Reviews: Punch-Drunk Love

[JoBlo]

JoBlo's 5/10 review of PUNCH-DRUNK LOVE can be found here: http://www.joblo.com/punchdrunklove.htm

And what did you think of the movie? Add your comments below.

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[matt101]

Well Jo, usually I agree with you on most all of your reviews, but I disagree with you Punch-Drunk Love review. Please, EVERYONE out there, GIVE this film a chance! You need to go into this film knowing two things: 1) It is not supposed to be laugh-out loud funny and 2) It was written for Adam Sandler. This movie is Adam, playing his standard odd, violent character, but he's playing it straight. Barry is a sort of mix between Happy Gilmore, Billy Madison (on his smarter days) and maybe a bit of Sonny Koufax (Big Daddy). P.T. Anderson does a marvelous job in writing a script that is more of a poignant commentary on Sandler's movie characters and Sandler, than anything else. The odd plot to this film is merely secondary, while it is interesting. P.T.A. uses silence to say so much here and uses Sandler to his full potential. Guzman, Watson and Hoffman are all supporting cast, this is a SANDLER film, but it is a serious Sandler film. I personally loved this movie and agree, Paul Thomas Anderson is still a genius.

I give it a 9.5/10

[Puck Bond]

Punch-Drunk Love is tremendous, touching, quirky romantic comedy and a showcase for Adam Sandler who proves he can act! Can't believe I'm saying this but I pretty much loved this film and Adam Sandler's deft, thoughtful performance as Barry Egan a simple, lonely man who tries to be nice and and not bother people, but has a deep anger and rage in him that is brought up by his family which include 7 sisters who bascally treat him like shit and situations where as I said Sandler tries to be nice and do the right thing only to be threatened and put down. Egan runs a small time busines that involves toilet plungers, picks up a weird looking piano and sticks it on his desk, collects "Healthy Choice" puddings because he has found a mistake in the companies marketing plan that involves gaining frequent flyer miles with American Airlines...but Barry doesn't plan on going anywhere, and then when he tries calling a phone-sex line and has a pleasant conversation with the girl it leads to a world of hell and torment. The only comfort that Barry finds is with one of his sister's co-workers played by the always wonderul Emily Watson. Their hesitant, reluctant, sweet romance is really charming and funny amidst the trouble that Barry goes through. Paul Thomas Anderson's direction and camerawork is superb and often spellbinding and the funky, jarring, pounding in parts music score is absolutely brilliant. Overall Paul Thomas Anderson has done something many(including myself thought couldn't be done) make a good film with Adam Sandler as the lead. He uses Sandler's abilities to full extent in this wonderful quirky, sly romantic comedy.

[David Fincher]

Punch-Drunk Love (2002)



Revolution Studios and New Line Cinema presents a film written and directed by Paul Thomas Anderson. Starring Adam Sandler and Emily Watson, with Phillip Seymour Hoffman and Luis Guzman. Running time: 89 minutes. Rated R (for strong language including a scene of sexual dialogue).

By Kevin Alberts:

Punch-Drunk Love is a new film from writer/director P.T. Anderson, whose works include Hard Eight, Boogie Nights, and Magnolia (8/10). Unlike the character-driven drama that was his 1999 hit, this film is more of a romantic comedy. But not really the “laugh-out-loud” comedies that we are all used to.

This one is different. Think of this film as a Royal Tenenbaums (9/10) by P.T. Anderson. It’s quirky, weird, funny, sad, romantic, dramatic, all at the same time. Walking out of a late showing of this film the other day, Tenenbaums was on my mind. They shared so many similarities.

But this film isn’t about family, though that does play into it. It’s more about a sad, depressed, lonely man who falls in love with a cute, young, British girl. But he doesn’t know he’s in love. He “can’t” fall in love. He doesn’t know that this young girl is madly in love with him. How can this be?

As far-fetched as it sounds (and it was for me), this plot does make the movie work.

And to tell you something else, this film would be a lot more boring with someone other than Adam Sandler playing the title role. Critics and movie-goers alike are going to rave about Sandler’s change in acting. And to tell you something, he does deserve credit. So does Watson. Both title roles were perfectly casted.

On the subject of acting, I must say that I have never seen Phillip Seymour Hoffman in a better role. He was truly, truly funny. I loved every second he was on-screen.

The movie itself is very good. The acting is very strong and believable. A great combination.

And to close, I’d live to say this. P.T. Anderson is one of the great directors in Hollywood right now. His writing and style can’t be beat by most directors out there. Now, officially, P.T. Anderson is my fifth-favorite director, behind Fincher, Smith, Soderbergh, and Spielberg. I really can’t wait for his next film.

But, in the meantime, I can always check out Boogie Nights.

Rating: 8/10

[bluntman86]

This is probably the most I have ever disagreed with you man. I fucking love PT Anderson, he is my favorite filmmaker. So of course, I may be biased but it doesn't matter. The man can't seem to do wrong. Love all three of his previous movies to death, loved this one equally. Can't wait to see it again and again and again.

10/10!

[rushmore beauty]

This film is tied for best of the year (with Road to Perdition). It was beautifully filmed and just featured great dialogue and it just made me feel good. I loved the ending...although it did start off a tad too slow, it was still awesome.
9.5/10 (that damn beginning).

[notchreturns]

Love him or hate him, you have to admit PT Anderson is trying to show the movie-going audience something different fron their everyday Hollywood film. He is trying to make them think alittle, showing them characters and personalities they probably haven't seen or thought could even exist. His stories are realistic and emotional, his characters, struggling and searching for something they need and desire, his style, different and quirky.

Punch-Drunk Love embodies, in my opinion, everything PT Anderson has been reaching for in his short carrer, ever-growing career. His characters are never really likable, but you care for them, because they do exist. They do live behind a image they can't shake. They do face these real problems and hide from them, day after day, minute after minute. They do, in the end, see their mistakes and errors, and try to fix them.

Barry Egan, played wonderfully by Sandler, is the shy, edgy protaginist of Punch-Drunk Love. He works long hours for his self-owned business, rarely changes his clothing, and is always at the front of some sort of embarrassment. Whether it be from one of his seven sisters, who have been taunting him since he younger days, calling him "gay boy" and such, or from a hidden, sexy voice on the phone, he just can't seem to shake.

The story is quite simple, much like the life of Barry. The style is quirky and off-the-wall, much like Barry, himself. The score is insanely different and oddly addictive, much like the the world Barry lives in. Forget the wonderful acting, original style and the quirky music and characters... the thing that makes Punch-Drunk Love, is Punch-Drunk Love. Every detail, every scene, every moment of thought actually means something and is connected with the world of Barry... It's films like this that gives me great hope that Hollywood, the money-grubbing industry we know it as, still is trying to ahow us different.... or maybe PT Anderson is...

Now, I liked Hard Eight. It was a well-made film that happened to be gritty and tough. I liked Boogie Nights. Always interesting and vibrant. I loved Magnolia, but it took four viewings for that "love" to occur... not a easy film to swallow and understand

Punch-Drunk Love, PT Anderson's best and most mature film to date, is one I loved on the first viewing and the day after.... something that rarely happens. Ask Fergus

Viva La Resistance, indeed!

[silentasylum]

sounds like a critic with an unusual stored up anger towards pt anderson, this movie is a far cry from all the classic hollywood junk that has been coming out, a truley original piece of work pt anderson does a wonderful job of taking us through the journey with his main character Barry, adam sandler plays a nice guy who is screwed up by his seven sisters(God only knows who else) a nice guy will only be able to react in the way that adam does because a nice person will have trouble telling his sister "look you bitch, dont take your anger out on me" this frustration often leads to Barry's moments of ventilation(ex the bathroom scene).pt anderson must speak the same language i do because i understood it word for word scene by scene.
the scene where Barry's sisters call him is one of the funniest scenes i can rememeber watching in awhile im sure 99.9% of people will fall in love with punch drunk love if you see it. its that good!.

pt anderson won for best director at the cannes film festival where this movie premiered and was a big hit.

[daredevil0214]

joblo!!!

how dare thee!!! haha jp

i dunno. i have to also disaggree... i absolutely loved this film. it was amazing and definitely different. it gave me so much insight on adam sandler's different acting capabilities and it tells me to give other not-so-great actors a chance. and adam sandler was juss so great. emily watson was great too. so bizarre yet so romantic. i loved it.

[Annie Hall]

Originally posted by notchreturns
Punch-Drunk Love embodies, in my opinion, everything PT Anderson has been reaching for in his short carrer, ever-growing career. His characters are never really likable, but you care for them, because they do exist.

You've pinpointed exactly what I could not find the words to say. You can't especially love the characters because of what they are, but you care about them because you want them to succeed. In some ways, PT brings out the best in the viewers of Punch-Drunk Love...Barry in many ways is unlikeable and hard to watch...but, he continually forces the viewer to root for his team. We want him to do well, because he shows the worst in us, which brings out the best.

[REAL_XYZ]

I didn't completely hate this movie, nor did I completely love it. I'm in the middle. I have to agree with JoBlo on this one.

I liked the fact that Sandler didn't play his "normal" role. I liked the phone sex subplot.

I hated the sound track. It was distracting. I also hated the goofy camera moves.

I didn't understand the point of showing us a car flipping over, or why the piano was left in the street.

Overall, this is a middle-of-the road flick (at best). However, I'll give two thumbs up to Sandler doing something different.

I say........5/10.

[SLAW]

This might just be The Big Lebowski all over again for JoBlo. It's the type of film people kind of should be in the mood to see.

Review:

This is one of the best film's of the year. Adam Sandler is amazing and P.T Anderson is amazing. It's hard for me to explain what tis film really means to me. I identify with the character of Barry (Sandler) so much. Can you believe that a tear or two may have slid down my cheeks as i watched this incredible film?

Barry is a guy who tries to make his life work for him. He has these real bitchy sisters who keep him from truely growing as a person. These women obviously have focused all their negative energy on Barry, in order to feel better about themselves. It's sad in its own right, but in no way excusable. Neither of these women are likeable. Not even the one who actually shows compassion for him, because she's usually angry with him for not being the way she wants him to be.

Barry of course lives in his own world. When hes shopping, everything outside or in the background of him is blurred. Only his face and body is clear. This guy marches to the beat of his own drum and P.T Anderson uses quite a few techniques to present this.

My only issue with the film is that we never find out why exactly Emily Watson's character likes Barry so much. Is she attracted to him physically, or does it have something to do with a weirdness that she's just drawn to? Whatever it may be, it's not clear. I did enjoy her character though. I think she's rather sexy in a non-tradtional way.

So yeah, basically I love this movie and can't wait to see it again. It is the greatest performance of Adam Sandler's career. I'm sure he will be completely ignored by Oscar time, but (for what it's worth, which is nothing) he gets a nod from me right now. A deep movie that touched me in many ways.

9/10

[Jon Lyrik]

Paul Thomas Anderson (of Boogie Nights, Sydney, and Magnolia) has created yet another textbook example of out-of-this-world cinematography and music, excellent use of sound, symbolism, story, and acting, wrapping them in a single, neat package.
The plot revolves around a traumatized bipolar businessman named Barry Egan (Adam Sandler). All of his life his seven sisters have taunted him and called him "gay boy." After calling up a troublemaking phone sex hot line, he goes on a romantic journey with a woman named Lena (Emily Watson). Now with the phone sex hot line, the people are stalking him after getting his information and trying to get $700 from him.

And did I mention he collects Healthy Choice pudding?

While the plot is not particularly complex, it is still a fine story with even better acting. Adam Sandler is excellent, and this sure is a turning point in his career. Adam Sandler: you are forgiven for producing the putrid Master of Disguise this summer. Emily Watson is fine here, as usual. She might even get a nod. The supporting actors: no complaints here.

The directing, well, there are VERY few people who could outdo Anderson these days when it comes to directing, and this is no exception. Symbolism, mind-twisters, a bizarre blend of comedy and drama, a few creepy parts, and some parts are pure genius. Hats off to Paul Thomas Anderson.

The cinematography is brilliant. The movie has a significant use of color. Some stacked items of the same thing are different colors, colors are used to show emotions, and there are the shots that move while nothing else does. Blue and white is especially used. I'd also like to commend the editing: expertly done.

The sound is used in the same quality of the cinematography. The beginning is shot with no background noise, and the moments that would generally be pretty background-centric with noises are completly quite. The sound is to match the world of Barry's.

All in all, "Punch-Drunk Love" is an amazing movie from a great director. One of the year's best. 10/10. (Copied from my review off of IMDb)

[ohsocrazy]

This movie was sooooo confusing. The most RANDOM MOVIE IVE EVER SEEN. BLA!!! BLA!!! What the hell was going on in this movie. *SPOILERS* lets run through this, Barry works in a shit job, Barry picks up a piano, Barry sees a car crash, Barry calls phone sex, Barry get blackmailed, Barry finds a girl, Barry saves pudding for airline miles, Barry goes beserk on a window at a party...i can go on and on. *END SPOILER* This movie didnt do it for me. I just dug the funky, bouncy soundtrack. *do do dooo, do do doooo, do do dooo...*

4/10

[AgentSmith]

I just finished watching this movie..

What an amazing film....

It just goes to show that Sandler IS and CAN BE an excellent actor...

I considered Sandler, at one point, to be one of the worst actors on the planet after a string of awful, awful comedies..

After seeing this film, I pray that Sandler, with all the wealth he has, that he continues on this road.. He is a great actor who has the potential, IMO, to win an oscar one day...

9.5/10

[willem84]

I Loved this movie. My no. 9 of 2002! I was the only one in my family who really liked it (of course) ---they thought it was weird. I like quirky films and Shelley Duvall's "He needs me'' from the film Popeye definately sets a quirky atmosphere lol......don't you think....I liked how Adam Sandler chose to do something different...but at the same time...we see the same character we always see in him. Emily Watson....what can I say ...magnificent....this is definately BY FAR the best sandler movie......purely wonderful......magical.....and yes you CAN become a person that changes everything about themself for one person....or ....if you can't deal with things....but you can when you find someone...that's not.....just...in the movies...sometimes....people need inner-strength to get them through things...sometimes people need friends..and sometimes people need love. I've learned not all of us can be alone and content with ourselves....i'm one of those that spent several months finding myself and am still much happier when I have someone to hold! so...enough about me...it can happen! ....and it happens in this film....They make a great pair...great music.....Great GREAT film!

8.5/10

1 year later....
wow. what an ignorant review that was. sorry. despite all that bullshit i said about love and etc. (i think i had a sig other at the time) there are needy people in this world. this film is fun, cute, quirky. still love it and i don't do this .5 shit anymore

8/10

[MovieMan75]

Wow, what a beautiful movie. First let me say that I didn't enjoy this as much as Magnolia (It didn't "speak" to me in the same way), but it was a wonderful film in its own right. And this may sound weird, but could actually really, really relate very well to Barry Egan. He was so tragic, quirky, weird, sweet, and engrossing. Yes, Sandler is playing a character similar to his other roles on the outside, but underneath he shows a lot of depth, humanity, and heart. I actually really appreciated the jagged, shifty, akward feel the screen gives off, and I think it was the film's intent to make you feel along with Barry, and make you feel like you are in his world. I just really appreciated that. I'm still not sure of all the other symbolism in the movie, but I'm sure it'll catch me along eventually. I also loved the music, the romance between the two leads, the sly humor, and how much I felt for Barry and his completely understandable struggles through life that I identified with. What a tragically heartbreaking and loveably sweet movie.

My Rating: 8/10

[movieguy1021]

Could Adam Sandler be turning into Jim Carrey? They both started out in slob comedies (Billy Madison, Ace Ventura), then tried their hand at serious acting (Punch-Drunk Love, The Majestic), and now has done a combination (Punch-Drunk Love again, Anger Management). Just like Carrey can be a good actor when he tries, so can Sandler. His work in this movie really blew me away. Just like Philip Seymour Hoffman does in most of his movies (besides this one), he can play a sad-sack loser very well.

The real winner, however, is the script by the director, Paul Thomas Anderson. It’s simply beautiful in its simplicity. It sounds like a basic story, a man with his own small business, but it soon transcends into one of the most original stories I have ever seen. Besides that, it shows basically everything from Sandler’s point of view. His love interest, the charming Emily Watson, is underwritten, but that’s because we know about as much about her as Sandler (Barry Egan) does. It’s very hard to explain, you just need to see it to understand.

The beautifully done plot has Barry working at his own company, one that produces plungers, or “fungers”, as he calls them. He’s dominated by his seven sisters; for instance, three of them call to make sure he’s going to a party in about three minutes, during an important meeting. He’s lonely, and one day, on a whim calls a phone-sex company, who takes all of his information. Barry is asked the next day by the person he had phone-sex with for money, but when Barry doesn’t give any to her, her siblings, including the hilarious Dean Trumbell (Philip Seymour Hoffman) go out and try to get money from him. Soon, however, Barry falls in love with Lena (Watson), adding another interesting point to the plot.

Although the subplot with Barry and Lena doesn’t come into play until about half of the movie has been seen, it’s probably the most substantial out of everything: his business, phone-sex, and purchasing pudding to gather frequent flyer miles (someone actually did this). Watson gave the charm needed for her role, and I believed the romance between the two. With only knowing one character for 90 minutes, and one for 45, it’s amazing what Anderson’s script did. The pudding played a larger role as the movie went on, and everything was involved with each other.

Like all good movies should, there’s a whole lot of symbolism, most of which I didn’t understand. In the beginning, a car flips over on the street and a small harmonium is dropped off by a truck. What they mean, I have no idea. The pudding, however, does: it’s how Barry can work for whatever he wants. He almost always wears the color blue, and color plays an important role, although I don’t know what either of them mean.

Sandler puts in an amazing job in his loser role. He can play it extremely life like. However, I think the main reason I loved him in this role so much is because I could relate to him. I couldn’t help but feeling like I was going to be Barry Egan when I grew up. He’s exactly like me, and I now know what’s going to happen to me when I become older. Plus, I loved his blue suit! Watson played her role like roles like that are supposed to be: charming and cute. She did that to perfection. Everyone’s favorite, Luis Guzman, puts in his usual supporting role.

The cinematography was simply amazing. It wasn’t like the films of today, where there are cuts every two seconds. Instead, entire scenes were done with one take, and one long, sweeping camera movement. Amazing is what you could say to describe this short, but mesmerizing film that will sweep you off your feet.

10/10

[stampede331]

The film, Punch Drunk Love, can likely be understood by only a select few people. This niche are likely easily angered, possibly bipolar and certainly suffering from one of today's plethora of categorized pyschiatric/anxiety disorders. That being said, I fit into this unfortunate group, and happened to enjoy the flick. In addition, I picked up key symbolism that has yet to be referred to and without cognition, would hinder one's enjoyment. I believe Punch drunk, refers to the cameras costant blurred focus in which three different paths are provided for Sandler to walk through, just as a punch drunk fighter is always told to hit the one is the middle. Heeding to this device, Sandler who is a down and outer, but unwilling to take the TKO, continues his slow progression to happiness by walking the correct path. Without picking up on this, I wonder how the average movie gower would enjoy this film. It doesn't involve accessible characters or even a slice of raunchy humor. While I was immediately smitten with Magnolia, I look back on it, wavered slightly by some of the negative reviews given to it, and realize it was dominated by sound rather than plot. This film continues this trend with annoying, "dizzying music." I suppose this is the point, but it is unnerving and distracting. Music can detract from a film when overused and substituted for a lack of plot. For differing reason, I agree with JoBlo, 6/10.

[areyoubeingserved]

A rewardingly intelligent film. Despite the idiosyncrasies of plot and highly sensory (and often purposefully obtrusive) score, this is a film which triumphs as an excersize in subtlety. A valuable paradox.

10.

[Golden Ghost]

I don't think it's as fabulous as some of you are saying, but it's certainly a decent and different watch, totally the opposite of what I had expected. I enjoyed watching the quirky life of Barry Egan (Adam Sandler), Paul Thomas Anderson knows how to build his quirky characters. I loved the beginning, how it presented the harsh car crash which displays the wreckage about to start in his life and the abandoned harmonium which shows the good things that he will soon embark on, which change his life. This of course, is Lena (Emily Watson) and their love allows Barry's confidence to break out and makes him change for the better. It's really surreal, so much that it gets quite annoying. There's something about the film which puts me off but I can't place my finger on it.

[dillhead005]

I liked PT Anderson's new picture, Punch Drunk Love, but probably for different reasons than the rest of this page. People trying to look soooo deep into this film, finding underlying themes about nature and humanity are kidding themselfs. This was basicaly a filming experiment on Andersons part. Its a simple story about an ackward guy and an akward gal that fall in love. SIMPLE. Not so deep or amazingly detailed like Magnolia (Anderson's best film) BUT definatly worth a look. Adam Sandler does well with this new direction in his career, but he should stick with his comedies, not because he sucked in this, but just because thats more who he is. Emily Watson does just fine and looks very good. I always buy her performances. We have PT Anderson usualls Phillip Seymore Hoffman, who has the most hillarious role in the film (SHUT UP, SHUT UP, SHUT UP!!!!) and Luis Guzman, who has a comedic role too. It has PT Andersons usual plot formulas, but what makes Punch Drunk Love so cool is its filming. Its filmed uniquly and rings of a tint of Tarantino, a squeeze of Scorsese and a jolt of Jonze. Okay, enough of my pathetic attempts at stylish writing. Just see the flick cuz it looks amazing and has some good perfomances, but not because of its amazing underlying themes. 8/10

[jimmyjdmb]

Definetly not a 5/10. There are so many awsome things about this movie and so what if the plot could be better....a lot better?

9/10

[Cronos]

i rented this a while ago and i still dont see why it gets so many positive reviews, its very well acted and well filmed but nothing really happens, i was never really entertained apart from some funny scenes, but i was never really that bored. its very strange at times which was interesting but i just didnt get anything from the film

5/10

[jean_luc_cinema]

No Way JOse! 5/10

This is a film of great wonderment and anticipation. As you watch the movie you feel more simpathetic for barry as the movie goes on. Adam Sandler's best movie and best performance barnone. If you don't like this movie you simply don't know life. This is a brilliant screenplay written by a brilliant young screenwriter and director Paul Thomas Anderson. If you havent seen his other work I suggest you check it out. Punch-Drunk-Love is probably my favorite but just as good are Magnolia, Boogie Nights, and Hard Eight.

P-D-L 1010

[Professor Paste]

I really hated Punch-Drunk Love and I can't put my finger on exactly why. The whole thing is an incredibly nauseating experience, with absolutely horrible music, annoying "quirky" scenes and unsympathetic characters. I can't stand the "comedy" of Adam Sandler and was willing to give his serious acting a chance if he was any good. Unfortunately the character he's playing, Barry Egan, is an infuriating social leper. The worst parts are excruciatingly drawn out, such as when someone drops a harmonium in the street and a big show is made of Sandler picking it up. If I want long, lingering shots I'll watch something much more worthwhile like Once Upon A Time In The West. Punch Drunk-Love disagreed with me on pretty much every level. 3/10

Incidentally, this is the first time I've read a JoBlo review and agreed 100 per cent.

[Kimmy]

i'm sorry but i hated that movie. i couldn't even bring myself on watching it the entire movie.
i have to agree with cronos. Nothing happens ( i did see the most of the movie), accept fot the occasionel anger outbursts.

3,5/10

[silentasylum]

You either love it or hate it, but I can't get enough of pt anderon. He seems to have access to feelings most of us are numb to.


My only quarrel is that I don't have this on DVD, yet. Notice the key word " yet".

[sleepinthelake]

I realize that if I do post this, someone is going to call me ignorant or "mainstream" or something like that, but I just have to say that I truly did not like this movie. I have watched it twice now trying with my best effort to figure out what people like about this movie, but I cannot figure out what made this movie, as some would say, "genius" or "the best movie of all time." I am not saying its the worst movie of all time, but it is low on my list. I love both Magnolia and Boogie Nights (Boogie Nights is on my top 10) but for some reason, I just loathed this film. I admit it is something new and original and respect P.T. Anderson for that, but other than that I did not see the positive qualities that so many people are pointing out. All in all, I would have to give this movie a:
3/10.

[silentasylum]

I have watched it twice now trying with my best effort to figure out what people like about this movie

I'm glad you agree in the fact that most people actually like the movie. It's not something you try and figure out...

[Ajwells]

Normally I think your reviews are quite good, but I don't quite agree here.

I thought this movie was probably one of the best movies out there. not as good as magnolia but still very very good.

I was really impressed with Adam Sandler not ruining a movie for once. I loved the relationship he had with his family.

Overall the only thing I wasn't big on was the scenes that took place from the POV of the phone sex operators / henchmen. I wish it was all from Sandlers POV.

I really like all the nervous little antics of Sandler and his lying to coverup any dorky things he does was great.

I would give it a 8/10.

[moviegroupie]

5/10 sounds about right. I didn't love this film, but I didn't hate it either so I guess it balances out. Definitely the weakest of PTA's 3 most well known films- this, Boogie Nights, and Magnolia. Magnolia is the real champ.