Oscar

Brilliantly mixing animated sequences and archival footage, Marie-Josée Saint-Pierre paints a touching portrait of virtuoso pianist Oscar Peterson. As with her previous films (McLaren’s Negative and Jutra), Saint-Pierre pursues her bold and personal approach with this animated documentary of Oscar Peterson at the twilight of an exceptional career, as he wistfully meditates on the price of fame and the impacts of the artist’s life on family life. From the young prodigy’s beginnings in Little Burgundy to his triumphs on the international stage alongside the biggest stars of his time, Oscar explores the profound solitude of an artist constantly on tour, and the difficulty in reconciling his professional success with his role as husband and father. Set to the tunes of Peterson’s sometimes catchy, sometimes melancholy-tinged compositions, the film alternates between animated sequences and footage of radio and video interviews to tell a heartfelt story about a life in jazz.
For ages 12 - 14
Directed by Marie-Josée Saint-Pierre - 2016 | 12 min
Co-produced by MJSTP and National Film Board of Canada
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[@nancydrew5]

1:45 "Tonight we'd like you to meet a colored boy....tell me boy, how many hands you got?" "Just two Mr. Davis, just two". Ugh the indignities black folk had to put up with. Yet Mr. Peterson played on and the world is better for having had him here! 🎹🎹🎹🎶🎵🎶🎵

[@theprior46]

That was so honest and frank about himself. I never realised he was in that life rather reluctantly. Certainly when he fronted a TV series in the UK Oscar's Piano Party he seemed very awkward and almost shy to be himself in front of the cameras. I think his back-up team had to psyche him up to go out on stage on many tours. Maybe under-confidence or perhaps stage-fright. What a vulnerable man but one who considered his role was his duty - we all benefitted from that as he obviously gave his all for his art. A legend indeed.

[@peti1887]

The greatest musician of Jazz. He is the Jazz himself.

[@thebullgoose6099]

One of life's wonders is that we can plumb the human condition with noise. One of the heartbreaks is that there is no avoiding the human condition. Oscar's life, and your film, demonstrate these truths.

[@janetashkenazy9290]

Oscar Peterson was a beautiful, profoundly smart, deeply sensitive human being and also delightfully fun and witty. All of these lovely attributes enriched his well developed talent to make his music great in addition to his wonderful wife Kelly and soul mate. He deserved the best because he was able to give the best with the gathering of his years. He is still with us. Hi Oscar!

[@zachsurp]

love the marriage quote wow

[@Redhackle]

Well a crafted film. Thank you.

[@bonilouies1574]

loved

[@morrisparrish76]

Oscar Peterson was all the things I wish more of america was!
(Donald trump are you listening?)

[@Reuben_95]

Great video!

[@federicopasqui2293]

Il tuo talento e la tua spinta creativa erano così grandi che forse non avevi scelta. Messaggio ricevuto! Grazie per non aver rinunciato alle tue note, soffrendo, e sorridendo.

[@papapowley]

well made

[@jimmyclown6043]

I love this video.

[@fredgrinfeld4921]

RIP OP

[@joshuaking4139]

Beautiful.

[@claudinewilliamson1150]

❤❤❤the best that ever lived!!!!

[@fellowjelte]

Beautifully done

[@hanziwatdan5373]

Beautiful video .❤

[@karlhungus5554]

Though the word 'genius' is often overused, it's certainly appropriate for Mr. Peterson. What a supreme talent. This was a great video -- not only the content, but also the wonderful visuals.

[@slapmyfunkybass]

Thanks for the upload