(Paul Thomas Anderson, US 2002, 95 min., 35mm)
In a bold career move, Adam Sandler ditches his funny-guy persona to play Barry Egan, a lonely, repressed owner of a plunger and novelty-item wholesale company. Prone to fits of rage and social awkwardness, Barry’s life begins to turn around upon meeting Lena (Emily Watson), a friend of his sister’s. This brilliantly photographed and elegantly paced comedic romance-drama holds a special place for fans of Paul Thomas Anderson’s work. Remarkably pared down, Punch-Drunk Love recalls cinema greats Altman, Truffaut, and Godard while taking on a look all its own. Hoffman’s unforgettable performance as Dean Trumbell (aka “The Mattress Man”) will have you second-guessing calling any customer service line.
Upcoming Events in this Series
Film Screenings | Hard Eight (35mm)
Paul and Phil The feature debut of acclaimed young writer/director Anderson (Boogie Nights, Magnolia) is a brilliantly acted character study about the relationship between a professional gambler and his younger protege.
Film Screenings | The Master (35mm)
Paul and Phil Paul Thomas Anderson’s mesmerizing survey of America’s bruised post-World War II psyche stands as one of the finest films of 2012 for many reasons: the dreamy cinematography; the exquisite production design; and Joaquin Phoenix’s startling, Oscar-nominated turn as Freddie Quell, a psychologically damaged vet who falls under the sway of charismatic cult leader Lancaster Dodd (Philip Seymour Hoffman).
Film Screenings | Boogie Nights (35mm)
Paul and Phil Penetrating the mood of the disco era, P. T. Anderson’s breakout film follows Dirk Diggler (Mark Wahlberg) from his days as a petulant young dishwasher to an intrepid porn superstar in California’s San Fernando Valley in the 1970s, to his fall to rock bottom in the 1980s.