A second viewing of Punch-Drunk Love affected me as much as the first viewing did. It's quirky, it's odd, and sometimes it relies on visual style rather than deep characterization, but I still think it's one of the most uplifiting and beautiful films of this new century. Adam Sandler seems to be limited to a certain schtick, but he gives his all in this movie and delivers a great performance as Barry Egan, equally adorable and disarmingly odd. Beautifully shot by Roger Elswit, it is delivered in a jarring, indeed 'punch-drunk' style, which coupled with Jon Brion's chaotic score puts us straight inside the mess that Barry's head. Paul Thomas Anderson shows us the confusing state love can put you in, but by the end how Barry has been empowered by Lena (Emily Watson, on great form) and her love, and can defeat the vindictive, pathetic figure of Dean (Philip Seymour Hoffman, terrifically nasty). Filled with wonderfully quirky moments, it bears Anderson's signature and is his most touching movie. My #4 of 2002.
*****