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Satchmo: The Life of Louis Armstrong 1989 ★★★
When watching this, I was mostly reminded of the unique talent of Louis Armstrong. Well, Lewis or Louis?
How he improved and laid his mark on every band he joined and every movie he appeared in. With the documentary not failing to mention how offensive some of the roles were. You know that saying how you can't polish a turd? Well, Louis came pretty darn close to being able to.
Also how he helped launch people in his sphere or slipstream or under his wing (or whichever term is respectfull enough), like Lionel Hampton, Earl Hines, Milt Hinton and a whole host of others I am now forgetting. Lest we forget his influence on people like Billie Holiday.
Does Satchmo give a complete image of Louis Armstrong? Not really, I guess. If you listen carefully and read between the lines, you also get a sense of a different Louis. A side that this documentary does not really get into. How his infidelity is quickly glossed over. Or the touching remark about marihuana helped form a shield against the pain racism caused.
Some remarks also give an insight into Armstrong's business sense. Underneath that happy go lucky image, we found both a hurtful soul and a savvy businessman who knows well enough to promote both himself and his art.
Not easy to get genuine quotes or images on those themes, since I would imagine that Louis rarely let his shield down. Also because a lot of the people interviewed were not that willing to get into that.
Nonetheless, a entertaining and informative documentary. Fun stuff.
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