“Uncut Gems”
Runtime: 135 mins
Release date: December 25, 2019
Directed by: Josh & Benny Safdie
Starring: Adam Sandler
Kevin Garnett
Julia Fox
Idina Menzel
Everybody knows of at least one person with obvious natural talent but who is often too lazy to use it. In the entertainment industry, few people embody this type of person more than Adam Sandler. He is notorious for the poorly reviewed, bland and uninspired comedies he churns out about once a year. In all fairness though, if I could make millions upon millions of dollars just by going on vacation with my friends and taking some time out to shoot a movie on location, I might be tempted to do the same thing.
However, the handful of times Sandler has starred in projects he is actually passionate about show he has an enormous talent for acting. His most notable performance, or at least my favorite, was in the superb 2002 romantic comedy, “Punch-Drunk Love.” Most recently, he received acclaim for his performance in 2017’s “The Meyerowitz Stories.”
His turn as an impulsive gambler and jewelry store owner in the recently released “Uncut Gems” may be his finest showing yet. It is the first time I have seen him fully transform into a character, almost to the point of being unrecognizable. He changes his voice, his mannerisms and his appearance. I can easily imagine this character being immensely unlikeable in the hands of a lesser actor, but Sandler makes him empathetic and even a little endearing.
Sandler’s performance may be the most discussed quality of the movie, but there are many more things to appreciate here. “Uncut Gems” is rising directing duo the Safdie brothers’ follow-up to their 2017 indie smash “Good Time.” Just like that movie, “Uncut Gems” follows a down-on-his-luck protagonist as things steadily get worse and worse for them.
I have heard many other critics describe “Uncut Gems” as a two-hour-long panic attack. I went in very much expecting that, but I would not describe my experience the same way. There are certainly numerous scenes in the movie which are unbearably intense and suspenseful. So much is at stake, and it feels as if the worst could happen at any second. This tense atmosphere is no doubt aided by the Safdie brothers’ signature use of extreme close-ups and a fantastic score from electronic musician Oneohtrix Point Never. Personally, though, I feel as if those describing the movie as non-stop anxiety-inducing thrill ride are being at least a little hyperbolic. Maybe if I saw the movie again knowing what to expect and not relying on what I had heard from other people, I would feel differently. For me, the movie is equal parts character study and extremely suspenseful thriller.
I would suggest those interested in seeing “Uncut Gems” not try to read up too much about it. As long as you are aware it is not by any means the type of goofy comedy Adam Sandler has become known for and know roughly what you are getting into, I would highly recommend you go check it out. It is very much not a movie for everyone, though. It might actually be a good idea to watch the Safdies’ previous film “Good Time” and, if you enjoy that, it is virtually certain you will enjoy “Uncut Gems.” “Good Time” is currently available for streaming with a subscription to Amazon Prime.
2019 was such an unusually extraordinary year for film, and “Uncut Gems” is up there with the best. The Safdies are continuing their skyrocketing rise to filmmaking stardom with this, and Sandler is finally being widely recognized for his acting talent. I will be interested to see where both of their careers go from here.
Drew Eckhart is a junior history and pre-law major from Edmond, OK. He has loved movies for as long as he can remember but thinks his passion really began when he watched “The Dark Knight” for the first time. His favorite type of movie blends comedy and drama seamlessly, and he loves great action films. In Drew’s free time, he enjoys reading and playing video games, as well as watching TV and movies. His favorite TV show is “BoJack Horseman” and his favorite movie is “The Graduate.”
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