Review of Sweet and Lowdown (1999) by Lucas Y — 05 Dec 2008

I only give a film 5 stars on one condition... if I wouldnt' change a thing about it.

Everything about Sweet and Lowdown is terrific.... one of Allen's best. Sean Penn delivers probably the finest performance of his career as Emmet Ray, the 2nd best jazz guitarist of all-time behind some gypsy guy named Djiango who he's met 3 times and fainted all 3 times. He carries the movie perfectly with his crude mouth, hilarious womanizing and INCREDIBLE guitar play, even though I know it really wasnt' him playing. Very few things make Ray come to peace with himself like shooting rats behind dumpsters, watching trains go by for hours, stealing random things around peoples houses and of course playing the guitar miraculously.

Samantha Morton is terrific as his mute girlfriend who's hopelessly in love with him. I love how Allen uses her character. She says so much without a sound even coming out of her mouth. The final scene between her and Penn is incredible, especially after you see Penns mood change after she tells him about the baby.