MovieChat Forums > Punch-Drunk Love (2002) Discussion > I absolutely adore this film, are there ...

I absolutely adore this film, are there any others like it?

posted 15 years ago by Pagoda_Littlejeans
64 replies | jump to latest

I would also like to add that I have seen all of P.T. Anderson's films, and Eternal Sunshine (which isn't exactly similar, but has the obscure love story feel).

So I'm wondering if there are any films that share similarities. E.g.: vibrant bright colors and lights; quirky characters (I've seen all of Wes Anderson's films also :p ); awkwardness; comedic tension.

You get the idea. I'm willing to branch out into any genre, so, any suggestions?

[–] coolbrett 15 years ago

umm Juno seems kinda similar. That's all I can really think of. There's not many films like this one. Like it says on the back of my cover, it is a small gem and a genuine original

If you piss in your pants you can only stay warm for so long

[–] crazykidster 15 years ago

"The Promotion" with John C. Reilly captures the quirky and awkward tones of this film. No pretty colors, though.

[–] neilvh 15 years ago

Check out Spike Jonzes' stuff, namely Being John Malkovich and Adaptation. Similar style, really quirky and totally unpredictable. Also try Stranger Than Fiction. Not as intense, but still great.

[–] testinator 14 years ago

Would definitely recommend Adaptation. Phenomenal movie if you're remotely interested in the art of writing a book, and a world class performance in acting by Nicholas Cage no less.

Stranger Than Ficiton was good too.

[–] cthulhulurks 13 years ago

Adaptation lacks style and elegance.

my vote history:
http://imdb.com/mymovies/list?l=27424531

[–] Pagoda_Littlejeans 15 years ago

Thanks you guys! I have actually seen all of Jonze's films and Juno, but still thanks :] we're headed in the right direction. Also, I will surely check out The Promotion.

[–] rsheppard-1 15 years ago

I recommend checking out "Une femme est une femme" by Godard. It was the inspiration for a lot of the style and atmosphere of PDL, and a great movie in its own right. There's a Thai movie called "Last Life in the Universe" that has some similarities.

I can't for the life of me imagine what Juno has in common with this, and I hope I never can.

I've never heard of The Promotion; I'll definitely be checking that out.

there's no place you can be that isn't where you're meant to be.

[–] delusionofpower 15 years ago

"Me and You and Everyone We Know" by Miranda July is kiiiiiinda like this, in that it's a quirky love story. Unfortunately however, there are no explicit pretty colors saturating that one. "Ghost World" is also kind of a quirky love story, but in all fairness, "Punch-Drunk Love" was really somethin else.

[–] KingLongshanks 15 years ago

These aren't really love stories... but they have a similar atmosphere to this movie:

About Schmidt
The Weatherman
Little Miss Sunshine
The Weeds TV show

[–] rsheppard-1 15 years ago

Mystery Train by Jim Jarmusch. just watched it the other night and it has so many of the elements that I love about PDL.

there's no place you can be that isn't where you're meant to be.

[–] deadstrange 15 years ago

There is one film I can think of that is absolutely perfect, it's by Roberto Benigni. the film is called "La tigre e la neve" or "The tiger and the Snow". Great film, it's in 3 different languages, so if you don't mind reading a bit I think you'd really enjoy it.

don't you know there ain't no devil, theres just God when he's drunk...

[–] jamescastle 15 years ago

I'm surprised that no one mentioned any of Robert Altman's films. PT Anderson has made his love for Altman very clear in interviews and such, and his films are clearly influenced by Altmans. I'd recommend Images, Nashville, 3 Women and Short Cuts.

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[–] MaynardRules 15 years ago

Boogie Nights and Magnolia are similar in style to Nashville, Short Cuts, etc. Punch Drunk Love doesn't feel at all like those.

[–] jamescastle 15 years ago

Maybe Nashville and Short Cuts doesn't feel exactly like Punch Drunk Love, but 3 Women does. Both have a dream like quality and you can see the influence.

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[–] JMNish 15 years ago

The movie that closely resembles this one is Chungking Express by Wong Kar-wei-- the visuals, the storyline, the quirkly characters. In fact a lot of filmmakers are influenced by Wong Kar wei (Tarentino, Sophia Coppola with Lost in Translation, not to mention other Asian directors). After Chungking, check out Fallen Angels, Happy Together, and the heartbreaking In the Mood for Love.

[–] slowmotionscene 15 years ago

Amélie
Jeux d'enfants
The Brothers Bloom
Eagle vs. Shark
Delicatessen
Der Krieger und die Kaiserin
Harold and Maude
Lost in Translation
Garden State
Wristcutters: A Love Story

You are a thief of joy.