Calle 54 (2001)
80%RT Audience Score: 68%
Awards & Nominations: 4 wins & 4 nominations
Fernando Trueba’s Calle 54 is a cinematic masterpiece that captures the essence of Latin jazz in a way that is both visually and musically stunning. Trueba’s love for the music is evident in every frame, as he expertly weaves together performances from some of the genre’s greatest artists with insightful interviews and historical context. The result is a film that not only celebrates the music, but also educates and inspires audiences to explore the rich cultural heritage that gave rise to this vibrant art form. With its infectious rhythms, soulful melodies, and passionate performances, Calle 54 is a must-see for anyone who loves music, film, or simply the joy of being alive.
Calle 54 is like a party in your living room, but with way better music and cooler guests. It’s a concert film that’s actually fun to watch, with a mix of Latin jazz performances that will make you want to dance in your seat. The director clearly loves this music and it shows in every shot. Even if you’re not a die-hard fan of the genre, you’ll appreciate the energy and passion of the musicians. So grab some popcorn and get ready to groove with Calle 54!
Production Company(ies)
Paramount Pictures, MTV Films, Participant
Distributor
Miramax Films
Release Type
Filming Location(s)
El Puerto de Santa María, Cádiz, Andalucía, Spain
MPAA / Certificate
G
Year of Release
2000
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Color:Color
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Sound mix:DTS Dolby Digital
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Aspect ratio:1.85 : 1
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Runtime:1h 45m
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Language(s):French, Spanish, English
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Country of origin:United States
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Release date:Release Date (Theaters): Oct 20, 2000 Original
Release Date (Streaming): Mar 5, 2002
Genre(s)
Documentary
Keyword(s)
documentary, Latin jazz, music, passion, culture, Miami, Havana, Bronx, Andalusia, performances, storytelling, protest, sexuality, celebration of life, G, Fernando Trueba, directed by Fernando Trueba, written by Fernando Trueba, produced by Cristina Huete, Fabienne Servan-Schreiber, Fernando Trueba, starring Bebo Valdés, Arturo O’Farrill, Chico O’Farrill, Jim Seeley, Matt Hilgenberg, Mike Mossman, reviewed by Marrit Ingman, Peter Howell, Owen Gleiberman, Fernando Gonzalez, Jay Carr, John Zebrowski, Emanuel Levy, Philip Martin, Joshua Tanzer, Mark Halverson, Frank Ochieng, Miramax Films, Dolby SR, Dolby Digital, DTS, Surround, Flat (1.85:1), $183.1K box office gross USA, 1h 45m runtime, Cristina Huete producer, Fabienne Servan-Schreiber producer, MPAA rating G
Worldwide gross: $187,308
Worldwide gross (inflation-adjusted): $324,870
Worldwide gross ranking (inflation-adjusted): 2,831
Worldwide tickets sold (est.): 35,427
US/Canada gross: $187,308
US/Canada gross (inflation-adjusted): $324,870
US/Canada gross ranking (inflation-adjusted): 2,434
US/Canada opening weekend: $8,702
US/Canada opening weekend (inflation-adjusted): $15,093
US/Canada opening weekend ranking (inflation-adjusted): 2,602
Budget and Earnings Details
Production budget (est.): NA
Production budget (inflation-adjusted): NA
Production budget ranking: NA
Marketing and distribution budget (inflation-adjusted est.): NA
Box office net earnings to date (inflation-adjusted est.): NA
ROI to date (est.): NA
ROI ranking: NA
Arturo O’Farrill – Piano
Chico O’Farrill – Piano
Jim Seeley – Trumpet
Matt Hilgenberg – Trumpet
Mike Mossman – Trumpet
Director(s)
Fernando Trueba
Writer(s)
Fernando Trueba
Producer(s)
Cristina Huete, Fabienne Servan-Schreiber, Fernando Trueba
Film Festivals
Awards & Nominations
4 wins & 4 nominations
Academy Awards
All Critics (47) | Top Critics (20) | Fresh (41) | Rotten (6)
March 10, 2003 | Rating: 4/5
Marrit Ingman
Austin Chronicle
TOP CRITIC
As much a thrill to watch as it is to listen to, a rare combination for a concert film.
July 18, 2001
Peter Howell
Toronto Star
TOP CRITIC
Collectively, the numbers add up to a triumph of ecstatic mood swinging.
June 28, 2001 | Rating: B+
Owen Gleiberman
Entertainment Weekly
TOP CRITIC
This is one fan’s valentine to the music he loves. It just happens that the fan is a terrific filmmaker and the music loves him back.
June 11, 2001 | Rating: 4.5/5
Fernando Gonzalez
Washington Post
TOP CRITIC
Although it isn’t the human-interest story that Buena Vista Social Club was, Fernando Trueba’s Calle 54 is the next best thing to that milestone musical documentary.
May 14, 2001 | Rating: 3/4
Jay Carr
Boston Globe
TOP CRITIC
What makes Calle 54 great is precisely what’s missing from the other. Trueba shows us the creative act of playing music, not just a bunch of famous folks performing.
May 11, 2001
John Zebrowski
Seattle Times
TOP CRITIC
Clearly a labor of love, Fernando Trueba’s docu is a great chronicle of Latiz jazz, its history, performers, and enduring appeal.
August 20, 2011 | Rating: B+
Emanuel Levy
EmanuelLevy.Com
April 22, 2005 | Rating: 3/5
Philip Martin
Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
You can find half a dozen things to complain about and yet enjoy every minute of the film completely.
March 11, 2003 | Rating: 3.5/4
Joshua Tanzer
Offoffoff
October 10, 2002 | Rating: 5/5
Mark Halverson
Sacramento News & Review
A festive experience for those who are willing to embrace Latin jazz, but it doesn’t reveal anything beyond a peek at a two hour celluloid concert in session.
November 5, 2001 | Rating: 3/5
Frank Ochieng
Filmcritic.com
Calle 54 could make you feel hot, nostalgic and possessive about this music.
October 8, 2001
David Elliott
San Diego Union-Tribune…
Plot
Calle 54 is a documentary that takes the audience on a musical journey through the world of Latin jazz, showcasing the passion and storytelling of the genre’s great artists.
Trivia
Goofs / Tidbits
Nothing to add here about Calle 54.
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