Punch-Drunk Love

Punch-Drunk Love Analysis

The film begins with Barry seated at a desk, in the corner of his office building warehouse. This is exactly where Barry is emotionally in his life, pressed into a corner from stuffing down his anger. The journey of the film becomes Barry finding his way to reconnect with life, as his pushing down his feelings has caused him to be numb and disconnected from his family and the world.

The catalyst for Barry’s evolution is Lena, a woman who won’t take his pushing away as an answer. She is direct with him and we find that she has a dark sense of humor like he does as well. She sparks a fire in him by loving him that causes him to be willing to do anything necessary to protect her, even going far beyond his comfort zone. He finds a way to begin to play music in his life again, as is symbolized by the piano. Although the music was with him the whole time, it was just his choice to play or not.

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