Sweet and Lowdown - 100 word review

Woody Allen made a mockumentary before (“Zelig”); this time, his subject is a selfish, brilliant jazz guitarist called Emmett Ray. His weakness is the more brilliant Django Reinhardt, who makes him either cry or faint. His fumbling relationship with a shy, mute girl, Hattie, is unlikely, and therefore realistic. Uma Thurman is not too hammy as the pompous writer who marries Ray. But the Oscar should have gone to Sean Penn, who shows versatility and dedication (he really plays guitar). What this movie lacks is story. It’s too anecdotal for my taste. Nevertheless, great acting, great humor and great music.