This is a true story based on Emmet Ray (
Sean Penn) who in the 1930's was the "2nd best jazz guitarist in the world." The comedy is set in New York, and follows the crime-prone musician as he tries to follow his dream of becoming famous. Besides following his desires, Emmet is torn between a socialite (
Uma Thurman) and a mute woman who loves him (
Samantha Morton).
Sean Pean shows through this roll how second best can distroy a person who works to be the best. Never realising when he is the best after he gets there.