---
title: "Bird"
year: 1988
canonical_url: "https://www.archytele.com/show/bird-1988"
media_type: "movie"
tmdb_id: 24679
imdb_id: null
status: "Released"
runtime_minutes: 161
community_rating: 6.9
vote_count: 0
content_rating: "R"
---

# Bird (1988) — Television & Cinema Intelligence Dossier

> **Archytele Living Vault Canonical Record**: https://www.archytele.com/show/bird-1988

## Executive Summary & Cultural Positioning

Bird is a 1988 American biographical musical drama film directed and produced by Clint Eastwood and written by Joel Oliansky. The film follows the life of jazz saxophonist Charlie Bird Parker, who arrives in New York in 1940 and gains attention for his remarkable playing style while battling a drug addiction with the help of his loving wife Chan.

The film features a cast that includes Forest Whitaker, Diane Venora, Keith David, Damon Whitaker, and Michael Zelniker. It falls under the drama and music genres and has a runtime of 2 hours and 41 minutes.

## The Hook & The Verdict

**The Hook**: "Discover the tumultuous life and remarkable musical genius of jazz saxophonist Charlie Bird Parker."

### Why Watch
- Directed and produced by Clint Eastwood with a script written by Joel Oliansky.
- Features performances by a cast including Forest Whitaker, Diane Venora, Keith David, Damon Whitaker, and Michael Zelniker.
- Explores the life and career of influential jazz saxophonist Charlie Bird Parker.

### Caveats & Content Note
- The film has a runtime of 2 hours and 41 minutes, which may be long for some viewers.
- Tone & Suitability: The film is an R-rated biographical musical drama with a runtime of 2 hours and 41 minutes.

**Micro-Themes & Vibe Matrix**: #biographical-drama, #musical-drama, #jazz-music, #character-study, #substance-struggle, #historical-drama

## Streaming Availability Matrix

Direct streaming licensing updates dynamically. Consult the live tracking interface at https://www.archytele.com/show/bird-1988#watch.

## Creative Credits

- **Directed by**: Clint Eastwood
- **Networks / Studios**: Warner Bros. Pictures, Malpaso Productions

## Key Cast Continuity

- **Forest Whitaker** as *Charlie 'Bird' Parker*
- **Diane Venora** as *Chan Parker*
- **Michael Zelniker** as *Red Rodney*
- **Samuel E. Wright** as *Dizzy Gillespie*
- **Keith David** as *Buster Franklin*
- **Michael McGuire** as *Brewster*
- **James Handy** as *Esteves*
- **Damon Whitaker** as *Young Bird*
- **Morgan Nagler** as *Kim*
- **Arlen Dean Snyder** as *Dr. Heath*

## Canonical Frequently Asked Questions

### Q: Where can I stream or watch Bird (1988)?
Options to rent or buy the film are available on platforms like The Movie Database.

### Q: Is Bird (1988) worth watching?
It is an R-rated biographical musical drama directed by Clint Eastwood that explores the life of jazz saxophonist Charlie Bird Parker.

### Q: What is the runtime or binge duration of the film?
The film has a runtime of 2 hours and 41 minutes.

### Q: What are the essential details of the production?
The film was directed and produced by Clint Eastwood, written by Joel Oliansky, and stars Forest Whitaker and Diane Venora among others.

## Grounded Source Citations

- [Bird — The Movie Database (TMDB)](https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/24679)
- [Bird (1988 film) - Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bird_(1988_film))
- [Bird (film) – Wikipedie](https://cs.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bird_(film))
- [Bird (1988) | ČSFD.cz](https://www.csfd.cz/film/2495-bird/prehled/)
- [Bird (1988)](https://refresher.cz/film/bird)
- [Bird (1988) - ke shlédnutí online zdarma](https://filmkarty.cz/film-11124-bird)

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*Generated by Archytele Open Intelligence Systems. Data verified against TMDB and JustWatch APIs.*