When I say Adam Sandler, what film do you think of? Billy Madison? Grown-Ups? The transcendental horrorshow that is Pixels? It’s not exactly the most endearing back catalogue. In fact it’s downright painful – made more so by the fact that Sandler is a damn fine actor, when he wants to be.
Case in point, Uncut Gems. It’s not Sandler’s first dramatic turn; 2009’s Funny People was, ironically, a great serious performance. However this is the first time the actor’s made such an impact around awards season. Outside of the Razzies, that is.
Adam Sandler – Uncut Gems
The film is worth the hype. Following jeweller Howard Ratner as he scrambles to extricate himself from gambling debt with a high-stakes windfall, it’s a tense, intense film a world away from most big-screen crime capers. Saying much more would be considered a spoiler so I’ll just say catch it on Netflix as soon as you have an evening free.
Of course, if there’s one thing you can be sure of about a diamond-district jeweller is that he’ll have a decent watch, gambling debts or no. In the case of Ratner, said watch is a Rolex Oyster Perpetual Day-Date.
The Day-Date’s not seen in film nearly as much as pieces like the Daytona or various subs, but it works for Ratner. It’s Rolex’s jewellery collection and as a gemstone specialist Sandler’s character requires at least a taste of bling. Here the yellow-gold watch has a diamond-set bezel and a smattering of stones across the bright red dial, as well as a fully-set bracelet.
It’s a substantial amount of diamonds for a men’s watch, but then Ratner’s no stranger to wearing his wealth. Gold and wood Cartier glasses, a big gold Torah pendant and an oversized Star of David pinky ring in rose gold all join the blinged-out Rolex to build the picture of a man who likes to show off his cash. Even if he can’t actually afford to.
Regardless of whether Uncut Gems was snubbed at the Oscars (it was, not even a single nomination), it’s great to see Sandler’s dramatic performances getting the recognition they deserve. Now, if only that were enough to wipe Pixels 2 out of our memories.
