Well, this past week I've been battling severe chest congestion, which brought about a lot of fatigue and panic attacks, the likes of which I am surprised I am still alive after, given my tendency to worry about things. That said, I took it easy this afternoon on my big, comfy, black, leather sofa and spent some quality time with Mr. Adam Sandler, watching Paul Thomas Anderson's "Punch Drunk Love". It was so refreshing to see a string of movies which I absolutely adored, the first being "SLC Punk!".
In "Punch Drunk Love", Sandler plays Barry Egan, a small business owner with a personality unlike any other character I've seen before. Imagine Milton from "Office Space" with the potentially dangerous homicidal tendencies of Bruce Banner, transforming into the most unassuming Hulk ever, and you have Barry. Now, Barry was raised around 7, yes, seven sisters, all of which are more or less "normal", and have given Barry shit since day one.
Barry stumbles upon a harmonium on his way to work, and in that same day, meets the love of his life in Lena Leonard, played by Emily Watson (Blind chick from "Red Dragon", anyone?) The harmonium signifies a little foreshadowing in regards to Mr. Egan's personal life. The rest is history. Barry tries his hardest to get the girl, keep his personal life personal, aaaaand buy enough Healthy Choice meals to snag a couple of tickets to Hawaii. It's a story, and movie, like no other.
As cliche as it may sound, the cinematography in this one was ace as well. Odd contrasts, a few examples of REALLY striking black and white "shadow" filming, first person P.O.V's, in addition to a handful of overall really creative shots. Sandler proved he can actually act in this one, and when you toss in a genuine original in the story, Emily Watson, and Phillip Seymour Hoffman in a supporting role, you've got all the makings of a REALLY underated, underappreciated piece of art.
I highly suggest this one for those looking for a truely unique viewing experience, and a fantastic, character driven film. Especially for those who doubt Sandler's dramatic acting chops.
Last edited by Cory Chaos on Apr 8th, 2005 at 02:26 AM
I could never get into this movie.
The scenes with his sister's were very depressing and I couldnt really watch that due to similar circumstances in my life.
It looked really good and Sandler was excellent though.
I'll tell you why I liked this movie, and maybe, Cory, you could relate to this.
I had surgery on Aug. 1, 2003 and they knocked me out. Did they ever. But anyways, when my girlfriend drove me home, aside from picking up prescriptions from CVS, we rented this movie. I was on another level (literally) and we watched the movie immediately after getting home. And I loved it. Thank you, WakeMed, for my $700 anesthesia.
I hated the movie ; besides Sandler's role mostly revolves around a guy who has difficutly building a relationship with the fairer sex.
Genre: Comedy
Comedy ? COMEDY ??
I be missing something , coz i didnt see any comedy except Luis Guzman.
Paul Thomas Anderson must be trying to open a genre for himself. he struggled to put the pieces togheter of his 'Punch Drunk Love' concept.
He wrote it himself didnt he; im wondering what came to mind first:
" How do I exploit Sandler's charcter?
Oh ! I know! lets make a weak character rise up and shine to its malefactors"
and then proceeded to write his crap.
On a positive note:
The parts in which Sandler's persona (Barry Egan) gets into uncomfortable situations that he is confronted by his sister at the warehouse & talking to Dean
Trumbell (Philip Seymour Hoffman) on the phone are accompanied by an escalating cacophonic clash of instruments that , as i get it , parallel Egan's discomfort. That is when u compare to the Romantic clips which on the contrary make more sense to Barry's troubles by putting him at ease
isnt it always the same line tough: Sandler always portrays a person who has a troubled love life with a 'lived happily ever after' ending.
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imdb : a 90-minute romantic comedy
amazon: a "strange romantic comedy,"
msn movies: Punch-Drunk Love, an odd romantic comedy
movie-reviews: Punch Drunk Love has been called a "romantic comedy",
geocites : Punch-Drunk Love has got to be the weirdest
romantic comedy to date
now lets not start bickering ffs. I based that comedy remark cause i was curious as to what other websites said after i watched the film and thats what i kept getting. i did not get why they said it was comedy.....
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I thought PDL was great too...The cinematography was in the same vein as Willy Wonka...All prime colors and sharp maddness. Sandler was good, but I thought Phillip Seymour Hoffmon was excellent, although that's pretty much always the case.
As for the genre...who cares? For sake of argument, I'd say it was a quirky romantic film filled with comedic errors. I win!
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The blind chick from red dragon is an excelent young british actress called emily watson, who is one of my favourite actresses. The girl is very talented and very pretty and cute at the same way. See her in breaking the wales for example, she is wonderful.
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Apr 8th, 2005 02:23 AM
Im have this film. Im going to watch it. 
