Uncut Gems (2019) | The Definitive Explanation

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What is Uncut Gems about?

In analyzing Uncut Gems, it is pertinent to explore its exploration of insatiable greed, the destructive impact of addiction, and the illusion of success. The movie serves as a cautionary tale about the perils of relentless ambition, showcasing how the pursuit of wealth and material gain can lead to a spiraling descent into chaos and self-destruction. Howard’s compulsive gambling addiction is not simply an individual flaw; it is emblematic of a society obsessed with quick gains and instant gratification. His frantic, often reckless, decision-making underscores the toxic cycle of addiction, where each high is swiftly followed by a more devastating low. Moreover, the film dissects the deceptive allure of success, revealing that outward displays of wealth can mask a deeper personal turmoil. Ultimately, Uncut Gems is a harrowing portrait of a man consumed by his desires, highlighting the grim consequences of unchecked ambition and addiction.

Movie Guide table of contents

Cast

• Adam Sandler – Howard Ratner
• LaKeith Stanfield – Demany
• Julia Fox – Julia De Fiore
• Kevin Garnett – himself
• Idina Menzel – Dinah Ratner
• Eric Bogosian – Arno Moradian
• Judd Hirsch – Gooey
• Keith William Richards – Phil
• Mike Francesa – Gary
• Jonathan Aranbayev – Eddie Ratner
• Noa Fisher – Marcel Ratner
• Abel “The Weeknd” Tesfaye – himself
• Ronald Bronstein – Writer
• Josh and Benny Safdie – Writers and directors

The ending of Uncut Gems explained

A recap of Uncut Gems‘s ending

In the climactic finale of Uncut Gems, Howard Ratner, a New York City jeweler, has just acquired an extremely valuable Ethiopian black opal, which he believes will solve all his financial problems. Howard is a chronic gambler and deeply in debt to several unsavory individuals, including his brother-in-law, Arno, and his two henchmen.

As the film reaches its conclusion, Howard comes up with a high-risk plan to erase his debts: he plans to auction the opal, but when the bid does not meet his expectations, he intercepts the sale and loans the stone to basketball player Kevin Garnett, who believes the opal brings him luck. Howard takes Garnett’s championship ring as collateral and, in a series of rapid, reckless decisions, pawns the ring to place a six-way parlay bet on Garnett’s performance in that night’s game.

Howard has trapped Arno and his henchmen, Phil and Nico, in the store’s security vestibule, forcing them to watch the game with him. As the game progresses, Howard’s risky bet pays off. Garnett performs exceptionally well, and all aspects of the bet come in. Howard’s win totals over a million dollars, which would clear his debt with Arno and provide him with a significant profit.

However, the tension in the trapped space has been escalating. As soon as Howard releases the security lock, Phil, one of Arno’s henchmen, shoots Howard in the face, killing him instantly. He then shoots and kills Arno. Phil and Nico then ransack the jewelry store, stealing everything of value. They kill several other people in their brutal spree, leaving behind a scene of bloody chaos.

As the film ends, the camera pans into the bullet wound on Howard’s face, which transitions into a psychedelic journey through the cosmos, then into the opal itself, full of radiant colors and bizarre, abstract formations, ultimately bringing the viewers back to the ethereal and chaotic world that Howard had seen in the gem.

The Allure of the American Dream

The end of Uncut Gems is not just the termination of Howard’s life. It’s the culmination of the film’s most central theme: the relentless pursuit of the American Dream. This closure serves as a larger commentary on the perils of unchecked ambition, the destructive allure of materialism, and the volatile relationship between risk and reward.

The film’s final act is a culmination of Howard’s mounting debts, personal betrayals, and hazardous gambling addiction. When he places the ultimate bet using the uncut gem, he attempts to manifest his dreams into reality, believing that this single act of supreme risk-taking will absolve him of his past mistakes and lead him to becoming rich. This pivotal scene embodies the theme of the American Dream: risk-taking and the pursuit of monety. But it also highlights its inherent dangers.

Howard’s demise underscores the destructive path he had chosen. The dream of wealth and success, which he believed would justify his reckless behavior, ultimately leads him to his tragic end. His death embodies the movie’s recurring theme of the risks and perils associated with unchecked aspiration and materiality. This fatalistic conclusion reinforces the message that an uncontrolled desire for material success, at the expense of personal relationships and ethical boundaries, can have disastrous consequences.

The uncut gem, which Howard believes holds the key to his success, symbolizes the illusion financial security and the destructive power of greed. The gem mesmerizes Howard and others who come in contact with it, much like the seductive allure of easy money and instant success. The fatal fascination with the gem and the disastrous consequences it brings reflect the dangerous allure of materialism and the destructive effects of unchecked greed.

Moreover, the ending explores the theme of risk and reward. Howard’s compulsive gambling and risk-taking behavior, which lead him to place a high-stakes bet with the uncut gem, serve as a metaphor for the high-risk, high-reward nature of American capitalism. His ultimate downfall, despite winning his final gamble, underlines the volatile and unpredictable nature of such risk-taking endeavors.

Howard’s personal relationships, which are gradually eroded by his reckless behavior, further deepen the tragic resonance of the ending. His inability to salvage his relationship with his family and his betrayal by his mistress—two individuals who stood by him despite his flaws—emphasize the damaging effects of rampant greed on your personal life. This is a potent reminder that the pursuit of material wealth, when prioritized over relationships, can lead to isolation and ruin.

Through Howard’s tragic fate, the film underscores the dangers of an uncontrolled desire for material success and the destructive power of greed. The film does not merely chronicle Howard’s journey but offers a cautionary tale about the perils of the relentless pursuit of the American Dream. The ending is a stark reminder that material success, when pursued at the expense of personal relationships and ethical boundaries, can lead to devastating consequences.

The Final Shot Explained

The final shot of Uncut Gems is a powerful and emblematic closing statement that brings clarity to the title of the film. The camera, in its last movement, dives into Howard’s bullet wound, transitioning from the gore of his untimely end to an ethereal journey through the cosmos, eventually concluding in the black, unending void of space. This cosmic voyage is a direct callback to the movie’s opening shot where the camera delves into the uncut gem, taking the viewer on a similar trip through a galaxy of brilliant colors and structures, suggesting an infinite universe within the gem itself.

This cyclical narrative device, beginning and ending with a similar shot, provides a profound commentary on the film’s themes. The uncut gem, both at the start and end, symbolizes Howard’s dreams, aspirations, and the tantalizing promise of wealth. The initial shot represents the allure of these dreams, the breathtaking and infinite possibilities they hold. Yet, the final shot into Howard’s mortal wound suggests the ultimate price he pays for his relentless pursuit of these dreams. His life becomes as expansive and as finite as the universe within the gem, reflecting the vast potential and the inevitable limitations of human ambition.

Moreover, the parallel shots underline the inherent paradox of the human condition—the simultaneous insignificance and grandeur of individual lives. The gem’s internal universe mirrors the cosmos within Howard’s body, suggesting that each human life, much like the gem, contains multitudes. Yet, Howard’s tragic end underscores the fragility and fleeting nature of life, underlining the transient nature of human existence in the vast cosmic scheme.

These mirrored shots, beginning and ending with a journey into an expansive universe, effectively encapsulate the film’s exploration of capitalism. They reinforce the movie’s core message that unbridled enthusiasm for material things can lead to ruin, echoing the timeless serves as a potent reminder of the potential consequences of unchecked greed.

In a more abstract sense, the initial and final shots also illustrate the concept of cyclical time and the eternal recurrence of similar patterns. This could be seen as a critique of the self-destructive cycle of consumerism and materialism inherent in modern society. Howard’s journey is a microcosm of this societal pattern—his life is consumed by a constant chase for more, for better, for richer, never finding satisfaction in his current state. The return to a similar shot at the end suggests the continuance of this cycle, even after Howard’s tragic end.

The interplay between the macrocosm and the microcosm in these shots, from the infinite cosmos to the individual’s internal universe, is a powerful cinematic tool used to reflect Howard’s journey. The visual grandeur and infinite depth of these shots underscore the magnitude of Howard’s dreams and the profoundness of his downfall. They serve as visual metaphors for the grandiosity of his ambition and the depth of his tragedy.

The themes and meaning of Uncut Gems

The Relentless Pursuit of Wealth

The relentless pursuit of wealth is a central theme in Uncut Gems, permeating the narrative with a profound sense of ambition and desperation. Howard, a New York City jeweler, seeks wealth not merely as a means to an end but as an end in itself. He associates wealth with success, prestige, and personal validation, fueling his incessant drive to acquire more. His desires are material, but they also reflect his deep-seated need for social recognition and acceptance.

One pivotal symbol of this pursuit is the black opal, a rare and valuable gemstone that Howard hopes to sell at auction for a substantial profit. The opal is more than a precious stone—it embodies his dreams and aspirations, representing an opportunity to catapult himself into the stratosphere of financial success and social prestige. This is reflected in the way he handles the stone with reverence and excitement, viewing it as a ticket to a better life.

But Howard’s pursuit is not without its pitfalls. His obsession with wealth leads him to make reckless decisions, take unnecessary risks, and neglect his personal relationships. He places high-stakes bets and brokers risky deals, all in the name of potential financial gain. This relentless pursuit reveals his vulnerability and insecurity, as he desperately clings to the notion that wealth will solve his problems and validate his worth.

The Destructive Nature of Addiction

Uncut Gems also explores the destructive nature of addiction, particularly gambling. Howard’s compulsive gambling is not a mere habit—it’s a relentless compulsion that gradually takes over his life. He is dependent not only to the thrill of winning but also to the rush of danger and the seductive allure of potential victory.

This addiction is vividly portrayed when he places a colossal bet on a basketball game, using the money he obtained from selling the opal. Instead of using the funds to pay off his escalating debts and secure a safer future, he succumbs to his vices, further entangling himself in a web of financial and personal crises. This self-destructive behavior highlights the power of obsession and its capacity to distort judgment and priorities.

Howard’s addiction also has ripple effects on those around him. His loved ones and associates are often drawn into the chaos of his dependency, dealing with the fallout of his reckless decisions. The film vividly illustrates the destructive nature of addiction, not just for the individual struggling with the compulsion but also for the people in their life.

The Illusion of Control

The third major theme in Uncut Gems is the illusion of control. Howard operates under the assumption that he can navigate the outcomes of his bets, manipulate the people around him, and dictate his own destiny. This illusion is both his motivation and his downfall.

One key scene that exemplifies this theme is when he traps his creditors in his store’s security vestibule. In this moment, he attempts to assert dominance in a situation where he is actually a pawn in a much larger game. His belief in his own command is so strong that he puts himself and others in harm’s way, convinced he can navigate the consequences. However, the illusion is shattered in the film’s climactic scene. The stark reality of his powerlessness comes crashing down, culminating in a tragic denouement that underscores the dangerous delusion of control. Howard’s belief in his own power blinds him to the realities of his situation, leading him down a path of self-destruction.

In Uncut Gems, this illusion is intricately linked with the other themes. Howard’s pursuit of wealth and his gambling addiction both stem from his belief in his own ability to predict outcomes. His drive for financial success, his reckless bets, and his manipulation of others all showcase his misguided belief in his ability to shape his destiny. This delusion of control ultimately exacerbates the consequences of his actions, leading to a series of increasingly dire situations. In the end, Howard’s inability to recognize and confront his limitations becomes a crucial factor in his downfall. The film serves as a cautionary tale about the perils of overconfidence and self-delusion in the face of uncontrollable forces.

Why is the movie called Uncut Gems?

At its surface, the title of the movie Uncut Gems may seem like a straightforward reference to the central plot device: a rare black opal that Howard a jeweler and gambling addict, acquires and attempts to auction. However, upon closer examination, the title holds deeper meaning and significance, providing a window into the movie’s most prominent themes and the complexity of its characters.

To fully grasp the meaning behind Uncut Gems, we must first understand what an uncut gem is. In their natural form, gems are rough, unpolished, and unrefined. They possess inherent value, but it is only through a skilled cutter’s hands that they can be transformed into the dazzling, polished stones we typically associate with beauty and wealth. The title, therefore, evokes the idea of potential waiting to be realized, and the untamed rawness that exists before transformation.

This concept of untapped potential is a crucial theme in Uncut Gems. Howard, a man of many flaws, is constantly chasing the next big score to solve his mounting problems. His life is a chaotic whirlwind of debt, family issues, and high-stakes gambling. Despite his poor choices, there is an undeniable charisma and relentlessness in his pursuit of success. He is an uncut gem himself, with the potential for greatness, but tragically flawed and ultimately undone by his vices. The movie’s climax, in which he finally achieves a massive win only to be killed moments later, is a sobering reminder that potential can be squandered when left untamed.

Additionally, the uncut gems serve as a metaphor for the underlying chaos that permeates the film. Howard’s life is a messy entanglement of personal and professional relationships, exemplified by his tumultuous marriage, affair, and strained ties with business associates. The raw, unpolished state of the uncut gems is symbolic of this chaos, which, like the protagonist’s life, threatens to spiral out of control at any moment.

The title also underscores the theme of greed and its destructive consequences. The black opal, although incredibly valuable, ultimately brings about Howard’s downfall. His obsession with the gem and its potential worth blinds him to the danger it attracts. In this sense, the uncut gems represent the allure of wealth and the false promise of happiness it offers, only to lead to suffering and destruction.

Also, the title’s reference to uncut gems evokes the idea of authenticity, a theme explored throughout the film. The characters, despite their flaws and morally questionable decisions, are portrayed as genuine and true to themselves. This rawness and vulnerability are reflected in the uncut gems, which, although unrefined, are real and untarnished by artificial enhancement. Howard’s refusal to change or compromise, even as his life spirals out of control, is a testament to this authenticity.

Let’s also not forget how the opening and closing scenes of Uncut Gems link together. At the beginning, the camera launches into a diamond to mimic traveling through the cosmos. And at the end, we received the same shot—but this time through the perspective of Howard’s bullet hole. This bookending device provides a profound commentary on all the above-mentioned themes. The uncut gem symbolizes Howard’s relentless chase of wealth. The opening shot symbolizes the allure of this case, but the final shot suggests the price we pay for that chase. Howard’s life becomes as expansive and as finite as the universe within the gem, reflecting the vast potential and the inevitable limitations of human ambition.

Important motifs in Uncut Gems

The Opal Gemstone

The uncut black opal that serves as the title’s namesake is a multifaceted motif. On the surface, it represents Howard’s drive for success, as he sees it as the key to solving his mounting financial problems. However, it also symbolizes a prominent theme in the film: the illusion of wealth and success. This is seen in the scene where he convinces basketball player Kevin Garnett that the gem is a lucky charm, although its power is illusory. The gem embodies Howard’s compulsive desire to gamble, even when the odds are against him, reflecting his self-destructive behavior. At the same time, it serves as a mirror to his chaotic, fractured life, as chaotic and multi-faceted as the gem itself. The closing moments of the film also bring clarity to the importance of the gemstone and how it speaks to the dangers of capitalism and chasing money.

Sports and Gambling

The motif of sports and gambling is pervasive in Uncut Gems. Howard is constantly placing high-stakes bets on basketball games, which mirrors his risk-taking and reckless behavior in his personal and professional life. The adrenaline of the game, the uncertainty of the outcome, and the potential for a big payoff are all elements that reflect Howard’s own life. His bet on the Celtics game, where he stakes everything on Garnett’s performance, is indicative of his inability to control his gambling addiction and his willingness to risk everything for a win, emphasizing his self-destructive tendencies.

The Auction

The auction serves as a motif for Howard’s constant hustle and his inability to play by the rules. He manipulates the auction process by having his girlfriend place a high bid to increase the perceived value of the gemstone. This reflects his overall approach to life, where he’s always looking for shortcuts and ways to cheat the system for his benefit. The failed auction symbolizes his flawed strategy and its consequences. The scene where he’s forced to buy back his own gemstone at a higher price than he sold it for illustrates the futility and self-defeating nature of his actions.

The Glass Box

The glass box in which the gem is kept symbolizes Howard’s life. He sees himself as a valuable gem, unique and precious, but he’s also trapped in a cycle of his own making, much like the gem in the box. The scene where he locks Garnett inside the store’s security doors with the gem, unable to let it go despite the risk, reflects his own trapped state, unable to break free from his addictions and self-destructive behavior.

The Door Buzzers

The malfunctioning door buzzers in Howard’s jewelry shop are a subtle but powerful motif. They represent his lack of control over his life and his business. The buzzers frequently malfunction at crucial moments, causing tension and conflict. They are a metaphor for Howard’s chaotic life, where things are always going wrong at the worst possible time. The final scene, where the door buzzer fails again, leading to his demise, underscores the motif’s symbolic significance.

Questions & answers about Uncut Gems

Why does the camera dive inside Howard’s bullet hole at the end?

This visual technique serves a deep thematic purpose. The shot mirrors the opening shot when the camera dives into the gemstone to reveal a cosmic array of colors. This bookending technique highlights the highs and lows of greed and capitalism. The “high” is the promise of the dream, the romanticism of scoring big in a single moment that will make the rest of your life easier. But, in the end, the bullet hole represents the other end of that dream—the pain, the regret, everything you lose in the pursuit of trivial, material things.

Who else did Howard owe money to?

Apart from Arno, Howard’s brother-in-law and primary creditor in Uncut Gems, Howard also owes money to loan sharks. It’s shown that Howard is deeply entrenched in a pattern of borrowing from one to pay another. His debts with other characters, like Phil and Nico, who are Arno’s enforcers, further exacerbate his precarious financial situation.

Now it’s your turn

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