Four films that are marketed in Germany as so-called “Netflix Originals” by the streaming service have 5 stars with us. But which one is the best? That’s no question for FILMSTARTS editor Björn Becher…
I haven’t seen a film more often in the past few years and none of them shakes me up every time, makes me tense, makes me excited and even makes me sweat: We’re talking about “Uncut Gems” aka “The black diamond“, for me and the FILMSTARTS editorial team the best Netflix film of all time.
So if you don’t know what to watch tonight, then the Netflix Original might be the perfect choice for you.
“The Black Diamond” was actually made by the production and distribution company A24, known for exceptional, courageous and, above all, always original films, but outside the USA the rights were transferred to Netflix. That’s why the masterful thriller drama by brothers Josh and Benny Safdie is considered Netflix Original – and is one of only four so-called Netflix films that were able to get 5 stars in the FILMSTARTS review.
Only David Fincher’s “Mank”, the drama “Pieces Of A Woman” and Alex Garland’s sci-fi masterpiece “Annihilation” have this top rating, which Netflix also only bought, but still as a so-called Original is marketed.
“The Black Diamond”: So much more than Adam Sandler at his best
But now back to “The Black Diamond”, which I have streamed on Netflix more than a dozen times and seen on Blu-ray imported from the USA (and was lucky enough to see it on the big screen in a cinema in New York). can). Adam Sandler, who is usually more into comedy roles and was rightly praised for this film, plays the New York diamond dealer Howard Ratner here. He is addicted to gambling, always has several bets going and senses a big coup. He’s got his hands on a black opal that will not only free him from his gambling debts, but also ensure a big payday.
But when he borrows diamond basketball star Kevin Garnett, everything goes haywire. Pursued by thugs and while also managing the fragile relationships with his wife Dinah (Idina Menzel), his lover Julia (Julia Fox) and his two children, Howard has to save his skin…
The Safdies with Sandler are in their element
The Safdies already established their style in their short films and previous dramas, which they brought to a first peak in “Good Time” with Robert Pattinson and which then reached its full class in “Uncut Gems”. They film in the middle of the action and also like to throw their characters and the cast around Adam Sandler into real life (Sets are often not cordoned off, many supporting roles are not played by professional actors) and create their own chaos. In this, they use all the means of filmmaking, from images to sound, to create tension in the viewer and thus repeatedly develop a sensational pull.
By the way, the German dubbed version of “Good Time” is currently available for free on Amazon Freevee:
“Good Time” bei Amazon Freevee*
The chaos mentioned should not be confused with a lack of control – quite the opposite. The Safdie brothers have a clear idea of what their films should look like – and this is impressively demonstrated in “The Black Diamond”. Although the camera always seems to stick incredibly close to the characters, a handheld camera that gets close to them is not used that often.
The outstanding cinematographer Darius Khondji (“Seven”, “Panic Room”) often positioned himself quite far from the action and with a tripod. This gives the actors a lot of freedom to move. The fact that they sometimes block the camera, so to speak run through the picture and block our view, is consciously taken into account. Following with panning makes the scenes quicker than when using a handheld camera, but without the shaking that often destroys any clarity.
Overview in chaos
Most people don’t notice this consciously, but it has an effect subconsciously. “The Black Diamond” appears so wild and chaotic, but remains clear at all times. You never completely lose your orientation while watching, you know where you are, where the individual characters are.
All of this can be found in the sound. In “The Black Diamond” the characters are not only screaming almost constantly and are constantly excited, angry and at 180. Other sounds are also amplified, a doorbell or the buzzer are extremely loud, and there is also a very present score. Because the aforementioned screaming of the characters is constantly overlapping, people don’t allow themselves to be excused, but rather talk over each other and dialogue can also be heard in the background, This creates an unnerving carpet of sound – but here too there is control in the chaos.
A24
Adam Sandler in “Uncut Gems”.
What most people probably only notice upon repeated viewing is that characters constantly repeat themselves. As with camera work, this has a subconscious effect. Despite all the (and therefore multiplied) screaming, despite all the sounds fighting against each other At the end you still know what’s going on and can follow the film at any time.
Personally, I think that’s brilliant – and it’s one reason why I simply admire the craftsmanship of “The Black Diamond.” But this only emerged after repeated viewing, because the effect that all of this has is much more important: “The Black Diamond” stresses me out in a good way. Films are supposed to trigger emotions, make us laugh or cry, and get us excited. And that’s exactly what “The Black Diamond” does for me – even on the tenth playthrough, just like the very first time.
“Uncut Gems”: Get excited even after watching it for the 15th time
I’m excited again, first for Howard and later for Julia. I am shaken up, experience a roller coaster ride of emotions and am carried away. “The Black Diamond” is definitely not an easy film. It’s not a film that I can just watch in between and then get on with the day’s business or go to sleep afterwards. I really need to come down afterwards because it’s almost a rush. But how the film manages to trigger these feelings even the 11th, 12th, 13th, 14th and finally the 15th time, flashes me again and again.
For me, only Sidney Lumet’s “Dog Day Afternoon” aka “Dog Days” with its brilliant leading duo Al Pacino and John Cazale (one of the best actors of all time, who has made almost nothing but masterpieces in his too short life) comes close. This is also a film with a lot of shouting, a lot of stress and pure chaos, but it still becomes clear without the means used being obvious.
Finally, I wish you a lot of “fun” with “Uncut Gems – The Black Diamond” and hope that you liked the streaming tip, in which I didn’t even mention Adam Sandler’s masterful performance.
„Uncut Gems – The Black Diamond“ is available exclusively on Netflix in Germany! Here’s another streaming tip for you:
Streaming tip: You should definitely catch up on this (almost) forgotten 80s action hit!
This is an updated republication of an article that previously appeared on FILMSTARTS.
*The links to the Amazon offer are so-called affiliate links. If you purchase through these links, we receive a commission.
