Review of Punch-Drunk Love (2002) by Andrew H — 20 Jun 2012

Punch-Drunk Love is not what one would expect Paul Thomas Anderson to make after Boogie Nights and Magnolia. It's so different. It's on a smaller scale than most P.T. Anderson excursions but it's just as good as Magnolia or There Will Be Blood (I wouldn't say Boogie Nights, though, not much is as good as that).

The first time I saw it, I saw it only as a Wes Anderson-esque, quirky, dramedy. This is not something I expected from PTA. Upon second viewing I realized that there were depths to behold. The story is brilliant, entertaining, and like most of Anderson's stuff, very autobiographical.

It is about a man, played by Sandler (who's incredible in it), who does not have a purpose in his life. He's going with the flow, but he is not truly realized. Instead of wallowing in pity that his life has no meaning and wasting all his time, he stocks up for a purpose yet to come.

It is his faith in said future purpose that makes him so relatable. He picks up a piano of the road. Why? Who knows, but he might need it later. He takes advantage of a frequent flyer mile pudding scam.

Why? He might need to fly later. When he meets the girl of his dreams, at first he is preoccupied with his preparations, not realizing that she is the purpose he has been looking for. When he finds that out, Punch-Drunk Love finds its irresistible groove.

He uses what he's been stocking up on for a good reason, a great reason, THE reason he was looking for all along. Barry doesn't waste time; he has a goal, chases it, catches it, is thankful, holds on, and doesn't let go.

Brilliant direction, brilliant script, brilliant performances. Fantastic.