Review of Sweet and Lowdown (1999) by Omar E — 02 Jul 2012
Not Woody's best film, but on its own, Sweet and Lowdown is a watchable, fascinating, and well-acted mock biopic. Sean Penn stars as Emmet Ray, a thoroughly unlikable jazz guitarist (second in the world, only behind Django Reinhardt, as he likes to remind everybody he meets) who meets Hattie (Samantha Morton), a mute, and the two fall for each other.
It's a doomed relationship from the word go, however, as Emmet's complete inability to be faithful takes over. The soundtrack pulses with vintage jazz guitar music (supposedly played by Emmet himself), and it's one of the best aspects of the film.
Penn proves that he can be a magnetic force onscreen, even when his character is just so awful. He got a well-deserved Oscar nomination for the film, as did Morton as Hattie. Morton doesn't speak a word in the entire film, but she doesn't have to.
Channeling the stars from the silent days of Hollywood, she uses her large, round eyes and expressive mouth to convey everything we ever need to know about Hattie. Both performances are ones to be cherished, and two of the best in all of Allen's filmography.
The film outside of them is solid, but definitely not one of his best.
This review of Sweet and Lowdown (1999) was written by Omar E on 02 Jul 2012.
Sweet and Lowdown has generally received positive reviews.
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