“Bird” is an extremely effective biography of Charlie Parker; one of the most influencial instrumentalists in the golden age of jazz. In the 40’s, Parker pioneered a type of music known as be-bop along with Dizzy Gillespie and Theolonious Monk. He led a self-destructive lifestyle and ended up dying at the age of 34.

The movie itself has an interesting history. When Clint Eastwood proposed that he direct a movie about his idol Charlie Parker, the studio made a deal with him – to make “Bird” he would also have to do a commercially viable “Dirty Harry” film.

Clint Eastwood does a surprisingly good job in the director’s chair. He effectively uses the recurrent images of drum cymbals flying through the air as transitional devices between shots. The first time this occurs is when a drummer grows irate when Parker takes off in a hard-to-follow improvisation, and the drummer throws his cymbals to show his indignation.

Forest Whitaker (he’s best known for a supporting role in “Platoon.”) does a credible job in the role of Charlie Parker. He is able to effectively capture Parker’s great mood swings and his love of performing.

Parker does not always elicit a great deal of sympathy in the family scenes. He comes off as a terrible father, neglecting his children and engaging in a multitude of adulterous affairs. He is with one of his mistresses when his daughter dies.

This spurs a drug binge and a failed suicide attempt that lands him into a mental hospital. The doctor comes off as being extremely cold and heartless. He suggests that Parker undergo shock therapy without any regard as to how his musical ability will be affected.

The film has several humorous scenes that spotlight unusual cultural exchanges. In the film’s funniest scene, Parker wears a yarmulke (a hat worn by Orthodox Jews) while he plays at an upperclass Jewish wedding. Later on, Parker hires a Jewish man to sing in a bluesy style billed as “Albino Ray.”

Eventually Parker’s life of reckless abandon catches up with him. He continually shows up late for gigs and he begins to give erratic performances. His reputation declines so badly that he has trouble getting a job in a club that was named after him. In addition, he is constantly pursued by a brutal FBI narcotic agent.

“Bird” is a lively and interesting potrait of a tortured artist. The film is a must for all jazz fans and it should please any movie buffs with an appetite for great music.