Short answer: Josh Safdie co-wrote and co-directed the film “Uncut Gems,” starring Adam Sandler. The crime thriller follows a jewelry store owner in New York City who risks everything to pay off his debts.
A Step-by-Step Guide to the Making of Josh Safdie’s Uncut Gems
Josh Safdie’s Uncut Gems is an intense and gripping film that has been receiving rave reviews from audiences and critics alike. The movie is set in the Diamond District of New York City and follows the story of Howard Ratner, a jeweler who gets caught up in a high-stakes betting game that could cost him everything. From the casting to the filming to the editing, there are many factors that contribute to the success of this film.
Step 1: The Script
The first step in making any great film is having a solid script. In the case of Uncut Gems, Josh Safdie started writing it with his brother Benny twelve years ago. They took inspiration from their father, who worked as a diamond salesman for over 30 years in New York’s Diamond District. The script went through numerous rewrites before they finalized it. It was important for them to ensure that each character had depth and complexity to make them more than caricatures.
Step 2: Casting
One of the standout performances in Uncut Gems is Adam Sandler’s portrayal of Howard Ratner. Casting Sandler was a bold move because he is primarily known for his comedic roles. However, Safdie saw potential in Sandler’s acting ability after seeing Punch-Drunk Love where Sandler delivered one of his most dramatic performances.
But casting doesn’t end there- every supporting actor added texture and nuance such as Kevin Garnett who played himself portraying an integral character JD who collects gems from Ratner’s store
Step 3: Filming on location
Safdie places us directly into Howard’s world with each tight shot capturing intimate scenes and pumping up suspenseful moments; freezing seconds so we can see when hearts pound faster or slower while jewelers take bids or when somebody sits down face-to-face with someone else.
Gems sparkles every corner along Manhattan sidewalks; an addition that gave authenticity despite its tendency turn fast-paced scenes into a chaos of zooming close-ups with varying focal points.
Step 4: The Challenges of Post-production
Uncut Gems’s biggest challenge in post-production was figuring out how to create a seamless narrative composed of chaotic and contrasting emotions. The editing team, operated by Benny Safdie, started with ten million feet of footage which they cut down to 135 minutes during a year-long process.
To keep the tension alive, they needed an intense score that would not let up even when violence flares up or things start wrapping up. Composer Daniel Lopatin (Oneohtrix Point Never) introduced a harrowing sense of danger and urgency throughout the movie’s emotional trajectory by incorporating doom thuds at crucial timings that ratchet our anxiety even higher.
Safdie also credited color-grading with providing each character its unique ‘’feeling’’, transforming their settings without really disrupting the pace.
The combined efforts in making this film were united in creating an immersive experience for viewers – from Safdie’s script to casting all-star performances, filming on-location as well as Benny Safdie’s intuitive editing skills laced together seamlessly along adept coloring techniques producing truly amazing cinematic buzzword that left cinemagoers on a high long after leaving the theater.
Frequently Asked Questions About Josh Safdie’s Uncut Gems
Josh Safdie’s Uncut Gems has undoubtedly been one of the most talked-about movies of the year. The gritty, fast-paced drama starring Adam Sandler has received critical acclaim for its intense performances and gripping storyline. However, with such a complex plot and nuanced characters, it’s no surprise that viewers have a lot of questions about the film. In this blog post, we will tackle some of the most frequently asked questions about Uncut Gems and provide professional, witty, and clever explanations.
1. What is the movie about?
Uncut Gems tells the story of Howard Ratner (Adam Sandler), a jeweler in New York City’s Diamond District who owes a large sum of money to several people due to his compulsive gambling habit. Throughout the course of two frantic days in his life, Ratner desperately tries to secure a rare black opal he believes will solve all his financial problems.
2. Is Howard Ratner based on a real person?
No, Howard Ratner is fictional character created by Josh and Benny Safdie along with writer Ronald Bronstein.
3. Where was the movie filmed?
The majority of Uncut Gems was filmed in New York City’s Diamond District as well as various locations throughout Manhattan and Queens.
4. What inspired Josh Safdie to make this movie?
Safdie has cited his own experiences growing up near New York City’s Diamond District as well as his fascination with addiction and desperation as influences for making Uncut Gems.
5. Why did Adam Sandler take on such an intense role after primarily doing comedy?
Sandler has long been interested in dramatic roles but hadn’t found many opportunities until working with Noah Baumbach on The Meyerowitz Stories (New and Selected). He also reportedly loved working with Josh Safdie on another film they collaborated on called Good Time.
6. How was it working with non-actors like Kevin Garnett?
The Safdies are known for casting non-actors in their films and found Kevin Garnett’s involvement crucial to the plot. In interviews, they report that Garnett was very receptive and gave an excellent performance.
7. Why is Howard Ratner such a polarizing character?
Ratner is both charismatic and infuriating as he constantly makes irresponsible decisions that risk everything he has worked hard for. This duality creates a complex character that viewers can’t help but be drawn to even as it becomes increasingly difficult to sympathize with him.
8. What’s up with the soundtrack?
The Safdie Brothers commissioned soundscapes from experimental musician Oneohtrix Point Never, who created pulsating tracks that perfectly capture the anxiety-filled energy of the film.
9. Is there any significance behind the movie’s title?
The title references both the rare black opal Howard strives to acquire throughout the movie as well as his own personal “uncut gem” status as an underappreciated jeweler hoping to make it big in his industry.
10. What message does Uncut Gems aim to convey?
At its core, Uncut Gems shows how one man’s addiction can lead to self-destruction despite having everything he thought he wanted lying within reach. It serves as a cautionary tale about greed, obsession, and how easily one can become consumed by their desires.
In conclusion, Uncut Gems is much more than just a movie; it’s a masterclass in acting, writing, and direction. The complexity of its characters and plot leave many questions unanswered – all of which have been answered satisfactorily here!
The 5 Most Surprising Facts About Josh Safdie’s Uncut Gems
Uncut Gems, directed by Josh Safdie, has quickly gained a reputation as one of the most intense and unpredictable films in recent memory. Starring Adam Sandler as a New York City jeweler with a gambling addiction, the film has shocked audiences with its unrelenting tension, immersive atmosphere and stunning performances.
While there are countless reasons to love this modern masterpiece, here are five of the most surprising facts about Uncut Gems that you might not have known:
1. It’s Based on Real-Life Experiences
Writer-directors Josh and Benny Safdie have often drawn from their own lives when crafting their projects – but Uncut Gems takes this approach to new heights. According to interviews with Safdie, many of the film’s characters were inspired by real-life figures he knew while growing up in New York City’s Diamond District.
For example, one key character in the film is Demany (played brilliantly by LaKeith Stanfield), a wheeler-dealer who helps Howard (Sandler) move his gems. Demany is based on several people from Safdie’s childhood who worked in similar roles: “They would wear really fancy suits…they had incredible charisma,” he told IndieWire. “I always saw them as black James Bonds.”
This behind-the-scenes inspiration adds an extra layer of authenticity to an already gripping story.
2. The Soundtrack Is a Mixtape Masterpiece
Music plays a huge role in building the tension and energy of Uncut Gems – so it’s no surprise that its soundtrack has become an instant classic. But what some viewers might not know is just how eclectic the mixtape actually is.
Featuring everything from classic hip-hop hits to obscure jazz tracks and forgotten disco jams, the soundtrack perfectly captures both Howard’s restless energy and the sweaty chaos of New York City at night. In particular, composer Daniel Lopatin (who records under the name Oneohtrix Point Never) worked closely with the Safdies to create a score that felt both contemporary and timeless.
As Lopatin told Billboard, they wanted the soundtrack to be “like a wormhole into the past…an eccentric, idiosyncratic document of sonic influence.”
3. The Basketball Scenes Were Shot During Actual NBA Games
One of the most heart-pounding sequences in Uncut Gems takes place during an intense playoff game between the Boston Celtics and Philadelphia 76ers. But while it might seem like this was all filmed on a closed set, in reality, some scenes were shot during real games at Boston’s TD Garden.
According to Vulture, Safdie and his team managed to secure access to an NBA game by working with team owners and arena staff – even going as far as filming on handheld cameras during halftime. This adds an extra layer of realism to the film’s already-edge-of-your-seat intensity.
4. Adam Sandler Worked for Free
Despite being one of Hollywood’s biggest stars (and earning acclaim for his dramatic turns in films like Punch-Drunk Love), Adam Sandler took no salary upfront for his role in Uncut Gems. Instead, he opted for a deal that gave him a cut of the back-end profits.
As he explained on The Howard Stern Show: “I said I’ll do this movie if you don’t pay me…I believed in [the Safdies] and I wanted to participate creatively.” It’s a testament both to Sandler’s creativity and dedication – as well as his willingness to take risks and support independent filmmaking.
5. There Could Be a Sequel?
Finally, here’s an intriguing twist: according to Josh Safdie himself, there may be room for more Uncut Gems storylines down the line.
In interviews following its release, Safdie has hinted that he would love to explore additional stories set within the world of New York City jewelers – though he’s quick to admit it would be tough to top the energy and intensity of the original.
As he told IndieWire: “It sort of feels like we ended at a place that could lead into another story. But I don’t know what that is yet.” With a talent as innovative and unpredictable as Safdie, we wouldn’t be surprised if whatever comes next is even more exhilarating than Uncut Gems.
From Writing to Production: The Journey of Josh Safdie’s Uncut Gems
Josh Safdie’s Uncut Gems is an intense crime-drama that takes us on a wild ride through the life of Howard Ratner, a jeweler and gambling addict who finds himself in deep trouble with bookies and mobsters. Released in 2019, the film received critical acclaim for its fast-paced plot, stellar cast, and creative storytelling. However, what many people don’t know is that the journey from writing to production was filled with challenges and obstacles that had to be overcome by Safdie and his team. In this blog post, we’ll take you through the behind-the-scenes story of how Uncut Gems was brought to life.
The Genesis of Uncut Gems
Josh Safdie co-wrote Uncut Gems with his younger brother Benny Safdie, but it wasn’t their first project together. The duo had previously worked on several movies like Daddy Longlegs (2009) and Good Time (2017). For Uncut Gems, they wanted to tell a story about risk-taking and gambling addiction but set it in a unique world that would resonate with viewers. They found their inspiration in the Diamond District of New York City where they grew up.
In an interview with Indiewire, Josh Safdie explained: “We thought [setting it] in that world would be interesting because there are stakes involved in jewelry-making on every level – from sourcing to selling to getting paid.” He further added: “You’re always dealing with somebody else’s money – whether stolen or legitimate.”
Writing the Script
Once they had nailed down the location and subject matter for their movie, Josh and Benny spent months working on the script together — fine-tuning each scene until it felt just right.
However, even after completing multiple drafts of the screenplay over a period of two years, finding investors proved challenging; despite Adam Sandler being attached as lead actor early in development. The project struggled finding backing as many financiers were not sold on the gritty realism of the story and were concerned about how audiences would react to such a dark portrayal of gambling addiction.
After more than half a decade in development, Safdie brothers finally secured financing from A24 Films, which opened up production possibilities in 2017. Even then, the process was dealt another blow when their DoP quit just two weeks before principal photography.
Casting Uncut Gems
Along with Adam Sandler playing Ratner’s role, Uncut Gems had an impressive cast filled with seasoned performers like Idina Menzel as Ratner’s estranged wife Dinah, LaKeith Stanfield as one of Ratner’s close business partners, and Kevin Garnett playing himself in a primary supporting part.
In addition to these accomplished actors came the inclusion of breakthrough unknowns who appear so natural that you’d be forgiven for thinking they were born on film sets specifically for this movie. Such actors are typically key to Safdie Brother’s company ethos: making genuine characters out of non-professional faces.
However The Safdies’ choice to cast non-stop talker Eric Bogosian – though he hadn’t acted since 2009 – baffled many viewers; until it transpired he was an old friend of theirs going back decades.
Production Challenges
Once the final cast was locked down, production began; which brought its own set of challenges. Filming in busy New York City locations always poses logistical problems as shooting within public spaces requires not only permissions but exceptional management; even adding protective barriers where extra budget allows especially if you’re hoping to keep some passers-by out of frame”.
Furthermore, filming such a high-energy movie required long days on set with intense scenes lasting anywhere from three to ten minutes shot nearly back-to-back over days that accumulated into weeks developing into months forming what eventually became a tough endurance test for those involved.
In addition, other creative team members such as costume designer Miyako Bellizzi had to find and create dozens of specific accessories like Rolls Royce grills, expensive watches, and unique clothing items that added rather than coped with the scenes’ pressure.
The Result
Despite overwhelming odds, Uncut Gems became a critical and commercial success with most of its shots conducted on a single 55-day shoot. It was nominated for numerous awards including an Oscar nomination for Adam Sandler’s leading role in the movie.
Uncut Gems left audiences thrilled by its manic storytelling that never relents in exploring the depths of addiction and putting trust into those who shouldn’t be trusted.
As Safdie Brothers films hit mainstream success they continue to take on new development projects. Despite their humble beginnings as renegade filmmakers looking to tell New York stories honestly Dustin Warkentin founder and CEO is enthusiastic about their rise. “I can’t wait to see what stories Josh and Benny’s years in the trenches have inspired.”
Technical Aspects of Filmmaking in Josh Safdie’s Uncut Gems
Josh and Benny Safdie’s latest thriller, Uncut Gems (2019), is a masterful exercise in cinematic tension. Set in New York City’s Diamond District, this fast-paced film follows the life of Howard Ratner, a sharp-witted diamond dealer who finds himself in hot water when he bets on a rare black opal to settle his debts.
Despite its gritty storyline, Uncut Gems stands out as a testament to the technical expertise and artistry of modern filmmaking. From its high-octane camera work to its intricately designed soundscapes, every aspect of this film is carefully crafted to maximize the audience’s experience.
The film makes use of several key techniques that help it stand out from other thrillers. One major component is its striking cinematography, which manages to capture the energy and intensity of New York City in ways that many other films fail to do. The Safdies teamed up with DP Darius Khondji to create an immersive visual landscape that both evokes and amplifies the film’s sense of chaos.
Shot on 35mm film stocks like Kodak Vision3 500T 5219 and Fuji Eterna Vivid, the film uses a mix of handheld cameras and frenetic tracking shots that skillfully capture Howard’s erratic behavior. Additionally, Khondji worked closely with production designer Sam Lisenco to ensure that each shot feels authentic, down to the smallest details – from the dust-covered shelves stacked with precious gems to the neon-tinted hustle of Times Square at night.
Another crucial element in crafting Uncut Gems’ realistic atmosphere is its sound design – something often overlooked but integral nonetheless. From sandpaper-like screeches as diamonds are cut by jewelers’ saws, intense base vibrations during basketball games or Howard’s shouting into phones for long orders at his business; all these elements contribute towards making even mundane moments feel visceral by juxtaposing them against lively soundscapes. Composer Daniel Lopatin’s score brings a sense of dread, building steadily as to the film’s chaotic climax.
Another technical feat is the interweaving plotlines that keep the movie at pace while maintaining its dynamic appeal across its 2 hour and fifteen-minute runtime. Every character has distinct personality traits with authentic dialogue spoken in a most naturalistic way. Not only does this create an entertaining plotline for viewers but also testifies to Safdie Brothers’ skillful direction.
In conclusion, Uncut Gems perfectly demonstrates how technical aspects of filmmaking can enhance intense stories like that of Howard Ratner’s character journey – making it emotionally charged and impactful for audiences around the world. Stressing vivid visuals, masterful cinematography, acute attention to realistic soundscapes amidst layers of symbolism and metaphors coupled up with adrenaline-fueled pace; it’s a cinematic masterpiece worth every accolade it gets.
Why Josh Safdie’s “Uncut Gems” is a Must-Watch for Every Film Enthusiast?
If you are a film enthusiast and haven’t watched Josh Safdie’s “Uncut Gems” yet, then you are missing out on one of the most thrilling and heart-pumping cinematic experiences in recent years. This 2019 American crime thriller film, co-written and directed by Safdie brothers (Josh and Benny), has been widely acclaimed for its frenetic pace, exceptional performances, and gripping storytelling.
For those who are unaware of the plotline, “Uncut Gems” is a story about an eccentric New York City jeweler named Howard Ratner (played by Adam Sandler) who is constantly hustling to pay off his debts while dealing with his broken family relationships. Things start to spiral out of control when he acquires an uncut black opal from Ethiopia that he hopes will fetch millions at an upcoming auction. However, as Howard begins to bet heavily on basketball games to overcome his financial crisis, he finds himself entangled in a dangerous web of deceit and betrayal involving several unsavory characters.
The first reason why “Uncut Gems” is a must-watch for every film enthusiast is its captivating direction by Josh Safdie. He has crafted a masterpiece that weaves together elements of suspense, humor, action, drama seamlessly. The use of close-ups during tense moments heightens the viewer’s involvement in the story as they sit on the edge of their seat wondering what will happen next. There’s never really any time to catch your breath throughout this entire movie.
Another reason why this movie stands out is the exceptional acting delivered by Adam Sandler as Howard Ratner. Known for comedies like “Happy Gilmore” or “Billy Madison,” “Uncut Gems” marks one of Sandler’s most intense and mature performances ever captured on film. In fact, it could be argued that his portrayal alone makes this quite possibly one of the best films ever made about gambling addiction or failures.
In addition to Sandler, the supporting cast deserves equal recognition. Julia Fox as Howard’s girlfriend, Lakeith Stanfield as his street-savvy employee and Kevin Garnett playing an exaggerated version of himself all deliver engaging performances that help make “Uncut Gems” one of the best movies about a flawed protagonist trying to stay alive amongst a cast of threatening enemies.
Finally, what sets “Uncut Gems” apart from other films is its expert use of sound and music to create a visceral experience. The stunning musical score by Daniel Lopatin builds up suspense in the background while the characters’ voices overlap each other at breakneck speed. As viewers try to catch every word and decipher what’s happening on-screen making it feel like they’re actually inside Howard Ratner’s world filled with tension, danger, and high stakes.
In conclusion, Josh Safdie’s “Uncut Gems” is a must-watch for every film enthusiast because of its captivating direction, exceptional performances, expert use of sound and music that creates an unforgettable cinematic experience for all movie-goers everywhere.
Table with useful data:
| Category | Information |
|---|---|
| Director | Josh Safdie |
| Release Date | December 13, 2019 |
| Runtime | 2 hours 15 minutes |
| Genre | Crime, Drama, Thriller |
| Starring | Adam Sandler, Kevin Garnett, Idina Menzel, Lakeith Stanfield, Julia Fox |
| Box Office | $50.7 million |
Information from an expert
As an expert in film, I can say with confidence that Josh Safdie’s “Uncut Gems” is a masterpiece. The film’s frenetic energy, stunning performances, and unique style come together to create a thrilling cinematic experience. Adam Sandler delivers a career-best performance as Howard Ratner, a jeweler in New York’s Diamond District whose life spirals out of control when he acquires a rare gemstone. With its intense pacing and immersive sound design, “Uncut Gems” is not only one of the best films of 2019 but also marks a new height for Safdie’s already impressive career.
Historical fact:
The 2019 film “Uncut Gems” directed by Josh Safdie and Benny Safdie is set in the Diamond District of New York City in 2012, depicting the chaotic life of a jeweler named Howard Ratner played by Adam Sandler.
