For his 16th movie, indie auteur John Sayles turns his gaze to 1950s Alabama. In his best role in years, Danny Glover shines as embittered bar-owner Tyrone “Pine Top” Purvis, whose dreary joint faces closure unless he pulls something out of the bag.
That ‘something’ is New Orleans legend Guitar Sam, and the film builds up to the fateful event in what is, essentially, an inferior Big Night. There are few surprises, but flawless acting from the largely African-American cast and well-drawn characters make for a convincing portrait of a cotton pickin’ community.
Throw in a fledgling R&B soundtrack and earthy photography courtesy of Mike Leigh regular Dick Pope and you’ve got a gentle, enjoyable musical fable.