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Paul Thomas Anderson is one of the renowned filmmakers of the current generation. His films are admired by critics and audiences due to his unique style of exploring dysfunctional characters and themes of alienation and redemption. With films likeBoogie Nights, Magnolia, There Will Be Blood, The Master, Inherent Vice,andPhantom Thread,he has established himself as one of the most unique voices in cinema. He worked with actor/comedian Adam Sandler for his 2002 romantic comedyPunch-Drunk Love. The film stands out in Anderson’s career because of its genre( the only time Anderson did a rom-com) and his casting of Sandler, who had never done a dramatic tole up to that point.
A Particular Adam Sandler Film Convinced Paul Thomas Anderson to Cast Him
Paul Thomas Andersoncame out with one of the standout films of his careerPunch-Drunk Lovein 2002. The film hadAdam Sandlerplaying the role of Barry Egan, an entrepreneur with social anxieties. The casting was unusual at the time since Sandler was known for comedies and had not done a full-fledged dramatic role before. But Anderson was convinced Sandler would pull off the role by watching a specific scene in his 1999 filmBig Daddy. He told theLos Angeles Times,
“I love Big Daddy. Big Daddy had sensitive Sandler but there’s a scene in it where he’s screaming at his father over the telephone that I used to rewind over and over. That’s when I really thought, “I have to find this person. I have to work with this person”
Sandler’s brief display of his range as a dramatic actor in a comedy was noticed by Anderson. The vulnerability and emotional depth with which Sandler pulled off the specific scene impressed him and he decided to use that for his film and the role of Barry Egan.
Also read:“You remember that Mark?” Shazam Star Mark Strong Punched Adam Sandler in the Face and Made Him Cry
Adam Sandler is Very Proud ofPunch-Drunk Love
BeforePunch-Drunk Love, Adam Sandler was restricted to comedic roles in films such asBilly Madison, Happy Gilmore, The Wedding Singer, The Waterboy,andBig Daddy.Punch-Drunk Lovemarked a significant shift in Sandler’s career where his dramatic range as an actor was recognized and appreciated. He started to get more dramatic and meatier roles after the film, for which Sandler is grateful. He considers the film an important milestone in his career and is very proud of the film. He toldCinemaBlend,
“I view it as something that I had an amazing time doing. And it might have opened up other thoughts about me. I’m sure that happened. In my brain, I always thought, ‘Yeah, maybe one day, I’ll do a different style of movie.’ And luckily Paul wrote that movie, called me up, (and) said, ‘Let’s go.’ And I hear about that movie a lot. So it means a lot to me and I had an amazing time. Paul’s one of my best buddies. I love him. So that’s the greatest thing that happened with that movie”
Adam Sandler got further praise for his dramatic works in films likeFunny People,The Meyerowitz Stories, Uncut Gems,andHustle.
Also read:“He will be missed by everyone I know”: Adam Sandler Joins Thousands of Fans and Celebs to Mourn Saddening Loss of 99-Year-Old Legend
Upcoming Works of Adam Sandler
Adam Sandler recently launched his daughter Sunny Sandler in the recently released Netflix filmYou Are So Not Invited to My Bat Mitzvah.The film received acclaim and appreciation from critics and audiences. He was announced to star in an upcoming sci-fi dramaSpacemanfor Netflix. The film will star Sandler, Paul Dano, Carey Mulligan, Kunal Nayyar, and Isabella Rossellini.
It is scheduled to be released by Netflix in 2024.
Also read:“Nobody works as hard as the Sandman”: Chris Rock Called Out The Oscars for Never Nominating Adam Sandler After Being Friends with Him for So Long
Source:Los Angeles Times,CinemaBlend
Rahul Thokchom
Senior Writer
Articles Published :1276
Rahul Thokchom is a senior content writer at Fandomwire who is passionate about covering the world of pop culture and entertainment. He has a Masters Degree in English that contributes to the richness and creativity in his works.
