Review LXIII
Punch-Drunk Love (2002)
There's only one Adam Sandler film I can say I like, and that is Billy Madison. Mind you, I have not seen it in years, and, when I did re-watch it that second time many years ago, it was mostly just the nostalgic feeling I got that kept me from turning off the film. I don't necessarily recall The Wedding Singer being that bad, but I never watched it fully, so I'm not including it on the list. Anyway, all this is to say that Adam Sandler's films have been the pits. They focus on stupid humour, and, while I can appreciate stupid humour once in a blue moon, Grown Ups and the like really make me pull out my hair. Still, there is one film that Adam Sandler has appeared in that almost got him an Oscar nomination. Are we talking about the right guy here? Yes, we are, and the film is Paul Thomas Anderson's Punch-Drunk Love starring Adam Sandler, Emily Watson, Luis Guzmán, and Philip Seymour Hoffman.
Barry Egan (Adam Sandler), the owner of a company specialising in toilet plungers that are immune to breakage, witnesses an intense car accident one morning, along with the dropping of a harmonium. A woman, Lena Leonard (Emily Watson), also stops by as her car has broken down, asking if Barry would mind making sure the mechanic gets around to it. This encounter brings light into Barry Egan's life, amidst the crazy sex hotline worker out to get him and his seven arrogant and domineering sisters.
Considering this film sold itself as a romantic comedy-drama, I was a little surprised, at first, at how surreal this was. It definitely isn't your typical romantic comedy. I wouldn't even call it that comedic. It had some pretty outrageous scenes where you can't help but laugh, but, most of the time, I was cringing at how bad Barry was treated. Either way, this film is different, which is expected from Paul Thomas Anderson. The plot itself is very different. It had some weird dialogue, but given the peculiar characters, it fits well. The acting is done very well, and this might be because Adam Sandler is actually legitimately acting well. There was no cringing involved when he was in a scene, unless it was because I felt bad for his character. The rest of the acting I cannot complain about. It was well done. Again, they were all able to capture the surreal feel very well. The cinematrography is, I find, quite contrast-y, and was filmed with a speak stock film which gave a really strong shadow front. This also gives Punch-Drunk Love a very surreal touch to it. Still, if there is one thing I can praise the film for, it would be its shots. Oh my, there are some magnificent shots in this film. If you want to see a film that has wonderful cinematography, check this one out. Even if the plot doesn't catch your eye, and the characters, a bit flimsy, the way this movie was shot - it's a keeper.
I'd give the film seven point seven on ten. The plot wasn't the best, though the characters could be quite meaningful. Nonetheless, the cinematography is to die for. It's definitely worth a viewing if ever you're looking for a weird but slightly cute film.
