See this on for the sweet performance of Samantha Morton

Rating: Null/10 (6 July 2000)

Most of the reviews I read befor seeing this film led me to believe that Woody Allen had missed the target this time around, but I don't agree at all. This is not a typical Allen comedy, in that it doesn't feature an ensemble cast of high-powered actors working through their neuroses in Manhattan. Still there are touches here of Radio Days, Zelig, and Purple Rose of Cairo. Sweet and Lowdown is a mock-documentary of the career and life of Emmet Ray (Sean Penn) the world's 2nd greatest guitar player circa 1930. Penn puts in an excellent piece of work as the slimy but sublime Emmet Ray, but is overshadowed by the brilliant performance of Samantha Morton as his mute, not-so-smart girlfriend, Hattie. Uma Thurman is terrific, too, in her portrayal as Ray's wife, Blanche--a stylish dilettante writer, who briefly enjoys the ride with Ray. Gretchen Mol plays a part so insignificant I didn't know she was in the film till the credits rolled. Lovely cinematography and a luscious soundtrack. Highly recommended.