This film was rather difficult for me to watch. It took me three sessions to finish this film. Uncut Gems is classified as a crime thriller and is a rather impressive film. To me, the film finds itself in a strange new genre of unending suspense and uneasiness. Similar but different from cringe, I find unnerving material a bit unbearable as I am an incredibly anxious person.
The plot, acting, and cinematography are all excellent, so don’t let my apprehensions dissuade you from watching this film. Adam Sandler is one of the greatest actors of our time and his performance in this was incredible, irreplaceable. The pacing and writing of Uncut Gems is incredibly unique as well, taking heed to the film’s name and providing some uncomfortable and unfamiliar long exposures or cuts. Social tension is highlighted by extreme and long closeups, similar to how one would inspect a diamond.
The metaphor for value and glamour permeates even into the writing. Many key details in the plot are glossed over or taken for granted. Conversely the story or camera has a high interest in following famous celebrities and high profile events. There are a lot of unanswered questions, from origins to current standings, analogous to how diamonds are bought and sold. How does Howard have a jewelry store in the diamond district to begin with? How does he have the undying love of Julia? How long has his debt been following him? When was his last major win?
Both the writing and cinematography are rather grim. From uncomfortable color correction, camera angles, writing, and dialogue, Uncut Gems goes against many mainstream formulas in its effort to deliver a metaphoric and literal uncut gem.
This film, along with Parasite, gave me the creeps. I’m glad I pushed through and finished Uncut Gems as it is unique, artfully executed, and well casted/acted. A popular misconception is that this story was loosely based on a true story, which is an exaggeration at best. Although Uncut Gems is darker than most films I prefer, I’d easily give it two thumbs up.
Leadership, Design, Writing 