Köln 75, a new biopic about Keith Jarrett's landmark jazz concert in 1975, is a watchable and well-acted film that charts the story of how an 18-year-old German teenager booked the American pianist for what became a legendary performance. The film, directed by Christian Keller, is based on the true story of how the teenager, who remains unnamed, convinced Jarrett to play at the legendary Jazz Festival in Cologne, Germany.
The film, which premiered at the Berlinale film festival in 2023, is a niche drama that avoids the music-movie cliches often seen in films about jazz. However, it does include some fourth-wall-breaking lectures about the nature of jazz improvisation, which may not be to every viewer's taste. Despite this, the film is well-acted and provides a fascinating insight into one of the most important chapters in the history of experimental jazz.
Köln 75 is now available to stream in the UK, and is a must-see for fans of jazz and music. The film has been praised for its accurate portrayal of the music and the era in which it was created, and is a testament to the enduring power of jazz.
The film's success has also been recognised by the British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA), with Köln 75 being shortlisted for Best Foreign Language Film at the 2024 BAFTA Awards. While it did not win, the recognition is a testament to the film's quality and impact.
Jazz fans will also be pleased to know that Köln 75 is available to stream on the major streaming platforms, including Netflix and Amazon Prime Video. The film is also available to purchase on DVD and Blu-ray disc, making it accessible to fans who prefer to own physical copies of their favourite films.