2002, USA
Comedy, Drama, Romance
Paul Thomas Anderson, the director of Magnolia and Boogie Nights, creates another rich cinematic treat, focusing primarily on one character rather than his usual large ensemble in Punch-Drunk Love.
Adam Sandler earns respect through his portrayal of Barry Egan, a quiet but disturbed man whose insecure personality has been directly affected by his tribe of harassing sisters. The audience is allowed insight into his feelings through a beautiful display of splashing colors or by a calm flash of light. His emotions become the paint for the film's canvas. When things become too chaotic for him, the audience becomes privy to the mounting cacophonous percussive music inside his head. These emotive responses drive the movie and are a wonderful visual alternative to voice-overs or dream sequences.
The plot enveloping this love story is no fairy tale. Before Egan meets the woman of his dreams, he calls a sex chat line and divulges all of his personal information. The company then proceeds to demand money and threaten his life. As he attempts to smooth everything over, he is introduced to the first person to ever give him positive attention.
The woman, Lena Leonard, is portrayed by the incomparable Emily Watson. Brilliant in Breaking the Waves and Hilary and Jackie, she does an excellent job as the seemingly normal love interest who remarkably is able to take everything in stride. Luis Guzman playfully rounds out the cast as Egan's oblivious friend Lance. Anderson regular Phillip Seymour Hoffman plays Dean Trumbell, the sex chat company's head honcho. Though a small role, Hoffman plays it full-tilt and does not let go.
This unique tale is subtly humorous, and not meant for Sandler's usual Happy Gilmore crowd. Anderson has created full characters to be appreciated through their own quirks and peculiar habits. The plots rests on the edge of reason and yet closer to reality in this visually refreshing and aurally assaulting film.