'Punch Drunk Love' is the newest release from Paul Thomas Anderson - the guy that brought us both Boogie Nights and Magnolia. Starring Adam Sandler and Emily Watson it's a very eccentric and bizarre romantic comedy where Barry (Sandler in his best performance), a lonely and frankly crazy small business owner, starts a unlikely romance with Lena (Watson) - a woman just mad enough herself to put up with his strange fits.
I've always been a Sandler fan since seeing 'Happy Gilmore' and 'Billy Madison' (previously his best films IMO), but was starting to doubt his ability as an actor after seeing him going from top-drawer box-office smashes like 'The Wedding Singer' to junk like 'Little Nicky' and 'Mr Deeds'. By putting faith in Sandler, Anderson has shown us that he is truly one of the comic greats. Even though the film itself isn't strictly your standard "comedy", Sandler brings his early comedic flair to a strange and difficult role.
A special mention however must be given to Phillip Seymour Hoffman - a brilliant performance from this underrated fast-rising actor. He gives his best performance to date, even with his limited screen time... even outshining his stint in Anderson's previous film, 'Magnolia'. With 'Love Liza' soon to start showning in the UK, I'm looking forward to seeing more of him on the big screen.
My fave film since 'Donnie Darko', Punch Drunk Love definitely packs a fair wallop to the psyche with it's brilliant blend of strong fully-realised characterisation, eccentric script, amazing score, great directional flair, and beautifully artistic cinematography.
I've always been a Sandler fan since seeing 'Happy Gilmore' and 'Billy Madison' (previously his best films IMO), but was starting to doubt his ability as an actor after seeing him going from top-drawer box-office smashes like 'The Wedding Singer' to junk like 'Little Nicky' and 'Mr Deeds'. By putting faith in Sandler, Anderson has shown us that he is truly one of the comic greats. Even though the film itself isn't strictly your standard "comedy", Sandler brings his early comedic flair to a strange and difficult role.
A special mention however must be given to Phillip Seymour Hoffman - a brilliant performance from this underrated fast-rising actor. He gives his best performance to date, even with his limited screen time... even outshining his stint in Anderson's previous film, 'Magnolia'. With 'Love Liza' soon to start showning in the UK, I'm looking forward to seeing more of him on the big screen.
My fave film since 'Donnie Darko', Punch Drunk Love definitely packs a fair wallop to the psyche with it's brilliant blend of strong fully-realised characterisation, eccentric script, amazing score, great directional flair, and beautifully artistic cinematography.