I used to be somewhat of a film geek when I was younger. I would be overly critical and harsh of films and deem many actors as "untalented" or "hacks." Having grown up quite a bit in the past five years, I enjoy a variety of movies. I don't know a whole lot of people who love "Freddy Got Fingered" as much as me but also live for Oscar season. I have now come to realize that movies are, at their simplest form entertainment, but above that are true art. For me, "Punch Drunk Love" is the most sincere form of art I have ever seen conveyed on the big screen.
Paul Thomas Anderson is one of the brightest young filmmakers alive. From his epic "Boogie Nights," which I see as the best portrayal ever of the San Fernando Valley, to his latest Oscar worthy "There Will Be Blood," he brings out aspects of characters that truly make them seem like human beings.
Punch Drunk Love follows the story of Barry Egan (played brilliantly by comedian Adam Sandler) as he tries to make it through his life as a dysfunctional small business owner while dealing with his seven sisters. The sisters are just what you expect siblings to be: mean as hell. They continually drive him to do things his anxieties would prevent him from doing and occasionally he explodes in expressions of violence. I don't wan to ruin the film for anyone, because I really want you to see it, so I will refrain from specific examples. Just know to pay special attention to the characters in this film.
One day, Egan's sister brings a female friend to meet him. He freaks out, of course, but eventually meets with her and the two have a relationship. This is why I love this movie. Barry's explosive yet reclusive personality makes for a very inspiring character. He uses his passions to his benefit, even if they cause trouble along the way. Anderson's film is more about his use of music, color, and character, than any kind of plot, yet there is such a plot there that one should still be interested.
This is a movie that is hated by many of my friends. I think they must have been expecting Billy Madison 2 or something. It is not typical Sandler but it is typical Anderson, in that it gives you plenty to see, you just have to be looking for it. I have seen it several times and find it to be continuously inspiring. At the end of the movie, Barry says to Philip Seymour Hoffman (also great) that " I have a love in my life. It makes me stronger than anything you can imagine." A great line, sure, but even better because as an audience, we can actually believe it.
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