Review: Punch-Drunk Love – The Criterion Collection BD + Screen Caps

THE MOVIE — 3.75/5

Plot Synopsis: Struggling to cope with his erratic temper, novelty-toilet-plunger salesman Barry Egan (ADAM SANDLER) spends his days collecting frequent-flyer-mile coupons and dodging the insults of his seven sisters. The promise of a new life emerges when Barry inadvertently attracts the affection of a mysterious woman named Lena (EMILY WATSON), but their budding relationship is threatened when he falls prey to the swindling operator of a phone sex line and her deranged boss (PHILIP SEYMOUR HOFFMAN).

Quick Hit Review: Punch-Drunk Love might not be one of Paul Thomas Anderson’s greatest films, I personally prefer his ensemble drama Magnolia, but it’s one of his more intimate films and one that showed Adam Sandler actually had some dramatic chops, a side to him I wish he’d do more of instead of some poorly written slapstick comedy. This film is finely written and the odd chemistry between Sandler and Emily Watson, who also delivers a magnetic performance, really makes the film work.

This was only my second viewing in the 13 since its release, but Punch-Drunk Love still holds up really well with the trifecta of Paul Thomas Anderson’s writing and direction and the performances from Sandler, Watson and the late and great Philip Seymour Hoffman in relatively small but important role.

SPECIAL FEATURES – 3.0/5

This Criterion Collection release comes with a foldout booklet. All features are in either 1080i or 1080p unless otherwise noted.

Deleted Scenes (9:41) — There are only two scenes, The Sisters Called and “Are You From California?” Neither of these is particularly noteworthy.

Mattress Commercial (0:52) — This is a funny commercial featuring Hoffman in character but a funny not-so-happy accident at the end.

Blossoms and Blood (11:58) is a short film directed by Anderson and featuring Adam Sandler and Emily Watson though this is really just some alternate takes and deleted footage.

Scopitones (6:20) are just short musical takes from the movie.

Interviews:

• Jon Brion (27:19) — The composer discusses his approach to scoring the film. Also included is a recording session (9:56) from 2001.
• Jeremy Blake (20:25) — This digital artist, who passed away in 2007, created the abstract imagery for the film. Here we get art experts discuss his work and his career on the whole. Also included is some additional artwork.

Cannes Film Festival 2002 (7:02) — Paul Thomas Anderson won the best director award at the Cannes Film Festival and the film was nominated for the Palme d’Or. Here we get interviews with members of the cast and crew conducted for the festival, along with the Press Conference (37:58) for the film.

The Pudding Guy (5:04) is an interview conducted for the Today Show from 2000 with civil engineer David Phillip whose accumulation of over a million frequent-flyer miles through a Healthy Choice promotion was the inspiration for a plotline in the film.

Also included is the Theatrical Trailer (2:27), Jeremy Blake’s Love (1:24) and “Eat Tomorrow” (0:33) TV spot.

VIDEO – 4.5/5

AUDIO – 4.0/5

OVERALL – 3.75/5

Overall, Punch-Drunk Love isn’t one of Paul Thomas Anderson’s greatest work, yet it’s still a lovely film nevertheless, what was most impressive then and now is seeing that Adam Sandler can turn in a well done, dramatic performance and paired with the exquisite Emily Watson makes for a poignant little romance-drama. This Blu-ray released through The Criterion Collection offers good video/audio transfers and an OK selection of bonus features.