Uncut Gems

Uncut Gems

Directed by Josh & Bennie Safdie

Photographed by Darius Khondji

2019

Starring: Adam Sandler, Lakeith Stanfield, Julia Fox

Brilliantly written, brilliantly directed and brilliantly shot. You can infer from that previous statement that this is going to be a positive review. The reason why I praise this movie is because it does so perfectly what a movie is supposed to do: evoke feelings (in this case crippling anxiety). This paralyzing angst is present throughout the whole film, as we follow degenerate gambler and diamond district hustler Howard Ratner (Sandler). I’m sure that last name, Ratner, is no coincidence. Howie manages to make his already bad situation worse, flirting with death, gambling, diamonds and ultimately debt collectors. The boxed-in, apprehensive vibe can be attributed to Darius Khondji, who seems to have photographed the movie using telephoto lenses from a distance, paparazzi style. This creates a shallower depth of focus and in this movie, an uneasy fucking feeling!!! And although Adam Sandler did a phenomenal job as Howie, I must say the film’s magic lies within its direction and cinematography.

I do think Uncut Gems lacked a little bit of connection with a wider audience, as in they could’ve turned it down a notch. Many people couldn’t bare the anxiety inducing flick and literally walked out of the movie theaters. For me it was more the perfect.