Bird (1988)

Forest Whitaker stars as brilliant jazz saxophonist Charlie “Bird” Parker in Academy Award-winning director Clint Eastwood’s homage to Bird’s life and genius. Charlie Parker pushes the boundaries of jazz, always ahead of the musical sensibilities of his time–and never willing to compromise his artistry. Wrestling with his twin demons, alcohol and drug abuse, he struggles to gain acceptance for his music. But neither his talent nor the love of his devoted wife, Chan, is enough to save Bird from a tragically untimely death at the age of 34.