Sweet and Lowdown (1999)

In the facade of a mockumentary, "Sweet and Lowdown" paints a richly textured portrait of Emmet Ray, a fictitious jazz guitarist who, in the late 1930s, was hailed as the second best in the world, only surpassed by the French gypsy maestro, Django Reinhardt. This comparison ignites a fascinating obsession and a haunting fear in Emmet, who is equally notorious for his astounding talent and his eccentric, self-destructive lifestyle. Emmet Ray, while a musical genius, is also an enigma wrapped in the cloak of his own vices — gambling, drinking, and womanizing. He maintains a precarious balance between his professional engagements and his indulgent pastimes, which include watching trains in a trance-like state and shooting rats at garbage dumps. His reckless irresponsibility and often arrogant demeanor are at odds with the magnetism of his music, a dichotomy that leaves his employers in a constant state of dilemma. Emmet's life takes an unexpected turn when he crosses paths with Hattie, a mute laundress. Despite a challenging beginning, owing to their communication barriers, Emmet develops a deep bond with Hattie, whose loyalty and affection offer him a glimpse of stability and love. However, Emmet's self-absorbed nature and thirst for fame and fortune threaten this tender connection. "Sweet and Lowdown" weaves a compelling narrative of this flawed genius, blending elements of comedy and pathos. Through interviews with those who knew Emmet, including filmmaker Woody Allen, the film explores the complex layers of Emmet's character and his tumultuous journey against the backdrop of his dreamlike music. This biopic is a tribute to the obscure artist who, despite his shortcomings, left an indelible impact on the world of jazz.

Sweet and Lowdown is a comedy movie featuring Molly Price.

Sweet and Lowdown is currently streaming for free (ad-supported) on Peacock, Peacock Premium, Plex and Plex Player.

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