Born to Be Blue (2015)

Immersed in the heady world of late 60s jazz, "Born to Be Blue" is a riveting reimagination of the tumultuous life of legendary trumpeter and vocalist, Chet Baker. A pioneer of the West Coast swing, Baker's music danced to a different beat, setting it apart from the more recognized sounds of New York bebop and hard bop. But beneath the rhythm of his life, the haunting melody of drug addiction played, leading to a professional decline that saw him incarcerated in an Italian jail. Baker finds a ticket to redemption when an American director casts him in a movie about his own life, chronicling his meteoric rise in the 1950s. However, the grim specter of his past resurfaces, as a brutal attack from his drug dealer leaves his embouchure ruined and his front teeth knocked out, putting his musical career in jeopardy. The actress portraying his first wife in the film, Jane Azuka, enters his life during this turmoil. Bearing an uncanny resemblance to the real Elaine, Jane embarks on a cautious romance with Baker, fully aware of his 'bad boy' reputation. With nothing but music as his lifeline, Baker battles physical agony and the challenge of prosthetic teeth to relearn his craft. It's an uphill task, as he must not only meet the expectations of his fans but also convince his old producer, Dick Bock, of his commitment to stay clean. All the while, he adheres to the conditions of his probation, under the steady gaze of a new drug treatment. As Baker grapples with the realities of his comeback, Jane finds herself on the crossroads of a decision that could alter her life and burgeoning acting career—how much is she willing to sacrifice to stand by Baker's side during this gritty journey? "Born to Be Blue" is a poignant tale of love, resilience, and the relentless pursuit of passion, set against the odds. It's a testament to the human spirit's capacity to tune into the rhythm of hope, even when the music of life seems all but lost.

Born to Be Blue is a drama movie featuring Ethan Hawke and directed by Robert Budreau.

Born to Be Blue is currently streaming for free (ad-supported) on Kanopy and Tubi TV and it's also available on AMC Plus Apple TV Channel , AMC+, AMC+ Amazon Channel and DIRECTV.

It is also possible to buy Born to Be Blue on Amazon Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, Vudu and YouTube.