We are close to the end of Uncut Gems. Howard Ratner (Adam Sandler) has convinced basketball player Kevin Garnett to purchase a sacred black opal that Howard himself acquired from Ethiopia. This gem will not only settle Howard’s never-ending debts, but–more importantly–allow Howard to make a profit due to his inflated price. Garnett is offering just enough money for Howard to simply pay his debts, and walk away with a clean slate. After everything we have seen Howard go through thus far, this should be exactly what he has been looking for–but it isn’t. Howard Ratner isn’t interested in breaking even–Howard Ratner wants to win.
2019 saw the sixth installment of the Safdie brothers’ bold filmography, Uncut Gems, starring Adam Sandler, LaKeith Stanfield, Idina Menzel, and wild newcomer Julia Fox. Uncut Gems tells the story of diamond dealer and gambling addict Howard Ratner, as he attempts to make the biggest score of his career. On top of this, he has to balance relationships with his criminal brother-in-law (to whom he owes money), a daughter who resents him, a son who worships him, a mistress who loves him, and a wife who hates him.
This film does not simply demand the attention of its audience, it grabs them by the collar and force-feeds its chaos to them. The first time I saw Good Time back in 2017, I remember thinking that the Safdie brothers are going to be important names to look out for in the film industry. As a result, I was more than excited when I heard that their next film would feature Adam Sandler, an actor I always thought was talented, but was worried that perhaps his reputation would be an obstacle to the film’s success My reluctance to immerse myself within the film without reminiscing about Sandler’s Happy Gilmore (1996)days was crushed within the first few minutes, as we immediately descend into the sheer madness that is Uncut Gems. The Safdies’ unique and unconventional interpretation of a “slice of life” film ultimately shows Howard Ratner at his very worst, but Adam Sandler at his very best. Their fierce direction of Good Time was only elevated with Uncut Gems; its editing is unmatched and seamless, and highly reflective of what is occurring within the story. The Safdies want us to experience firsthand the anxiety that comes with having someone like Howard in your life. He’s an effective depiction of an addict, who will screw over anyone if it means placing another bet. To Howard, the thrill of the bet is more exhilarating than the results. The film stylistically matches Howard’s chaotic lifestyle, accomplished by the rapid editing, multi-tracked dialogue, and the overall pacing of the film. This all ties together in a way that suffocates audiences, more effectively than most horror films. This anxiety-inducing thriller opens with psychedelic visuals exploring the insides of the black opal, paired with Daniel Lopatin’s synthetic score. This beautiful sequence slowly transitions from that of the rare and beautiful gem, to the inside of Howard Ratner’s colon, as he endures a colonoscopy; the gem has become a part of Howard before he has even physically touched it, and will guide Howard’s journey.
Adam Sandler manages to take the erratic, manipulative, sometimes even unbearable Howard Ratner, and give him a quality that forces the audience to root for him. He is a deeply flawed, tragic character who is ultimately redeemed thanks to Sandler’s energy and charisma. He often uses the fact that he is Adam Sandler to remind audiences how delusional Howard is, offering some lightness and humanity in an otherwise unlikeable character. Howard Ratner does not deserve a second chance, nor does he deserve sympathy, but Sandler’s portrayal of him makes it seem that he does. Because of Sandler, watching Howard attempt to balance his life and his debts is almost intoxicating, despite the anxiety that is often tied with his intrigues. Julia Fox’s portrayal of Howard’s mistress (also named Julia) is one of the strongest breakout performances in recent memory. While she could only have been in it for Howard’s money, she demonstrates that she genuinely cares about him, and their relationship ends up being one of the only silver linings both for Howard and the film itself. Their chemistry makes you believe that somehow, these two people really care about each other. It’s refreshing to watch someone in the filmbe on Howard’s side.
The film concludes on a rather cathartic moment for Howard. Rather than selling the opal to Garnett and breaking even, Howard places one final bet, and for once, it works out for him. He wins. All of his bad decisions finally lead to something good for him. It is in that moment where Howard is shot in the head, and his store is robbed. A sad ending? Maybe so. But ultimately, as Howard’s body lies there lifeless, his face appears to be in a state of pure contentment. He has finally reached the high he has been chasing and won, and to him, nothing will ever be better than that. The camera takes us inside Howard’s gaping bullet wound, his lifeless body, and brings us back to the psychedelic visuals of the gem that opened the film. The opal has been with him, it is a part of him, and that’s all Howard ever needed. The final shot of Uncut Gems tells us that Howard, in his own delusional state of mind, has won. And while Sandler may not have “won” an Oscar nomination, there is no doubt that this will be remembered as one of the best films and performances of 2019.
Author Biography
My name is Amanda Coates, and I am an undergraduate film student at Wilfrid Laurier University. My passion is film, with my favorite film being Paul Thomas Anderson’s Magnolia. While I hope to one day make films, I love to critically analyze my favorites, and would love to one day become a published film critic.
Film Details
Uncut Gems (2019)
United States
Directors Josh and Benny Safdie
Runtime 135 minutes
