Jun 18 2003
Punch Drunk Love
OK, another movie review for my adoring fans…..
The movie was Punch Drunk Love.
I was a bit hesitant at first because as funny and hilarious Adam Sandler might have been in the past, the term “serious actor” never comes to mind. SO I kept an open mind as I delved into the world of Paul Thomas Anderson (the director)
Basically, the premise of the story is about Barry Egan, played by Adam Sandler. He suffers at the hands of 7 very annoying and very humiliating sisters who puts him through a lot of abuse. This has led to a man-childlike qualities and also the reason why he has uncontrollable rage. When he calls a sex hotline one night, it leads to a world of trouble as the girl (and other characters like her boss played by the ever brilliant Philip Seymour Hoffman) demands money from him. In the meantime, he finds a loophole in a free mileage promotional offer from a pudding company in which he racks up over a million miles. He meets a girl from his sister’s work who is just as twisted and quirky as he is. Something sparks between them, even though it is certainly odd. For example, before they make love this conversation happens:
Barry: You are so beautiful. I love you so much I want to smash your face in with a sledgehammer.
Lena: I love you so much I want to rip out your eyeballs and suck on them and then punch you in the nuts.
SO it is certainly an odd couple, however, the love story blossoms wonderfully as Barry finally finds love, even though he suffers with all these new emotions because of it.
What can I say. The movie was brilliantly directed. The cinematography seemed effotless as the play on lighting and shadows was played to the movie’s overall wonderful effect.
Adam Sandler blew me away with his performance. After Big Daddy and Mr. Deeds, I would wonder when he would do some serious acting. The talent boiled underneath him, but was somehow never uncovered until this movie. He walks a fine line between neuroticness and man-childness (?) which was so convincing that your heart ached for him when he cried, or you cheered when he finally kisses Lena. Emily Watson gave her usual wonderful, muted performance as the chemistry between them was very believable and very passionate.
Overall, this is a wonderful movie, I would highly recommend it to anyone looking for the unconventional love story.
