What a line.  It might be slightly on the emotional/sensitive side, but only because it is so true.  It’s a truth we all know and feel throughout our lives.  However, what makes this film so hilarious is its portrayal of such acknowledgment, and, to say the least, Adam Sandler’s most accurate role.  His soft spoken demeanor juxtaposed with his extreme anger-management issues creates the perfect balance between hyper-realism and a romantic comedy. 

The beginning of the film left me confused at the meaning behind the piano or the unique shots because Anderson chose to say less and show more (which the best filmmakers do).  It wasn’t until the hilarious scene where Barry Egan breaks the three glass windows at his sister’s naturally awkward family gathering, that I found myself fully intrigued.  The fact Paul Thomas Anderson chose to wait until that exact moment to reveal Barry’s deep emotional conflict propelled the film into a new twist on the main character's conflict.  The hilarious conversation between Barry and his brother-in-law revealed just enough about his character and family relations for anyone to relate.  Who hasn’t been to an awkward family gathering?  Who hasn’t been misunderstood by family members?  Who hasn’t been belittled by siblings?  Who hasn’t had their family talk about all their issues openly and freely with such insensitivity?  Alright, maybe some of you sickos had a really peachy, sensitive, sweet family, but mine did all of those things plus some...and I still love them.  The point is, this film struck home through its realistic portrayal of Barry’s life.

Why was Barry depressed?  His family definitely didn’t help; hence, “Barry!  Gay boy!  Are you gay, Barry?”  Yeah, that doesn’t lead to hugs and kisses.  It’s ironic that he has seven sisters, because, symbolically, seven is a perfect number but, in Barry’s case, seven is the number of Hell.  His sisters are constantly nagging him in the beginning of the film to come to a party, trying to set him up on dates he feels uncomfortable with, and basically trying to run his life for him.  They never even give him a chance to choose his own path before letting him know he hasn’t “done anything”. 

One of the most satisfying parts of the film is how satisfied the viewer feels when Barry lashes out.  He is never understood correctly by anyone and his angry screams of pent-up resentment create a hilarious, just argument.  For instance, when he yells at his sister for questioning why he should want/need Lena’s number.  He had every right to ask for the number and not give her an explanation.  When she became difficult, his extreme choice in words were not just coming from him but the viewer’s own mind/mouth.  The build-up of tension in the film creates an enjoyable and interactive experience for the viewer.  Well, it did for me!  I felt Barry’s pain.

It’s wonderful how his anger and resentment becomes the core of his ability to overcome “Georgia’s” crew when he discovers love.  Love, the one universal truth all men can decide upon, gives man hope and therefore reason to fight.  No one fights a war for money, but men fight a war because they love the idea of purpose, protection, or the country they represent.  (On a side note...that country could be ultimately fighting for land, resources, etc.  However, most men fight for the protection of their families, the love of their country, the love of dignity, and the idea of hope.)  Once Barry experienced love, he took his first flight and trip to Hawaii, he stood his ground and beat the four blond brothers, he told Dean Trumbell what kind of man he was, and he threw away his pride for the woman he loved.  It’s beautiful how love can transform someone, but the way this film presented the transformation was hilarious and brilliantly executed!  I thoroughly enjoyed it!

-G