Stop for Bud (1963) Plot Summary Explained

Release, runtime and language

1963 · 12 mins · English

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Directed by

Jens Jørgen Thorsen, Ole John

Starring

Dexter Gordon, Max Brüel, Niels-Henning Ørsted Pedersen, Jørn Elniff, Bud Powell

Jørgen Leth’s debut film, created with Ole John, seeks to dismantle cinematic conventions and forge a new visual language. It follows jazz pianist Bud Powell as he roams Copenhagen—from King’s Garden to Kalkbrænderihavnen’s quay and even a waste dump—alone with his music. Dexter Gordon narrates, recalling Powell’s legendary left‑hand technique. Leth’s accompanying obituary notes Powell’s “dual” presence: his fiery, burning touch on the keys contrasted with an absent, almost ghost‑like demeanor when not playing.