Source: Columbia Pictures
Movie Title: Punch-Drunk Love
Year Released: 2002
Aspect Ratio: 2.39:1
Run Time: 95 mins
My Rating: 3.5/ 5 Stars
Genre: Comedy, Drama, Romance
Starring: Adam Sandler, Emily Watson, Phillip Seymour Hoffman
Directed by: Paul Thomas Anderson
Produced by: Daniel P. Collins, Daniel Lupi, JoAnne Sellar
Written by: Paul Thomas Anderson
Music by: Jon Brion
Awards Received: Cannes Film Festival Award for Best Director, Toronto Film Critics Association Award for Best Director and Best Supporting Actress, Chlotrudis Award for Best Director and Best Actor
Why did I choose this particular film?
As a fan of Paul Thomas Anderson’s I wanted to use the challenge to delve further into his filmography. Knowing it was one of Sandler’s first dramatic roles, I had always been keen to watch.
Would I recommend this film?
I would definitely recommend this film particularly due to Sandler’s performance mentioned briefly above. Sandler is known for his extensive catalogue of comedic roles throughout his career and so it is refreshing to see Sandler take on something which subverts the usual tropes of the characters he portrays. Evidently, since the film's release, Sandler has continued to dip into the dramatic genre, especially within the Safdie Brothers' “Uncut Gems” of 2018 which is highly regarded as a beautifully raw performance. Yet through this subversion of his usual roles, Sandler maintains the comedic qualities and side to his character Barry within Anderson's story and delivers the performance in such a way that the humour elevates the desperate nature of Barry's need for love whilst at the same time maintaining the underlying depression he endures through it all too. I thought the soundtrack of the film was brilliant too. It was quite chaotic in some scenes and that definitely reflects Barry's often erratic mental state and further ties into the definition of 'punch-drunk' as being simply defined as a state of confusion. Mentioned by cinephilia & beyond, it is a term most commonly used to describe boxers who are unable to move or talk due to blows to the head and ultimately links to Barry's toying of emotions throughout the film.*
*Linked below for reference
Which character was I most able to identify with or connect with?
If there was one character that stood out to me, it would be Lena, played by the fantastic Emily Watson. For me, she goes out of her way in acts of love; there’s a sweet and caring nature about her and I definitely feel that is something I relate to and hope people see within me too.
Was I surprised by the ending? What would I do differently?
I wasn’t overall surprised. I think this is due to how it ended quite neatly with no significant ‘shock factor.’ There wasn’t a large amount of character development in my opinion yet at the same time, the ending brought closure to Barry in the best possible way leaving the audience feeling satisfied by the turn of events and the life we now know he will continue to live after the film ends. He’s in a better place and additionally, has nothing to really worry about anymore.
How well did the film capture the “feel” of the time period?
There wasn’t a huge indication of the typical 2000s culture so at first glance it may be perceived to be set anywhere between the early 90s up to the mid-2000s, unlike Anderson's other work such as "Boogie Nights," "Inherent Vice," or "Licorice Pizza" where the 70s period is definitely highlighted. The biggest indication of the time period set within this film is the ‘call-girl culture’ which is something that has died in recent years through the introduction of the internet. Obviously, hotlines are still active for those that seek them out, yet the use of the internet and of free access to porn sites has ultimately made this aspect of ‘porn culture’ fade away and further establish the period the film is set in.
Anything else to add?
Whilst it wasn’t my favourite Paul Thomas Anderson film, I will say I rank it higher than "Inherent Vice" which I consider my least favourite PTA film. It was much better than I expected and was really easy to watch. Wrapped up in a succinct 95 minutes, the film didn’t drag yet it reached a complacent conclusion and on top of that, provides what I feel is Phillip Seymour Hoffman's best performance or the most fun. It was so great and for those not fussed about spoilers, or who have seen the film, my favourite moment of his can be seen attached below.
Whilst working my way through Anderson’s films, I did feel it is time to add another rank to the blog, and it currently stands at a ranking of Tarantino’s films, or of Paul Thomas Anderson's. The Anderson one may take some time as I haven’t watched all of his films (directed by him) yet, but I can do one for Tarantino ASAP so let me know if any of those would be interesting to anyone reading. Feedback is always appreciated. In addition, apologies for the long delay in getting these film challenge blogs out, it's been a busy couple of weeks with lots going on both within Uni and work and other stuff so I am sorry for the delay in publishing.
*Cinephilia & Beyond article: https://cinephiliabeyond.org/punch-drunk-love/