Review: Punch-Drunk Love (2002) · 5:32pm Jul 11th, 2015
The words 'cute' or 'endearing' aren't exactly words one uses to describe the filmography of Paul Thomas Anderson, a director whose filmography is known for its cynical and, at times, pessimistic look at human nature. These words are also not ones I'd use to describe Adam Sandler, a man whose 'films' generally consist of a vulgar sludge of lowest brow humor that would make a caveman want to destroy any and all traces of them.
However, those two words, 'cute' and 'endearing', are exactly what describe genius Paul Thomas Anderson's third feature, an intentionally low-key and upbeat 90 minute treat that manages to still exhibit his fine craftsmanship and supremely unique stylish sense of filmmaking.
Anderson gives the film a dreamlike, yet deeply sincere aura that plays out in wonderfully executed long takes that gives the film a waltz like lilt and charm. Coupled with his ability to extract great performances from his cast, and a screenplay that both deconstructs and reconstructs the standard romantic comedy formula, and here we have a film that is very much its own animal, a quirky character study coupled with elements of screwball comedy and legitimate personal drama, without loosing its sense of whimsy or sweet natured charm.
Adam Sandler, an actor whose name is synonymous with the worst comedy has to offer, shows his lost potential in this role, a deconstruction of his normal Man Child character archetype. Here, Sandler's prone to violent mood swings, and is almost tragically lonely, dominated by his seven incredibly callous and uncaring sisters, who use him as their personal whipping boy and a target for endless mockery and scorn. Gone is the vulgar mouthed, boorish idiot that Sandler normally plays. Here, he gives the role a sense of realism and sympathy, giving a genuine and heartfelt performance. Why Sandler is so determined to waste himself on the likes of Jack and Jill and Grown Ups is now even more of a mystery, because he easily could have used this film as a worthy springboard for a shift into better, meatier roles, as he showed an ability to equally balance humor with angst in this film.
Emily Watson is positively angelic in her role, as the sweet natured woman who falls in love with Sandler's broken man, and helps heal him. They have a real, sincere chemistry together, one that is gentle and endearing, and she provides a welcome gentleness to Sandler's seven, sociopathic sisters who hover in the periphery of the film.
Philip Seymour Hoffman's brief yet memorable stint as D&D Mattress Man, a self righteous jerk of a man who runs a fake phone sex line to steal people's credit card information, is hilarious even though he only gets two scenes. The subplot of Sandler constantly getting harassed by these thieves is a counterpoint to his rebuilding of himself via his love of Emily Watson, as they constantly attempt to undermine him in increasingly dangerous ways, until he finally takes a stand, and in an affirmation of his self worth and his first real act of proactivity, defends her. Its really great to see him finally become someone who isn't defined by violent bipolar outbursts or crippling loneliness.
The music and cinematography also help fuel the film's supremely unique aura, with Jon Biron's score being beautifully off kilter and silly, yet having a true heart to it. Robert Elswit's cinematography intentionally ups the contrast and fills all the colors (especially blue) with life, giving the film an eye popping character not unlike that of pop art.
So yeah, Punch-Drunk Love is a truly gentle and endearing film, that provides a welcome helping of optimism and happiness, divorcing itself from the cynicism that has become prevalent in romantic comedies, that nowadays seem to just be an excuse for sex jokes.
I'm giving it 5 out of 5
...well, didn't see that coming.
3228982 I know right?
Have you ever watched "Bedtime Stories" or "50 First Dates"?
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No, I haven't
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Call me crazy, but while I am aware of the reputation Sandler gained, there are some movies with him that I’ve enjoyed. I haven’t seen “Punch-Drunk-Love”, but I have seen “50 First Dates” and “Bedtime Stories”, and I thought those movies were pretty fun.