Awesome Biographies

Packed with biographical insight, the graphic novel Miles Davis and the Search for the Sound is also jazz for the eyes. Author/cartoonist Dave Chisholm — a Jazz Trumpet doctorate recipient from the Eastman School of Music — takes readers on a visual journey through Davis’ dynamic evolution from childhood through his mastery of jazz improvisation.

Christopher Nolan wrote and directed this biographical thriller about the man known as the father of the atomic bomb, J. Robert Oppenheimer. Cillian Murphy leads a star-studded cast, with Matt Damon, Emily Blunt, Florence Pugh, Robert Downey, Jr., Rami Malek, and Kenneth Branagh. Shot in IMAX, it hits theaters on 7.21.23.

Get ready to eat it. Daniel Radcliffe stars as “Weird Al” Yankovic in this appropriately outlandish bio-pic about the world’s greatest novelty singer’s origin story. The casting of Rainn Wilson as Dr. Demento and Evan Rachel Wood as Madonna is pure genius. Coming to the Roku Channel for free on 11.4.2022.

Produced by Oprah Winfrey and directed by Reginald Hudlin, this documentary celebrates the life and legacy of Sidney Poitier through archival footage and interviews. Beyond his pioneering work as an actor, Poitier was a great filmmaker and driver of the Civil Rights Movement. On Apple TV+ and in theaters 9.23.2022.

From Christopher Nolan comes the story of J. Robert Oppenheimer, the man whose work on the Manhattan Project resulted in the first atomic bomb. Based on the book American Prometheus, it stars Cillian Murphy as Oppenheimer, with Emily Blunt, Matt Damon, Robert Downey Jr., and Florence Pugh. The bomb drops 7.21.23.

Author Nick Duerden interviewed 50 popular musicians, including Bob Geldof, Stewart Copeland, and Robbie Williams, to learn about the psychological, physical, and financial impact of coming down off of the high of success. The print edition drops 6.28.22, but you can buy the Kindle edition now.

Filmmaker Danny Boyle directed this fictionalized 6-episode series about the legendary punk band The Sex Pistols. Based on guitarist Steve Jones’ memoir Lonely Boy: Tales from a Sex Pistol, it follows the band on its explosive rise to fame against the backdrop of mid-1970s England. Drops 5.31.22 on Hulu.

Donning the novelty singer’s trademark curly hair, mustache, and accordion, Daniel Radcliffe pulls out all of the stops for this unconventional biopic about the life of “Weird Al” Yankovic. We have high hopes it’s as weird as it sounds. Coming to The Roku Channel fall 2022.

Actor Jamie Costa pulls out all the stops in this test footage from a proposed Robin Williams biopic. Costa’s impression of the actor and comedian is uncanny, and the subject matter is as heavy as the sadness concealed behind his funnyman facade.

Val Kilmer has played roles from The Doors’ Jim Morrison to Batman to Top Gun’s Iceman. He’s created and performed music for soundtracks, and written and directed films. This energetic documentary takes us on a wild ride through Val’s 40+ year career and the challenges he’s faced. On Amazon Prime 8.6.2021.

We’ve been featuring Nathan Barnatt on The Awesomer for over a decade. Inside a Mind digs into the story of the multi-talented actor who has been entertaining us for years with his dance moves, comedy, commercials, and filmmaking. Along the way, Nathan talks about the ups and downs of being “internet famous.”

Regina King makes her directorial debut with this feature about a night when Cassius Clay, Malcolm X, Jim Brown, and Sam Cooke found themselves in the same place and the pivotal role that evening played in their lives. Inspired by the play by Kemp Powers. Coming to theaters and Prime Video on 1.15.21.

Bill Gates is much more than just a rich computer nerd. This three-part Netflix documentary delves into the inner-workings of Gates’ mind, his philosophies, and his efforts to make a real difference in the world since retiring from Microsoft. Premieres 9/20/19.

(PG-13) Actor Shia LaBeouf wrote and stars in this fictionalized retelling of his own stormy life, from his rise to childhood fame, through his battles with his mental health, drug addiction, rehab and recovery. LaBeouf portrays a version of his own father, a deeply troubled man himself.

Academy award-winning actor Tom Hanks portrays childhood favorite Fred Rogers in the later years of his life, as he meets a cynical journalist assigned to write a story about him, and the friendship that ultimately formed between these two very different people.

(PG-13: Language) Netflix presents an over-the-top biopic based on the eponymous 2001 autobiography of Mötley Crüe, telling the wild and wooly story of one of the world’s most notorious rock bands. Directed by Jeff Tremaine of Jackass and Bad Grandpa fame.

Brandon Hardesty, creator of the excellent No Small Parts returns with a new series title Supporting Actor Spotlights, and goes in depth on the career of Warwick Davis, a talented actor whose larger than life personality is the perfect compliment to his tiny stature.

The most influential and beloved man in the history of comics has left us. Throughout his 95 years, he defined what a superhero can be, and created the juggernaut known as Marvel. While it leaves off right after 2008’s Iron Man, With Great Power… is a fitting tribute to his life.

Willem Dafoe portrays Vincent van Gogh in this non-traditional biopic which attempts to paint a picture of the artist’s life and mental health struggles through scenes based on letters he wrote. From director Julian Schnabel (The Diving Bell and the Butterfly)

The first full trailer for the upcoming Queen biopic looks sure looks solid, with the role of Freddie Mercury in the very capable hands of Rami Malek, and the story taking us from the earliest days of the band, through its meteoric rise, to the tragic decline of one of its frontman.

John Travolta takes on the role of the heavy in this dramatically-embellished biopic about mob boss John Gotti, how he rose through the ranks of the Gambino family, eventually seized power for himself, his uncanny ability to avoid prosecution, and his eventual fall.

A heartwarming documentary about the life and times of the late Fred Rogers, who made a lasting impression on millions of children, while educating them about the wonders of the world, overcoming life’s challenges, embracing diversity, and loving one another.

HBO’s upcoming documentary explores the all-too-short life of the imposing, yet soft-hearted pro wrestler and actor born as André René Roussimoff. The gigantism and that made him famous also caused him tremendous pain, and his ultimate demise. Drops 4/10/18.