One of Woody Allen's best

Rating: 10/10 (28 March 2008)

This is certainly one of Woody Allen's best films. It is so ingenious and creative in every aspect that it is a triumph. The invention by Allen of the fictitious Emmet Ray is truly a stroke of genius. Sean Penn's performance as Emmet Ray is also one of his best, coming just before one of his other best, in the next film which he made, 'Up at the Villa'. Penn is a brilliant actor who is probably tops when he is being 'low life'. But in this film he shows an unexpected talent for whimsical comedy as well. He also clearly plays the guitar for real. What a treat it all is. The film is thoroughly delightful from beginning to end. Samantha Morton is marvellous as the mute girl Hattie, heart-rending in her silent simplicity with her angelic smile. Uma Thurman does one of her magnificent wild impersonations, being one of those awful intellectual vamps who want to know what goes through a killer's mind when he pulls the trigger to 'rub somebody out' (no, that's not Sean Penn: he merely shoots rats). Uma Thurman clearly had a lot of fun, and was allowed to go over the top sometimes, but then, why not? After all, this is a satire. But it is sad as well as funny, and poignant in its insights into a man who is psychologically stunted and emotionally handicapped, while being a musical genius. The ending is truly tragic. In this film, Allen's love of jazz, profound interest in human character, and effervescent humour and whimsy come to the boil all at the same time. He must have a charmed egg-timer or an enchanted stop-watch. Or maybe it's both? Let no one say he is uncoordinated ever again. He has everything working at once in perfect synch. Toscanini couldn't control that many things at once. Let's face it, Woody Allen, apart from all his other attributes, is one hell of a pro.