Cinemaddiction
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.
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.
Im have this film. Im going to watch it.