I thoroughly recommend this film.

It's directed by Paul Thomas Anderson (Boogie Nights, Magnolia) and stars of all people, Adam Sandler.

It is described as a romantic comedy but is really a difficult film to label. Sandler does a fantastic job and proves he really can act.

Some people will no doubt hate the film cos it's odd i.e if you hate the raining frogs scene in Magnolia then dont bother to see this film.

For those of you that like something different, and like great cinema, then pick this up on DVD and have a look.

romantic comedy on medication? i liked it...and i hate adam sandler most of the time.

BK I have this special ed 2 dvd set..dont call me dense but I really dont get this one lol..it is too odd it sems and thats a lot coing from me--I love PT Anderson, Magnolia and Boogie Nights are my shit! This one though--sure it shows how pathetic Sandlers character is and his issues being brought up with women etc but I..I was looking for something more..talk about a jazz piece etc
[This message was edited Sun Nov 23 15:13:17 PST 2003 by rdhull]

it was great. wierd. but great!

i also recommend.

rdhull said:

I gues it is more "minor" than his other films. It really concentrates on Sandlers character with evryone else just filling roles around him (except perhaps for Emily Watson).

I really enjoyed it though and I could empathize with the main character. I read an interpretation of the film on the iib webite that nails it. He is so effected by the dominance of his sisters that it has effected his confidence and self esteem. As a result, he has seperated his various "worlds" i.e work, private life, sex life,family life etc so as to better deal with them.

When this worlds overlap, he becomes wildly aggressive and violent. When Watsons character enters the scene he falls in love and has to conquer his fear of his worlds colliding by being honest with her. Love conquers all so to speak. Love helps him overcome his own insecurities.

That is a very brief summary but you get the picture.

I was quite taken with it really. Andersons skill meant that you feel exactly how Sandlers character feels and it's uncomfortable.


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[This message was edited Sun Nov 23 15:22:02 PST 2003 by bkw]

totally did not get this one at all. I love Paul Anderson's past work but this one was so, not put together. Maybe I just missed something but I wanted my hour and 45 mins back.

bkw said:

I thought you started a thread about your wedding anniversary.

althom said:

With that title it would be about the conception of my first child!

bkw said:

I liked this film, too. Especially when he gets all brave because of love, and starts standing up for himself and kicking some ass.

jthad1129 said:

You know, I'm really surprised to be hearing this from so many people. Compared to Magnolia, this film was so damn easy to figure out for me.

Think of it as a broken and vulnerable character (which is understandable, given his childhood), building strength and trusting in himself because he has a love that gives him strength.

Throw in the Harmonium, which, I think, pretty much represents his soul or his heart. Throughout the movie, he starts out afraid, and gains strength, and as he does so, he is repairing the harmonium and learning to play it. By the end, he gives the harmonium completely to his love, who also has a few screws loose, but this was left intentionally vague so as not to draw attention away from Adam.

In addition to what I considered a very touching and sweet (albeit slightly psychotic) romance, this movie has a beautiful style unlike any other. I could listen to that trippy music with the reversed orchestra strings and bizarre rhythms and sfx all day, and the coloring is also magnificent.

More than hearing about how comfortable people are within their world, you see it and feel it, almost becoming Barry Egan, always in a state of slight caution and uneasiness (hence the shock sounds, the crashing vehicle, blazing loud semi truck, etc.). By the end, his comfort level with his world is much higher, and we become more comfortable with it as well.

I really fell for this movie, it enchanted me, and I would reccomend it in a heartbeat to anyone who ever feels disillusioned or insecure about their role within this world, or their relationships with other people. I think that would define all of us.

AnotherLoverToo said:

Yeah!

Phillip Hoffman

rdhull said:

savoirfaire said:

Very well said. You nailed it.

rdhull said:

He is one of the best and coolest actors going around.

AnotherLoverToo said:

he's hot, and a great great actor ..I love the offbeat roles that he takes

bkw said:

bkw said:

amen. Love this guy. I want to see him more often.

savoirfaire said:

Have u seen Happiness?

rdhull said:

I'm trying to work up the courage to see it.

Those really bleak films require you to be in the right "mood" I think.

bkw said:

Yeah--u better be ready for this one lol

but he was also in Boogie Nights, Mr Ripley, Hard 8, Flawless, Twister, Magnolia etc..you know of course. He's a great character actor imo