Of Mind and Music

Of Mind and Music is a heartwarming drama film that revolves around the life of a young musician named Dr. Alvaro Cruz (played by Aunjanue Ellis) who lives in the vibrant city of New Orleans. She has a unique gift for playing the piano and music acts like a cathartic escape from her troubled past. However, her passion comes with a price as she struggles to keep her mental health in check.

The story takes an interesting turn when Dr. Cruz meets a neurologist named Dr. Bergerac (played by Joaquim de Almeida) who comes to New Orleans to research on Alzheimer's disease. Dr. Bergerac discovers that Dr. Cruz's music has a therapeutic effect on Alzheimer's patients and decides to study her methods.

Meanwhile, Dr. Cruz gets closer to a street musician named Ramon (played by Bill Cobbs) who suffers from his own demons. Ramon is a Jazz musician and is admired by Dr. Cruz for his talent. The two of them share a mutual love for music and the city of New Orleans.

As Dr. Bergerac continues to study Dr. Cruz's methods, he uncovers the secret behind her gift. Dr. Cruz's mother was a famous pianist herself but suffered from schizophrenia which led to a tragic end. Dr. Cruz has inherited her mother's gift for playing the piano but also the burden of mental illness. The film deeply explores this mother-daughter relationship and its impact on Dr. Cruz's life.

The film features some beautiful jazz compositions that capture the essence of New Orleans. The director Richie Adams has done an excellent job of capturing the city's unique culture and music scene. The film is a tribute to the resilience of the city and its people who have survived many hardships.

The acting in the film is top-notch, especially by Aunjanue Ellis who brings a lot of depth to her character. She portrays the inner struggles of Dr. Cruz with great sensitivity and nuance. Joaquim de Almeida is also excellent in his role as the neurologist, bringing a sense of gravitas to the film. Bill Cobbs is charming as the street musician and shares some memorable moments with Ellis.

Overall, Of Mind and Music is a poignant film that explores the healing power of music amidst the challenges of mental illness. The film highlights the importance of empathy and compassion towards those who are struggling with mental health issues. It is a must-watch for fans of jazz music and anyone who wants to gain a deeper understanding of mental illness.