This Thelonius Monk Doc is Worth Watching Twice

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By Kate Myers

The endeavor of art as a collaborative process can often get lost in the enjoyment of the finished product, but if one follows the threads each artists leaves in a piece of work, so many fascinating new tapestries can be revealed.

Recently I watched “Wild Blue Yonder,” a documentary by Celia Maysles in which she explores the work and relationships of her late father David Maysles. From there I discovered the eminently impressive editor of many Maysles films Charlotte Zwerin. This New Yorker article profiles Zwerin and brought to my attention that she has many films of her own, notably one about Thelonious Monk, the eccentric jazz pianist.

In the film “Thelonious Monk: Straight No Chaser,” Zwerin weaves late 1960s footage of Monk on tour with her own interviews and additions to tell his story. The result is an absolutely engrossing sonic and intellectual experience of the jazz genius.

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The music is itself beautiful, but the addition of behind-the-scenes insights into Monk’s life create the true satisfaction. It is one thing to be wowed by his musical output; it is another to understand the person producing the groundbreaking sounds.

“Thelonious Monk: Straight No Chaser” has no boring parts. Zwerin knows how to edit together film footage that tells the story people want to hear. The film is available to rent for $2.99 on typical streaming platforms and is worth watching more than once.

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Watch the trailer for the film below.