Milford Graves Full Mantis is a documentary film released in 2018 directed by Jake Meginsky and starring the legendary free jazz drummer, Milford Graves. The film takes us on a journey through the life and work of Milford Graves over the course of several years, exploring his complex musical genius and his philosophies on life, health, and spirituality.
The film opens with a powerful performance by Graves in which he creates a live composition with his unique drumming style, along with his voice, breath, and other unconventional instruments. He explains his approach to improvisation and his belief that every moment is unique, reminding us that life is constantly evolving and changing.
Throughout the film, we witness Graves' passion for science and his exploration of the human body's rhythms and energies. We follow him on a series of visits to medical experts, where he shares his insights on heart disease and his theories on how to heal the body through music and movement. He reveals how he has used his drumming to heal himself and others, manifesting his belief in the power of music as a therapeutic tool.
We also get a chance to see the deeply spiritual side of Graves, who is a practicing martial artist and an avid student of the occult. He talks about his experience with astral projection and his belief that we are all part of a larger cosmic consciousness. His approach to music, health, and spirituality is holistic, and he views them as interconnected aspects of our existence.
Along with these philosophical explorations, the film also features interviews with Graves' contemporaries and collaborators, such as Archie Shepp, William Parker, and Jason Moran. They offer their insights on his unique drumming style and his contributions to the free jazz movement, which defied traditional conventions and norms.
The film also delves into Graves' personal life, including his difficult childhood in Queens, New York, and his experiences as a Black man in America. He discusses the impact of racism and the cultural heritage of African music on his work.
Overall, Milford Graves Full Mantis is a deeply insightful and inspiring documentary that explores the life and work of one of the great musical innovators of our time. It offers a rare glimpse into the mind of a genius and encourages us to view music not just as entertainment, but as a powerful tool for healing, expression, and communion with the divine.
Milford Graves Full Mantis is a 2018 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 31 minutes.
It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.3 and a MetaScore of 73.
