Exploring the Life and Music of Bill Evans: Director Grant Gee's Journey into Jazz
Director Grant Gee, known for his music documentaries, has shifted his focus to jazz with his latest film "Everybody Digs Bill Evans." The movie delves into the life of jazz pianist Bill Evans, portrayed by Anders Danielsen Lie, as he navigates personal tragedy and addiction to reconnect with his art. Gee discusses the transition from documentaries to drama and the challenges of portraying addiction in the early sixties. Inspired by a haunting photograph of Evans, Gee was drawn to explore the character behind the music and the emotions that fueled his creativity.
Gee found working on a drama to be a refreshing change from the solitary nature of documentary filmmaking, enjoying the collaborative process with a larger crew. He was intrigued by the idea of a novel about Evans not playing music, avoiding the cliché of actors portraying musical genius. The film captures the complexity of addiction in the early sixties, where it was often overlooked and hidden from public view, reflecting the societal attitudes of the time.
Drawing on his experience working with musicians like Thom Yorke of Radiohead, Gee sought to capture the essence of jazz musicians' creative energy and improvisational skills. The film showcases a powerful performance piece that highlights the challenges and rewards of artistic expression. Despite the difficulties portrayed in the film, Gee found the process of making "Everybody Digs Bill Evans" to be fulfilling and satisfying, even if the film had not reached the competition level at the Berlin festival. The journey of creating the film was a rewarding experience in itself, culminating in a prestigious spot in the festival's competition lineup.