'Uncut Gems' Is Masterful
If only I had the time to see this film back in 2019, I would have made a drastic change placing this as my number two movie of 2019 next to "Parasite." Blistering with a kinetic energy that never displays mercy, the Safdie Bros constructs an earnest example of American greed, masculinity, modern culture, and self-destruction in their newest picture. Josh and Benny Safdie are proving themselves to be a cinematic powerhouse duet potentially worthy of becoming a household name associated with thrillers. Much like the Christopher Nolan craze, the Safdies may be the next popular name to throw around a trailer with the words "a film by."
Like a sweet martini of Martin Scorsese mixed in with a little bit of Michael Mann, these two guys know how to make the streets of New York just as big of a character as their human protagonists. "Uncut Gems" gives us a Manhatten that feels like a neverending headache of anxiety. People incessantly shouting over each other. Daniel Lopatin's pulsating techno score, the cinema verite handheld camera work mixed with the color palette of a rave party, this approach to filmmaking by most other directors would have failed as it often does when attempting this type of energy. Yet by some miracle, the Safdies make this visceral technique work in a way that makes "Uncut Gems" a movie that won't escape your head long after the credits roll. The story is pretty standard, a degenerate gambling hustler named Howard Ratner (Adam Sandler) gets in far too deep with his dealings. The mob is after Howard; he's divorcing his wife Dinah (Idina Menzel) his kids are distant from him, the whole treasure chest of sleazy protagonist problems. What sets "Gems" apart is its inescapable vibrancy.
Haters of Adam Sandler will love how his character is introduced. After witnessing the horrors that transpire in Ethiopia to possess one of the film's aforementioned gems, the camera zooms into the gem to present to us the universe ending with a lovely graphic match zoom out of Howard's colonoscopy. Get what seven letter word they're describing Howards as? In the process of casting an actor who can encompass a character's traits, Sandler is cast upon all the negative comments made about him. Adam Sandler is a tacky con artist who makes greedy dumb comedies. Howard is a trashy jewelry salesman who continually makes wretched gambles with his clients. The list goes on down to Howard's phony smile, being representative of Sandler being a fake Hollywood punk. I don't personally think or say these things. The beloved internet does. When Adam gives a damn, he puts in a hell of an effort. The sandman's signature nervousness pulsates through Barry Egan's socially awkwardness in "Punch Drunk Love." That timid persona is transformed into a psychologically broken man in "Reign Over Me," where Mr. Sandler's performance superseded an otherwise forgettable film. I challenge you to go on YouTube, type in "Reign Over Me monologue," then come tell me that you still think he can't act. This film is a character study that's heavily reliant on Sandler carrying the picture. By the grace of spectacular directorial talent, Sandler does a marvelous job that is deserving of an Oscar nomination.
For all the negative traits that Howard encompasses, there's always something we like about him. Although he's a hustler, we understand his rush. If given the same talent he had, who are we to deny we wouldn't use it to our advantage like him? How far would we take that talent until we made too many bets for which we couldn't pay back on ourselves? The Safdie's emphasize that their films aren't about losers but "winners who lose in the end." Financially Howard isn't a loser. In terms of addiction toward gambling, the latter can be said. It's no different from being hooked on booze or smack. In the end, either will get you killed or close to it. Through their sense of empathy, The Safdie's have consistently mixed actors with real people portraying themselves. Enter Kevin Garnet. Mike, do you mean NBA all-star Kevin Garnett? Yes, that very man. For as often that athletes should not be in films, Garnett shines as a selfish, egomaniacal version of himself equal to Howard's personality for Sandler to bounce off of. But that's not all folks! Abel Makkonen Tesfaye AKA The Weeknd makes a small yet impactful appearance in this film. I barely know who these people even are, and their "characters" haven't left my mind since I've seen this movie.
Ignore the fake review bombs on Metacritic from Adam Sandler haters. From a guy who has seen it, "Uncut Gems" is not only one of the best films of 2019 but one of the best thrillers I have seen in decades. The Safdie Bros' love for the high that New York brings is electrifying in their scenery. Eventually, the big apple eats up their character's lives like how large cities tear us to pieces every day, yet we still push on in order to survive. The brisk pacing in "Gems'" editing is barre none. You'll feel like you're doing a rail off of hooker's breasts in the middle of a nightclub when watching it, yet all of it is beneficial instead of intrusive. Zack Snyder and the late Tony Scott tried to emulate this style, except where their films ultimately appeared as style over substance, "Uncut Gems," has a genuine love for the people who live in the movie's world. I urge anyone curious enough to see what else the Safdie Bros have made to go on the criterion channel and check out their collection. At least start by renting "Good Time." Their approach changes dramatically yet never loses its voice as the youthful filmmakers have evolved since the early 2000s. Amongst an incredibly sharp end to this decade for films, "Uncut Gems" may get lost amongst Oscar buzz. Some movies are just as worthy as "Gems," others not as much. Particularly the one that I think may win the significant award of the night. Even if it doesn't make a huge impact this Academy season "Uncut Gems" is here to stay likely earning its way among cult status. Whatever gem the Safdie Brothers bring us next, I will be eagerly anticipating it.
**** out of ****
