More a let down than 'lowdown'

Rating: Null/10 (29 July 2000)

I found Woody Allen's latest film, "Sweet & Lowdown", a bit of a disappointment myself. Sean Penn's portrayal of jazz guitarist, Emmet Ray notwithstanding, I still felt that the film was neither fish nor fowl - more a hybrid, actually. Is it meant to be a documentary (homage?) to a long forgotten jazz musician (Woody Allen plays clarinet in a jazz band)? The brief appearances of jazz historian, Nat Hentoff, suggests it is. The appearance of Woody Allen (with tongue firmly implanted in his cheek), suggests otherwise. This, despite it being beautifully photographed. The music is terrific, and unlike other music bio's, it looks like Penn is really playing the guitar. I think that this film is akin to Woody taking a 'break' between "Celebrity", and his next, hopefully, more meatier offering