, and his relationships with his family and on again/off again girlfriend, who shares his taste in music and hard drugs, EVERYBODY DIGS BILL EVANS portrays the inner life and personal impact of a troubled musical genius as he struggles to learn that sometimes an intermission is part of the music.

PRAISE FOR EVERYBODY DIGS BILL EVANS

"..the movie’s artful direction, nimble structure, visual richness and impeccable performances make for something full-bodied, compelling and deeply affecting, its melancholy beauty lingering long after the end credits roll." - The Hollywood Reporter

"It’s a riff, played with real skill, lingering on dissonance rather than release." - Indiewire

"What could feel contrived emerges as elegant and honestly felt, a study not just of the tumult that often produces great art, but the silence too." - Variety

"Sharp observations and two knockout performances from Metcalf and Pullman mean there's something for everyone to dig in this biopic." - Film Ireland Magazine

 

Name Role
Grant Gee Director
Anders Danielsen Lie Bill Evans
Bill Pullman Harry Evans Senior
Laurie Metcalf Mary Evans
Barry Ward Harry Evans Junior
Valene Kane Ellaine Schultz
Katie McGrath Pat
Country Ireland
Languages English
Run time 102 min