Punch-Drunk Love Review
by Shannon Patrick Sullivan (shannon AT morgan DOT ucs DOT mun DOT ca)November 12th, 2002
PUNCH-DRUNK LOVE (2002) / ***
Directed by Paul Thomas Anderson, from his screenplay. Starring Adam Sandler, Emily Watson, Philip Seymour Hoffman. Running time: 95 minutes. Rated AA for offensive language by the MFCB. Reviewed on November 12th, 2002.
By SHANNON PATRICK SULLIVAN
Synopsis: Barry Egan (Sandler), only boy amongst eight siblings, is a troubled man, seemingly pleasant until tipped over the edge into furious anger. At the insistence of his sisters he meets Lena (Watson), who may represent his one chance at true love. But Barry is also dealing with an unscrupulous phone-sex provider (Hoffman) who is trying to extort him. Can Barry overcome his own violent tendencies?
Review: At the start of "Punch-Drunk Love", Barry Egan watches as a truck placidly drives down the street. Suddenly it goes careering end over end, littering debris all over the road. At the same time, a taxi stops and deposits a harmonium on the sidewalk; Barry promptly flees. This seemingly inane sequence is a metaphor for what follows. The truck is Barry -- usually calm, but prone to fits of terrifying rage. The harmonium is Lena, who could bring harmony into Barry's life, if he'll let her. Springing from the fertile mind of Anderson, who brought us the inspired "Magnolia", "Love" is full of such touches. Consider too Barry's inexplicable decision to wear a suit to work every day. At first it seems silly -- but then a coworker starts to dress the same way. Much of the humour is understated, and as such, "Love" is not likely to appeal to fans of Sandler's more obvious comedies. Ironically, though, Barry Egan is exactly the sort of character Sandler has based his career on, except that here he's tackling a script which seeks to challenge, not pander to, its audience. Rounding out the cast are Watson, who plays off Sandler nicely as the patient Lena, and Hoffman, who tackles his role with gusto. Although there are moments, especially early on, when "Punch-Drunk Love" is slow going, those willing to confront its themes head-on should find themselves rewarded.
Copyright © 2002 Shannon Patrick Sullivan.
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