Watch Low Down

Low Down is a 2014 American drama film directed by Jeff Preiss, based on the memoir written by Amy-Jo Albany, the daughter of jazz pianist Joe Albany. The film features a captivating performance by John Hawkes as the talented but troubled musician Joe Albany, and a breakthrough role for Elle Fanning as his young daughter, Amy-Jo. Set in the 1970s in Los Angeles, the movie follows the life of Joe Albany, an accomplished jazz pianist who struggles with drug addiction and the challenges of being a single father. As he tries to maintain custody of his daughter, Amy-Jo, he must navigate the murky waters of the jazz world and the criminal underworld, all while trying to keep his addiction at bay.

The film explores the relationship between Joe and Amy-Jo with startling honesty, portraying the highs and lows of a father-daughter bond that is both complicated and tender. Elle Fanning delivers an outstanding performance as Amy-Jo, who becomes increasingly aware of her father's addiction and must come to terms with his limitations as a parent. Glenn Close also stars in the film as Joe's mother, a woman who has seen her son struggle with addiction for years and desperately wants to help him.

Throughout the movie, the audience is treated to the sights and sounds of the vibrant jazz scene in 1970s Los Angeles. The music is an essential component of the film, with Joe Albany's original compositions and classic jazz standards providing a haunting and melancholy backdrop to the story. The cinematography captures the gritty realism of the era, with dark alleys and seedy nightclubs contrasting with the bright neon lights of the city.

Overall, Low Down is a poignant and powerful film about the complexities of addiction, family, and creativity. It offers a candid and unsentimental portrait of a talented musician and devoted father who struggles with demons that threaten to destroy everything he loves. The performances by John Hawkes, Elle Fanning, and Glenn Close are all exceptional, and the film is a brilliant showcase of the raw talent and emotional depth of these actors.

Low Down is a must-see for anyone who appreciates powerful performances and compelling storytelling. It is a heartbreaking but ultimately redemptive tale that will stay with you long after the credits roll. If you're a jazz lover, you'll be especially captivated by the film's evocative atmosphere and stunning music. Overall, this is a powerful and intimate portrait of a troubled artist and the people who loved him, and it is definitely worth seeking out.

Low Down is a 2014 drama with a runtime of 2 hours. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.1 and a MetaScore of 58.