Uncut Gems
/“I disagree.”
Filmology Rating: 3 out of 4
Uncut Gems is a Safdie Brothers film that has been making lots of noise since critic's reviews were let loose several months ago. You most likely heard about it because of Adam Sandler's attachment to the work, which is a big deal seeing that this is his first "real movie" since 'Punch Drunk Love.' Jonah Hill was originally attached to the film until he left and Sandler replaced him.
Howard, a New York City jeweler always on the lookout for the next big score, makes a series of high-stakes bets that could lead to the windfall of a lifetime. Howard must perform a precarious high-wire act, balancing business, family, and violent loan sharks on all sides, in his relentless pursuit of the ultimate win.
It's been almost eighteen years since Paul Thomas Anderson's 'Punch Drunk Love' and over those years, we saw Adam Sandler make terrible after terrible film until it all snowballed into 'Jack and Jill.' After that, everyone gave up on him, including myself. I've been very hard on Sandler for his terrible filmography not because I don't like him, but because I know he can do better. So finally, here we are with Adam Sandler giving his best performance ever.
The first thing I noticed about this film was how smartly executed dialogue is in this film. Usually in a script, the screenwriter writes a line of dialogue, then the next line, then the next. The Sadfie's have chosen to layer dialogue where people are constantly trying to talk over one another and that's so realistic and brilliant because you immediately get the off-set feeling of anxiety and it stays with you for over two hours. This film is the equivalent of slamming the gas pedal and cutting your brake line.
Adam Sandler trying was the greatest Christmas gift one could ask for. His character, Howard, has himself in such a deep hole that he doesn't where the sun is anymore. Seeing this character make poor choice after poor choice lends itself to such outstanding pathos because you know this character has no other choice other than to keep taking big risks.
All of this character's poor decisions leads up to probably the best scene in the film when Howard has reached the summit of failure and he can't hold back his frustration. It's a wonderfully acted scene by Sandler and Julia Fox.
The score to this film is really the first score I noticed all year that's actually very good. 'Joker' was nominated for a Golden Globe for Best Original Score and I cannot even recall the music. 'Uncut Gems' has this sort of psychedelic, pulsating score that never lets up from the beginning of the film to the end.
Kevin Garnett also has a surprisingly good performance. Adam Sandler may overshadow lots of other supporting roles in this film, but everyone is very good. That juxtaposition of everyone around Howard being normal must be there to make Howard look even more eccentric though.
This film makes you think how many "Adam Sandler fans" are going into this film expecting his latest comedy, but walk out very confused. I find that humorous. But unlike the usual "Adam Sandler film," 'Uncut Gems' is liked stuffed into the smallest screening room a theater has all the way in the back. So good luck finding it.
This film is utter brilliance. The tension never lets up and a stellar performance by Adam Sandler allows you to buy into this thrill ride of hallucinogens and gambling. Or just go watch 'The Ridiculous 6' on Netflix.
Rating: See It
-Nolan