As seen in Paul Thomas Anderson’s “Punch-Drunk Love” and Noah Baumbach’s “The Meyerowitz Stories (New and Selected),” Adam Sandler is confidently capable in delivering rousing performances given the right material from the right artists. Therefore, it’s safe to say that Sandler’s latest role in Josh and Benny Safdie’s highly anticipated “Uncut Gems” falls comfortably into that category. Courtesy of A24, the “Uncut Gems” trailer gives us our first look at the exciting Sandler-Safdie collaboration.
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Although the Safdie brothers have found success and acclaim with previous features “Daddy Longlegs” (2009) and “Heaven Knows What” (2014), they truly became breakout names in 2017 with “Good Time.” The film revolved around troubled robber Connie Nikas, who was depicted with a monstrously incredible performance by Robert Pattinson. Now, two years later, many fans are hoping that Adam Sandler receives similar acclaim for his performance in “Uncut Gems,” where he plays a troubled gambler who is constantly chasing higher stakes.
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Here’s the official synopsis, courtesy of the TIFF website:
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From acclaimed filmmakers, Josh and Benny Safdie comes an electrifying crime thriller about Howard Ratner (Adam Sandler), a charismatic New York City jeweler always on the lookout for the next big score. When he makes a series of high-stakes bets that could lead to the windfall of a lifetime, Howard must perform a precarious high-wire act, balancing business, family, and encroaching adversaries on all sides, in his relentless pursuit of the ultimate win.
Based on the synopsis and the trailer, it looks as if “Uncut Gems” will incorporate a Safdie-signature familial through-line akin to the brotherhood relationship in “Good Time.” With this thematic work, as well as their distinct visual and aural sensibilities, the Safdie brothers (and A24) seem to have another winner on their hands.
The film co-stars Lakeith Stanfield (“Sorry to Bother You,” “Short Term 12”), Julia Fox, Kevin Garnett, Idina Menzel (“Frozen,” “Rent”), and Eric Bogosian (“Succession,” “Deconstructing Harry”).
Produced by Sebastian Bear-McClard, Oscar Boyson, Eli Bush, and Scott Rudin, after premiering at the Toronto International and Telluride Film Festivals earlier this month to rave reviews (you can read ours here), “Uncut Gems” will hit theaters on December 13. Check out the first trailer below.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vTfJp2Ts9X8