Let's Get Lost

You wonder, early in this enchanting film about Chet Baker, whether Bruce Weber is really going to nail this 57-year-old lost jazz legend who has the lines of a tragic life engraved forever in his face. Is Weber – famous for his fashion photography – going to bury Chet in beautiful images? But slowly, surely this composite portrait of Chet then and now (or in 1987, when Weber shot the film) reveals its own depths. Alongside archive material and new footage of Chet shot in his signature romantic, B&W style, Weber elicits frank reminiscences from his subject and a host of ex-lovers and friends.

He surprises, too, with his frank questioning. ‘Did he disappoint you as
a son?’ Weber asks Chet’s mother, his lyrical voice softening the blow. Later he asks Chet: ‘What’s your favourite high?’ All credit to Weber that Chet throws him a straight answer. ‘Speedballs.’ The most moving moment is when Weber asks Chet if he had a good time making the film. You sense in the question that it’s been a tough ride. You sense in the answer that he genuinely enjoyed the company of Weber and the reflection required of making the film.