Punch-Drunk Love

Saw it recently...aside from being shocked at Hoffman's character (which I loved); the music throughout the whole flick is kind of lingering in my head.

This is one of my favorite movies. It amazingly sustains this weird vibe the entire film. All the harmonia scenes are classic.

I love this movie. So quirky, yet so amazing.

Pretty good movie. I never liked Emily Watson before but in this movie she was cute, sweet and sexy. By contrast Adam Sandler failed to convince me (yet) of his real worth as an actual actor. People like Jim Carrey (The Majestic) have shown more range and promise. I wasn't a fan of Anderson's more self-indulgent weird touches. On the other hand there was a nice, potent nastiness in the Hoffman scenes.

The romance aspect was very nice and touching. The movie just wasn't very enjoyable.

great fucking flic, although it almost pains me to read "My new favorite Philip Seymour Hoffman movie," mostly because i tried to block his role out of my head, but mostly because he annoys the fuck out of me, but regardless, Luis Guzman saves all, amazing flic, Sandler should have gotten some kind of award for that role, unless he did, then nevermind, definitely a keeper...

***SPOILER***

the hug scene in hawaii is priceless...

So I'm guessing this is the 'newest' thread. I bought this film a while back, only just got around to watching it today and I'm regretting taking so long.

It's weird because I'm a massive PT Anderson fan, I love Boogie Nights and There Will Be Blood and really need to give Magnolia another go, but I was resistant to this film.

I like the consistent weirdness of the film, it's got this almost Lynchian vibe at the moment. The film just seethes and you're kind of terrified about how Barry is going to react. His little explosions of anger are so pathetic and self destructive and painful (both emotionally and physically) and as such you start to really worry for this weird, troubled, little man.

It's a great performance by Sandler but it feels braver than anything else. Compared to Watson and Hoffman he still feels lightweight and at times it feels like his weird intonation and candence are slipping close to Little Nicky style schtick, but you get the rawness of his character and he's relatable and alien at the same time.

He's a crystalisation of futile resistance, every violent little thought and impulse you've ever had blown up on the big screen and played out in all its awkward glory.

The score is amazing as well. Barry and Lena's second meeting in his office, with Barry feeling increasingly put upon and the workplace outside going to hell, is an amazing scene. So tense and claustrophobic and played just perfectly.

I put this in the DVD player last night and I just love it. By comparison to Hoffman, of course Sandler feels light weight. I mean, PS Hoffman stood toe to toe with Meryl Streep, who could play Batman and be the right choice. But I love this movie. Something about the music and the Matress Man and the harmonium. Luis Guzman. I just like to watch it often. The ending is a bit too sweet, but after the emotion that pours out before that scene, it's deserved.

I remember when I first saw this I was happy when Barry turns the tide on the 3 brothers and beats the shit out of them with their own tire iron. That's one of the best "audience cheer" moments that I can think of. Especially after seeing him being treated like shit by his rude sisters.

I actually just watched this for the first time a few hours ago and immediately fell in love. I think part of it is that, for better or worse, I see a lot of myself in Barry. I felt like I was inside his head the whole time. Anderson's direction surely helped too. He really ratchets up the tension and claustrophobia of Barry's world to the point where you're always feeling just as uncomfortable as Barry seems to be.

I really loved the style of the whole movie. I really liked the cinematography but the real hero is the music.

It's been a while, but I really need to see this again to see if the 'Barry as superhero' thing stands up. The kiss in silhouette is an outstanding bit of writing/ film-making, and one of my favourite PT Anderson moments.

Strangely, I think Barry is a culmination of Sandler's past roles. I remember reading an interview with Anderson in which he said that Barry was basically Happy Gilmore who exists in a real world and feels.

Anderson was also a big fan of Sandler's films.

It's a weird, funny, and painful movie to watch. It's my favorite PTA film behind There will be Blood.

Anyone ever see the Mattress Man commercial on the special edition DVD? Pretty hilarious. PSH play sit totally straight.

Ha! I never knew that was based on something real. Thanks.

I still prefer PSH's take on it.

Caught this yesterday for the first time and enjoyed it, although it was hard to pin down. Moments of surreal followed by very grounded humanity kept me constantly off guard. PTA is also a master at using both silence as dialogue as a weapon, both against his characters and his audience. Constantly Barry is being bombarded by the words of his sisters and the phone-sex operator, but it's those quiet moments that make us nervous about how Barry will react.

 

I have to give Sandler credit here. He's still being himself, but it's the flip side where his violence and childishness isn't celebrated. It's something to overcome. Watson is cute and everything, but I couldn't help but think she's a bit of a stalker, and Barry may be replacing his controlling sisters with her. 

 

The superhero analysis totally stands. He's wearing a costume, he gains superpowers, he fights super villains. Love it.