Much Love For Adam Sandler

I am not a fan of Adam Sandler’s comedy in recent years.  His dramatic work, on the other hand, is something that I have always been a fan of.  He has the potential to be an Oscar-caliber actor, and that is one of the reasons I was very excited to watch Punch-Drunk Love.

Punch-Drunk Love is the epic story of a socially awkward man who finally finds love in his life.  I absolutely loved this movie.  The idea of a socially awkward person finding acceptance and love in their life makes for very heartfelt storytelling.  It is also quite emotional when Barry Egan’s (Adam Sandler) private life, which involves a phone-sex company, impacts the both of them.  He has to clean up his personal issues while at the same time protect the woman he loves, and this is very emotional to watch because of the kind of person he is.

Adam Sandler plays Barry Egan who, as I stated before, is very socially awkward as well as being depressed and self-deprecating.  Sandler is brilliant in the role, right down to the awkward physical movements and yelling when he is uncomfortable.  Seeing Adam Sandler in this role reminds you that sometimes comedic actors can turn in great dramatic performances. 

Emily Watson plays Lena Leonard.  The thing that I love about her character is that she and Barry meet under the most awkward of situations, and yet she still asks him out on a date.  She is fascinated by him, even though he seems like such a weird individual.  She understands the kind of person that Barry is, but that does not matter.  She will be by his side no matter what.

Paul Thomas Anderson brilliantly directs this movie.  The way he frames his shots is a direct reflection of the kind of person Barry is, which I love.  One of my favorite moments in the film is when Barry goes to visit Emily while she is out of the country.  The moment he calls her, the light on the phone booth turns on because it is getting dark outside.  It is moments like these that make good films.

Punch-Drunk Love is so good, it made me giggle like the film nerd I am.  The story is great, the cast is great, and it is directed to perfection.  Two thumbs way, way up!!!