Paul Thomas Anderson has established himself as one of the most innovative directors of his generation. His film is a departure from his previous projects because it focuses on one character as opposed to an ensemble cast. Barry Egan (Adam Sandler) is a socially awkward character with anger management issues. His loneliness leads him to call a phone sex agency for comfort, but all this will change when a woman named Lena (Emily Watson) enters his life and helps him to open up to the world. The chemistry between Sandler and Watson is wonderful, with Sandler finally shedding his comedic roots for a more serious role. The phone sex storyline is difficult at times to accept, but I can forgive this diversion to appreciate an experimental romantic comedy. Anderson direction is unique and his use of silences in Punch-Drunk Love reinforces the socially awkwardness of his lead character and his film.
WORD COUNT: 152
Adam’s Grade: B+
Chuck’s Grade: B
