Spotlight: Punch-Drunk Love [2002]

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Since Valentine’s is almost upon us, I thought I might take this opportunity to shine the spotlight on some fun little romance films – one spotlight per night leading up to the big V-day itself, with three films in total for your viewing considerations.

And tonight, I will get the ball rolling with this bizarre little film from 2002, titled ‘Punch-Drunk Love‘.

Offering unique cinematography from Robert Elswit, and a superb musical score by Jon Brion, this film is a true feast for all your senses.  Directed by Paul Thomas Anderson (of ‘Magnolia’ and ‘Boogie Nights’ fame), and starring Adam Sandler and Emily Watson, with appearances from Philip Seymour Hoffman, Mary Lynn Rajskub, and Luis Guzmán – this offbeat little gem is by far one of my personal favorites.

At its heart this is a sweet little tale of romance… but the film just have so much more going for it.  It is just so uniquely different from anything else that is out there, with its bizarre characters and scenarios with comedic overtones, combined with deadpan serious acting from all the actors.  This film is stuck somewhere between a comedy and a drama, but somehow never quite crossing the line to join either side.  I have watched this dozens of times, and to be honest I am still not a 100% sure just what the heck this is.

Anyways, this film might not be everybody’s cup of tea – but if you’re anything like me, and like weird little offbeat films that aren’t quite there, then in my opinion you really can’t go wrong with this one.

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