“Punch-Drunk Love” A pop, highbrow, eccentric love story

arthouse adam sandler movie

In an interview with film critic Roger Ebert, Paul Thomas Anderson described Punch-Drunk Love as an ``arthouse Adam Sandler movie.''

Honestly, I'm not sure how to understand the expression "art house-like," but at least I can't describe this movie in terms like "stylish" or "relaxed." In fact, ``Punch-Drunk Love'' sits in the farthest position from that. A crazy romantic comedy filled with neurosis, violence, and madness. And the actor most suitable for the leading role was Adam Sandler. Let me quote what Paul Thomas Anderson said about him:

"He was talking about his ex-girlfriend on a talk show called The Denise Show, and his father called and said, 'What are you doing, you're disgracing the family! Then Adam got furious and started screaming something at his father. The whites of his eyes turned black and it was like a light-headed moment. It was like he was losing his mind. It was like that.'' (*)

"Punch-Drunk Love" (c)Photofest / Getty Images

Bill Murray, Tom Hanks, Jim Carrie, Ben Stiller, Will Ferrell, Paul Rudd, Seth Rogen... Although there are many actors who have a background in comedians, there are few who can bring out their emotions to the fullest as he does. Adam Sandler uses anger as a source of humor. Moreover, behind it all, there is an indescribable sadness swirling around. That's why, even though his style is violent, there's something romantic about him.

There are some impressive scenes. Barry loses his temper and punches the office wall, leaving him covered in blood. The cut on his hand spells out the word "love." Or the scene where the two get together for the first time in a hotel in Hawaii. It's full of horror-like lines like "I want to smash your face in" and "I want to gouge your eyes out and eat you." Truly “violent yet somehow romantic”! This is the true essence of Adam Sandler.

A harmonium that invites light and love.