Blending rare, unseen studio and performance footage shot by Michael and Christian Blackwood in the late 1960s with contemporary interviews and photographs, Zwerin offers an intimate look at eccentric jazz genius Thelonious Monk, the brilliant composer and pianist once dubbed "the high priest of bebop." Delving deeply into Monk's complex character, the film also fleshes out the nature of his musical contributions, from his harmonic theories to his innovative use of quarter-tones. This fascinating and intimate portrait is anchored by incompoarable Monk performances (both in clubs and rehearsal) of such works as "Crepuscule with Nellie," "Evidence" (with solos by Johnny Griffin and Phil Woods), and "Round Midnight."