Punch-Drunk Love (2002)
Stars: Adam Sandler, Emily Watson, Philip Seymour Hoffman
Runtime: 95 minutes
Synopsis: A psychologically troubled novelty supplier is nudged towards a romance with an English woman, all the while being extorted by a phone-sex line run by a crooked mattress salesman, and purchasing stunning amounts of pudding.
Performances: 5/5
Screenplay: 4/5
Editing: 5/5
Cinematography: 5/5
Score/Soundtrack: 5/5
Verdict: Dirk Diggler, Daniel Plainview, Reynolds Woodcock,... Paul Thomas Anderson truly has blessed us with so many iconic characters throughout his career. In "Punch-Drunk Love", he introduces us to yet another member of that gallery with Barry Egan, played by an unrecognizable and quite honestly scene-stealer Adam Sandler, who without a doubt delivers one of the best performances of his career by a clear mile, only matched by his recent outings in the Safdie's "Uncut Gems" and Noah Baumbach's dramedy "The Meyerowitz Stories".
"Punch-Drunk Love" is the closest film we can get to a fairy tale directed by PTA. It follows Barry, an unstable novelty supplier who starts the film as a complete mystery before slowly unfolding into a weirdly fascinating and unique character that you can't help but feel sympathy for. The film's tone, which blends drama, romance, and comedy, is one that is very reminiscent of a dark fantasy, as suggested by the brilliant score written by Jon Brion.
"Punch-Drunk Love" may only be 95 minutes, but it feels like a 3-hour movie. Not because it's slow, but because a lot happens in that short runtime (just read the film's official synopsis and you'll understand what I'm saying). Anderson's masterful technique, however, never in the slightest make it seem overwhelming or chaotic. Strong, strong recommendation if you haven't already seen it.
"Punch-Drunk Love" is the closest film we can get to a fairy tale directed by PTA. It follows Barry, an unstable novelty supplier who starts the film as a complete mystery before slowly unfolding into a weirdly fascinating and unique character that you can't help but feel sympathy for. The film's tone, which blends drama, romance, and comedy, is one that is very reminiscent of a dark fantasy, as suggested by the brilliant score written by Jon Brion.
"Punch-Drunk Love" may only be 95 minutes, but it feels like a 3-hour movie. Not because it's slow, but because a lot happens in that short runtime (just read the film's official synopsis and you'll understand what I'm saying). Anderson's masterful technique, however, never in the slightest make it seem overwhelming or chaotic. Strong, strong recommendation if you haven't already seen it.
FINAL GRADE: 9/10
Comments
Post a Comment