The Stinking Pause Podcast – bringing you classic movie reviews since 2013 - some good...some not so good.

This week join Scott and Paul as they discuss a tale of a gambler-jeweler navigating chaos to secure a rare opal and escape debts, blending tension, addiction, and greed in a relentless thriller masterpiece.

Uncut Gems (2019)

"Uncut Gems," directed by Josh and Benny Safdie, is a gripping and anxiety-inducing crime thriller set in the bustling Diamond District of New York City. The film centers on Howard Ratner, played with frenetic energy by Adam Sandler, a charismatic but deeply flawed Jewish-American jeweler with a severe gambling addiction.

Howard's life is a chaotic whirlwind of high-stakes bets, mounting debts, and strained relationships. He's constantly juggling multiple precarious situations, trying to stay one step ahead of his creditors. The narrative intensifies when Howard acquires a rare, uncut Ethiopian opal, believing it to be the key to solving all his financial woes.

However, his attempts to capitalize on the gem are repeatedly thwarted by his impulsive decisions and insatiable desire for the next big score. Adding to his troubles, NBA star Kevin Garnett becomes infatuated with the opal, further complicating Howard's already precarious situation.

The film masterfully portrays Howard's descent into a vortex of desperation, as he frantically navigates a web of loan sharks, angry debtors, and strained family ties. The Safdie brothers' signature filmmaking style, characterized by its claustrophobic camerawork, rapid-fire dialogue, and pulsating score, creates a relentless sense of tension that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats.

"Uncut Gems" is more than just a crime thriller; it's a character study of a man driven by addiction and a relentless pursuit of the American dream. The film's raw and unfiltered portrayal of Howard's self-destructive behavior, combined with Sandler's electrifying performance, makes for a truly unforgettable cinematic experience.

"They say you can see the whole universe in opals, that's how fuckin' old they are."

 

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Scott and Paul