Almost one of Woody's best

Rating: Null/10 (12 December 2002)

Woody Allen's valentine to jazz music and neglected artists would easily be considered one of his best if it wasn't for a second act that begins to meander and turn ponderous. The evocative '30's tale of a self-destructive jazz musician (Sean Penn) who dreams of making it big while trying not to fall in love with a mute young woman (Samantha Morton) is so beautifully done that when it begins to shift towards Uma Thurman and Anthony LaPaglia, it stumbles and almost loses its magic. The film picks itself up again towards the end but that middle section fails to interest.

However, Sean Penn is easily one of our finest actors and gives an incredible performance that's matched by a heartbreaking Samantha Morton. Together, the acting chemistry is breathtaking; when they're apart, the film drags. Both actors more than deserved the praise and awards bestowed upon them and their work here will probably be considered classic one day.
As great as the actors are, the sets and costumes, music and lighting all play a major contribution to the feel of this film and show an amazing commitment to detail that Woody should be applauded for. Sweet and Lowdown is a good film that should be seen even if it falls short of being a classic.