Rating of
2.5/4
Awkward and surreal.
memento_mori - wrote on 08/08/13
When I want to watch a movie that I know will inspire me, change my perspective and have me marveling at its greatness, I pick a Paul Thomas Anderson movie.
I love the acting in There Will Be Blood, I adore the characters in Magnolia and Boogie Nights I could just watch a thousand times.
Sadly, Punch-Drunk Love isn't the case. It was actually quite a miss for PTA.
I think this is the problem: Directors who aren't familiar with comedy don't know how to do comedy directly.
They can have elements and moments of comedy and comedic reliefs in their films, but when they decide on a straight up comedy movie, it doesn't work out too well. Hence, we have this movie.
Adam Sandler wasn't funny in this movie, but I'm glad he decided to tone down and not act like a mule all the time (I really don't like Adam Sandler).
But it's not wholly his fault, the script for this is just so weak. It is filled with almost jokes. Another thing that directors who are new to comedy tend to excuse stupid expressions and noises for genuine fun. When will these people learn that awkward, jumpy stuff doesn't equal comedy.
I find it very interesting that the actor Bill Nighy stated this was his favorite movie. I guess taste varies. Maybe he understood it in a way that it was beyond a comedy and more of a drama to him.
The relationship between the main character and the woman he 'loves' feels plastic. It's sugar coated with a few kisses and such, but it has nothing to show for itself. How about some dialogue? It worked in the 'Before' trilogy, why not have them talking for a while, have them express their love?
Well, as much as I love PT Anderson's movies, I will admit that I was not a fan of his attempt at comedy. It's not bad, it's just empty. A nutshell without a nut.
A director without anything to do.
