Episode 135: Paul Thomas Anderson’s “Punch-Drunk Love”
A discussion with Scott Nye (@railoftomorrow) of BattleshipPretension.com on Paul Thomas Anderson’s 2002 film, “Punch-Drunk Love.”
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In 2002, seemingly as a response to the running time of his previous film “Magnolia,” “Punch-Drunk Love” was released with a breezy and economical 95 minutes running time. “Punch-Drunk Love” is a unique film in Paul Thomas Anderson’s work because it’s the only film that feels like an equal collaboration from three artists; obviously the writer and director Paul Thomas Anderson, the film is an effective Adam Sandler movie, and the film also serves as a canvas for digital artist Jeremy Blake who created the lush and colorful introduction and act breaks for “Punch-Drunk Love.”
Why is “Punch-Drunk Love” a forgotten film in Paul Thomas Anderson’s work? Is there something dark and sinister under the surface of “Punch-Drunk Love?” And how is Adam Sandler’s career defined by this film?
Paul Thomas Anderson’s “Punch Drunk Love” is the subject of episode 135 of the AuteurCast…
Is there any direct evidence that points to West’ theory that this is all a fever dream in Barry’s dying moment? I’d actually like to believe what you are saying is a possibility, but I don’t know how you get that specific in your theory.
Well in any case, I just found your podcast this week and it’s wonderful. And I’m not picking on you West because I’ve listened to all the PT Anderson podcasts and the Mulholland Drive one and feel you are right on with pretty much everything you’ve said.
I look forward to your discussion of There Will Be Blood because it didn’t hit me as hard as Anderson’s other films. So much so that I haven’t watched it twice yet. I think I was expecting his ‘phase 1′ style movie, and this didn’t satisfy. But after having watched The Master and loving it, I am excited to go back.