UNCUT GEMS (R)
Released by A24
Review by Adam Mast
After experiencing the delirious and often unpleasant stylings of UNCUT GEMS, the eagerly awaited GOOD TIME follow up from filmmaking siblings, Benny Safdie and Josh Safdie, aka the Safdie Brothers, it’s easy to see why Martin Scorsese jumped on board as an executive producer. This gritty and undeniably stylish movie sort of plays like BLOOD DIAMOND by way of GOODFELLAS.
UNCUT GEMS stars Adam Sandler–Yes…That Adam Sandler–as Howard Ratner, a self-destructive asshole of a New York jeweler who’s abrasive nature and extramarital affair are only rivaled by his gambling addiction. Problems arise when Ratner gets in over his head with a wealthy man and his hired thugs. But through the aid of a valuable jewel stone and NBA great, Kevin Garnett, Ratner just might be able to turn his loser of a life around.
If you’ve seen GOOD TIME then you know that the Safdie Brothers have an energy and style that hearkens back to the rich and vibrant character-driven dramas of the 70s (see MEAN STREETS.) In the Safdies’ world, characters talk over each other in rapid fire fashion creating a hyper kinetic rhythm that rarely gives viewers a chance to catch their breath. Think of the dialogue in a Robert Altman movie, only on speed.
The protagonist at the heart of UNCUT GEMS isn’t a very pleasant guy. In fact, he’s downright obnoxious and self serving and he’s the kind of bumbling individual who very seldom makes the sort of choice that could truly better his life. That said, it’s a testament to both the Safdie Brothers and to Sandler that for whatever reason, we’re still willing to follow this sleazy shyster through a colorful Diamond District underworld, watching him make one stupid decision after the next. Sandler is so good in this picture, in fact, that I completely forgot this is the same guy who won me over as BILLY MADISON and HAPPY GILMORE nearly 25 years ago.
As was the case with the great auteur Paul Thomas Anderson and his excellent PUNCH DRUNK LOVE, the Safdie Brothers are able to tap into that part of Sandler that everyone loves and bring to the surface an amplified shade of the funnyman that we haven’t seen before. Yes, this is one of those all too rare occasions when Sandler goes out on a limb and puts himself in the hands of a team who have no interest in creating an Adam Sandler vehicle and the end result is proof that the ex-SNL player is perfectly capable of going beyond the sort of frat boy humor and man-child schtick he’s primarily known for. Not that there’s anything wrong with those things.
Beyond that, the Safdie Brothers have created a colorful, stylish, and hyper-real world filled with energetic characters and often unbearable tension. Then, they go and throw non actors into the mix–some of whom actually made names for themselves in the jewelry profession–and this only adds to the film’s overall authenticity.
Of course, there are more well known performers peppered throughout UNCUT GEMS as well, and all bring their own winning persona to the table. Included; Eric Bogosian as a wealthy man not to be trifled with, Indina Menzel as Ratner’s frustrated wife, Judd Hirsch as a father who can’t say no to his son, and NBA superstar Kevin Garnet hitting all the right notes as himself. There’s also a brief cameo in this picture that’s as random as it is hilarious and it was an instant reminder that I have a habit of referring to the Safdie Brothers’ last movie GOOD TIME, as “Good Times.” It’s safe to say I won’t do that again.
Additionally, The Safdie Brothers have wisely taken a chance on Sandler’s co-star, newcomer Julia Fox. As Ratner’s naughty and lovable mistress, Julia, Fox makes a lively debut. The Howard/Julia relationship is wild, dysfunctional, and often volatile but in its own weird cosmic way, it makes sense in the context of this high energy movie.
For all the loudness, wild antics, chaos, and tension in UNCUT GEMS, nothing prepared me for the ending. Crazy! And the entire film is punctuated by a memorable, synth heavy Daniel Lopatin score. Again, it should be noted that this movie certainly won’t be for everyone. An indulgent, obnoxious, and foul mouthed Ratner isn’t exactly the most pleasant of characters to spend time with but the Safdie Brothers treat him and those in his life with a lot of love and reverence.
In the end, I don’t know that I’d say UNCUT GEMS is as strong as GOOD TIME, but it’s definitely a worthy follow up and quite frankly, I can’t wait to see what these exciting filmmakers do next. And on a final note, here’s hoping that Sandler takes more chances like this in the near future because clearly, there’s more to him than the brand of comedy that put him on the map.
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