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Louis

  • 2010
  • R
  • 1h 30m
IMDb RATING
7.2/10
238
YOUR RATING
Louis (2010)
LOUIS is an homage to Louis Armstrong, Charlie Chaplin, beautiful women and the birth of American music. The grand Storyville bordellos, alleys and cemeteries of 1907 New Orleans provide a backdrop of lust, blood and magic for 6 year old Louis (Anthony Coleman-pictured above; photo credit: Peter Sorel) as he navigates the colorful intricacies of life in the city. Young Louis's dreams of playing the trumpet are interrupted by a chance meeting with a beautiful and vulnerable girl named Grace (Lowry) and her baby, Jasmine. Haley, in a performance reminiscent of the great comic stars of the silent screen, plays the evil Judge Perry who is determined not to let Jasmine's true heritage derail his candidacy for governor.
Play trailer2:27
1 Video
5 Photos
Drama

A silent film about Louis Armstrong as a young boy and how he acquired his first cornet.A silent film about Louis Armstrong as a young boy and how he acquired his first cornet.A silent film about Louis Armstrong as a young boy and how he acquired his first cornet.

  • Director
    • Dan Pritzker
  • Writers
    • Derick Martini
    • Steven Martini
    • Dan Pritzker
  • Stars
    • Anthony Coleman
    • Jackie Earle Haley
    • Shanti Lowry
  • See production info at IMDbPro
  • IMDb RATING
    7.2/10
    238
    YOUR RATING
    • Director
      • Dan Pritzker
    • Writers
      • Derick Martini
      • Steven Martini
      • Dan Pritzker
    • Stars
      • Anthony Coleman
      • Jackie Earle Haley
      • Shanti Lowry
    • 2User reviews
    • 8Critic reviews
  • See production info at IMDbPro
    • Awards
      • 2 nominations total

    Videos1

    Trailer: Louis
    Trailer 2:27
    Trailer: Louis

    Photos4

    View Poster
    View Poster
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    Top cast55

    Edit
    Anthony Coleman
    Anthony Coleman
    • Young Louis Armstrong
    Jackie Earle Haley
    Jackie Earle Haley
    • Judge Perry
    Shanti Lowry
    Shanti Lowry
    • Grace
    Anthony Mackie
    Anthony Mackie
    • Buddy Bolden
    Michael Rooker
    Michael Rooker
    • Pat McMurphy
    Steven Martini
    Steven Martini
    • Alex Karnofsky
    Joe Chrest
    Joe Chrest
    • Tom Anderson
    Derick Martini
    Derick Martini
    • Morris Karnofsky
    Carmen De Lavallade
    Carmen De Lavallade
    Angela Ray
    Angela Ray
    • Mayann Armstrong
    Vilmos Zsigmond
    Vilmos Zsigmond
    • Hungarian Photographer
    Sarah Acosta
    • Muse
    Quinn Bass
    • Dancer
    Jenique Bennett
    Jenique Bennett
    • Mahagany Hall Prostitute
    Jonathan Biggs
    • Cowboy
    Terry Bowden
    Terry Bowden
    • The Grocer
    Bree Branker
    • Dancer
    John Byrne
    • Principal Dancer
    • Director
      • Dan Pritzker
    • Writers
      • Derick Martini
      • Steven Martini
      • Dan Pritzker
    • All cast & crew
    • Production, box office & more at IMDbPro

    User reviews2

    7.2238
    1
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    Featured reviews

    dowell1227

    Reviews from Chicago premiere

    Jane Teague said on August 24, 2010 @ 4:41 am

    One night in Chicago is simply not enough. What a disappointment to miss this. Please show it again or offer it in DVD.

    Doug said on August 24, 2010 @ 2:36 pm

    You simply MUST bring this home to New Orleans!!!

    Maceo Leon Thomas said on August 25, 2010 @ 2:27 pm

    Louis Daniel Armstrong is Jazz! He is the epitome of greatness in every single facet of jazz: as a cornetist, trumpet player, singer,…composer!

    But, just as important, "Pops" was an exemplary person, a genuine, beautiful human being!

    It is my hope, that people everywhere, who do not know about this great man, will take the time to read about him and teach their children about him too.

    In closing, I agree, this movie should be shown in New Orleans, LA…everywhere! Here's hoping that it is a great success and its promoters heed our sentiment.

    Tom said on August 25, 2010 @ 11:18 pm

    I just got back from the premiere Chicago "Louis" movie event at the Chicago Symphony Center, and I have to say that this was probably one the most engaging Film experiences that I have had in some years. It was great to see a story told through, "Pure Cinema". Great montage sequences and use of varied film rate speeds, old school techniques and modern techniques. And hearing it with a live Jazz Ensemble featuring Wynton Marsalis and Cecile Licad on piano. AMAZING. I don't know the procedure to get nominated for academy awards, but I definitely feel that this film should be up for best soundtrack and best cinematography. This really needs a bigger tour with encore performances cause it is a one of a kind Film Experience that is nothing short of brilliant in it's vision and execution. A Film Lovers Dream Project and a Jazz lovers delight. BRAVO to all the Artists concerned.

    Violet said on August 25, 2010 @ 11:44 pm

    I agree with Tom above. Just returned from the Chicago showing and thought it was fabulous. I've never been to a silent film and I've never seen Wynton live before. This was an incredible experience. I highly recommend it!

    Jim said on August 26, 2010 @ 3:57 pm

    My wife and I met the delightful young man, Anthony Coleman who portrays Louis while on business in Wilmington, NC. He is a true talent and an upstanding person. We would love it if this film was brought to the Pittsburgh and/or Cleveland areas. Can't wait to see it and Bolden! someday soon. Best of luck, Anthony!

    Annie said on August 26, 2010 @ 4:52 pm

    Please extend the tour, release a DVD, SOMETHING, BOTH! Don't deprive the rest of us!

    milo barrera said on August 26, 2010 @ 6:16 pm

    Saw Louis last night. "Wow!!"
    8gumpold

    Entertaining movie greatly enhanced by live music!

    I was able to see "Louis" last night in Detroit. This was the first time I had seen a movie with the music preformed live. It was quite an enjoyable experience. I found myself during the movie at points where I had to remind myself that all the sounds I'm hearing are coming from the band in front of me. They did a fantastic job! Anthony Coleman was perfectly cast as Louis. His bright face, full of expression, is just what is needed for a silent movie. Jackie Earle Haley gave a wonderful "Chaplinesque" performance. His mannerisms caught the vintage style perfectly. Shanti Lowry as grace, did not feel as well cast as the other main roles. She did not seem to be able to convey as much of the story through her body language as the two other main actors were able to. I didn't find myself as interested in her story line as much and wishing they were focusing on the Louis character more. That could be more of a result in my disagreeing with Director/Editing choices than with her performance however.

    All round, an 8 from me. Less bordello, more Louis would have made it even higher. If it is playing anywhere near you, go see it for a very entertaining evening!

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    Storyline

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    Did you know

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    • Trivia
      The movie's five screenings were accompanied by live music performed by composer Wynton Marsalis and eleven other musicians.

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    Details

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    • Release date
      • August 25, 2010 (United States)
    • Country of origin
      • United States
    • Official site
      • Official site
    • Language
      • English
    • Also known as
      • The Great Observer
    • Filming locations
      • New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
    • Production company
      • King Bolden
    • See more company credits at IMDbPro

    Tech specs

    Edit
    • Runtime
      1 hour 30 minutes
    • Color
      • Black and White
      • Color
    • Aspect ratio
      • 1.85 : 1

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