Chet Baker, a renowned trumpeter and jazz singer, lived a life worthy of a movie. He began his career playing with recognized musicians like Vido Musso and Stan Getz. He quickly gained recognition when he joined Charlie Parker in 1952. He was also part of Gerry Mulligan's quartet, with whom he recorded the famous album "Gerry Mulligan Quartet" and their iconic rendition of "My Funny Valentine." Throughout his career, Baker struggled with drug addiction and faced legal troubles. However, he managed to recover and continue performing, especially in Europe. Tragically, Baker passed away in 1988 after falling from a hotel window in Amsterdam. His legacy endures as one of the great jazz musicians, with a story that reflects the ups and downs of success, personal struggles, and a passion for music.

Two films in particular have depicted his life:

1. "Let's Get Lost" (1988)

Directed by Bruce Weber, this documentary portrays the life of American jazz trumpeter and singer Chet Baker. The film, which acquired an additional and sadly unexpected value after Baker's death during its editing, captures the immense fascination of renowned photographer Bruce Weber for this jazz genius. Initially conceived as a photo series of the musician, the relationship between Weber and Baker led the director to create a more than two-hour-long film about Baker's life, jazz, and two of his great passions: cars and women. In 1989, the documentary was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Documentary and won the Critics' Award at the Venice Film Festival shortly after the apparent suicide of the protagonist in a hotel in Amsterdam. Using footage from Baker's final tour, the film includes interviews with Baker, his wives, children, friends, and girlfriends. It serves as an explicit document that warns about the traps famous and talented individuals can fall into.

2. "Born to be Blue" (2015) - The Chet Baker Biopic

In this film, Ethan Hawke portrays the brilliant trumpeter, and the scenes focus on a fight that nearly interrupted his career. Directed by Robert Budreau, the movie centers around Baker's comeback in the late '70s after a parking lot brawl that nearly ended his career and represents a tumultuous chapter of his life. In addition to Ethan Hawke, the principal cast includes Carmen Ejogo and Callum Keith Rennie.

These two films offer a unique insight into the life and music of Chet Baker, capturing his brilliance, personal challenges, and enduring legacy in the world of jazz.