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Grant Gee’s ‘Everybody Digs Bill Evans’ Premieres in Berlinale Competition to Strong Early Reviews

Gee’s narrative debut studies the pianist’s 1961 crisis through intimate performances with austere black-and-white design.

Overview

  • Critics praise Anders Danielsen Lie’s restrained lead turn, with support from Bill Pullman, Laurie Metcalf, Barry Ward and Valene Kane.
  • The film adapts Owen Martell’s 2013 novel Intermission, focusing on a brief period after bassist Scott LaFaro’s death.
  • Reviews highlight a predominantly monochrome visual approach punctuated by selective color passages.
  • The story explores addiction, grief and family care as Evans withdraws from performing and attempts recovery.
  • Festival listings cite Mister Smith for world sales, CAA for U.S. representation and a 1 hour 42 minute running time.