Review of Sweet and Lowdown (1999) by Alysia V — 11 Aug 2009

This has a very different feel than most of Woody Allen's movies and I liked the documentary sort of style that it was shot in. The narrative/interviews throughout were a nice touch and gave this film a unique stamp of it's own.

Sean Penn did an excellent job as leading man and eccentric jazz guitarist Emmet Ray. What an odd character he was with his many unconventional hobbies and personality quirks. Samantha Morton was adorable in this and I loved her character-very charming and cute and I can see why Emmet was drawn to her and her, shall we say, "quiet ways.

" Uma was also charming in this as well as exceptionally beautiful. It was nicely cast and had a good feel to it. It's nice seeing Woody Allen branch out with movies such as this proving that he doesn't just write and direct one genre of film.

I think it's sad, though, how it seems most musicians and artists seem to struggle with a lot of inner demons and sorrow and overall a sort of lonlieness..Emmet Ray was no exception. I loved the music throughout this movie and it made me want to check out Emmet's music afterwards.

Sweet and Lowdown was not really what I expected it to be and that was sort of a nice surprise.