Official Selection: Competition section - review - LOW DOWN by Jeff Preiss
The story of real life jazz pianist Joe Albany, who played with the likes of Charlie Parker and Lester Young and died after a long battle with heroin addiction in 1988 at age 63.
This is tale is told through the eyes of his daughter and her helplessness and selflessness is also among the most touching drives of Low Down, the debut feature by long time editor Jeff Preiss, presented at the 49th Karlovy Vary International Film Festival.
Parallels with other drug related dramas that document the constant descent into decadence that results from substance abuse will certainly be drawn. And yet, this is also quite a touching and real domestic account and drama of an intimate situation seen from a rather introspective point of view of a young girl.
Given the subject, however, it is fair to say that the appeal of the film is heightened by a great jazz soundtrack that punctuates the emotionally heavy storyline with hints of nostalgia and never fails to celebrate the creativity of the individuals portrayed in the story – which by the way was co-written by Amy-Jo, the real life pianist’s daughter. Yet, this celebration is far from being an over glorification, and this makes these individuals’ exposure as highly vulnerable all the more harrowing.
The young girl’s viewpoint recalls an Alice in Wonderland gone wrong structure. Alice here is Amy-Jo, but the white rabbit is her father who despite all his best intentions and his good nature may open up a dangerous world full of darkness and vice. It wouldn’t be fair not to point out some of Low Down's unnecessarily side plots that slow down its pace and intensity, particularly in the film’s final part. Still, it’s easy to see that Preiss’ intentions of channelling Carroll were interesting at the very least.
Nevertheless, given the calibre of the acting talent involved it is no surprise the performances should come across as nothing short of amazing. John Hawkes particularly shines as Joe Albany, the troubled soul and wasted genius with a rotten spirit but a kind heart. It is nothing short of painful to see Albany try everything he can to fight his addiction out of love for his daughter (Elle Fanning) and his mother (Glenn Close) and this is also because Hawkes, with his performance, is able to establish an amazing emotional connection between his character and his viewers.