Putzel

Putzel is a heartfelt, charming, and relatable film that revolves around the themes of personal growth, self-discovery, and the pursuit of love. Released in 2012, the film stars Jack Carpenter, Melanie Lynskey, and John Pankow, who deliver memorable and authentic performances that are sure to leave a lasting impression.

The film centers on Walter Himmelstein, nicknamed "Putzel", a term Yiddish slang term for 'little man', played by Jack Carpenter. Walter, a neurotic and self-deprecating New Yorker, is the main protagonist of the movie. He leads a very restricted and comfortable life as he assists his Uncle Sid, played by John Pankow, in running a lox (smoked salmon) store named "Himmelstein’s Smoked Fish". Walter's life is firmly anchored in the store, located in the heart of Manhattan's Upper West Side, to the extent that he is paralysed by the fear of stepping out of his familiar surroundings. He has convincing reasons for sticking to his comfort zone: fear of public transportation, a tendency to gain weight in unfamiliar environments, and the reasonably convenient setup of living above the store.

Putzel genuinely believes his life revolves around the store, and he is okay with this - until his life takes an unexpected turn. His plans for a tranquil existence get rattled when Uncle Sid, aging and contemplating retirement, talks about selling the store. This creates a sense of fear and insecurity in Putzel's settled world.

Enter Sally, played by Melanie Lynskey, a charming and supportive character that drips with optimism. She is Uncle Sid's new girlfriend and has aspirations of her own, which don't involve running a smoked fish store. Walter is initially wary of Sally, seeing her as a threat as she might encourage Sid to sell the store, leaving Walter adrift.

What follows is Walter's journey as he confronts his insecurities and steps out of the fish store's confinement. His interaction with Sally and the world outside his store make for a delightful, often humorous, and ultimately enlightening adventure as he navigates love, life, and self-realization.

"Putzel" is mostly set in the confined environment of the store, which is symbolic of Walter's self-enclosed world. The vibrant colours and authentic accents perfectly capture the unique character and charm of the Upper West Side. The film provides a colourful palette of emotions - humour, heartbreak, hope, and everything in between.

Jake Carpenter excels in the role of Putzel, delivering a convincing portrayal of a man captivated by fear of the unfamiliar and yearning for change. The dynamic between him and Melanie Lynskey's character Sally is engaging and heartwarming. Lynskey, with her radiant screen presence, brings Sally to life with great depth and subtlety, successfully capturing the complexities of her character.

John Pankow brings a flavor of authenticity to his character Uncle Sid, with his perfect rendition of a jovial yet thoughtful store owner reflecting on his past and contemplating the future. Pankow's rapport with Carpenter and Lynskey fuels some of the film's most memorable scenes.

Director Jason Chaet's direction is laudable as he successfully strikes a balance between humour and sensitivity, adeptly handling the film's more poignant moments. The film unfolds in a simple linear progression that serves the story well, allowing the audience to fully engage with the characters and their transformations.

Overall, Putzel is an engaging, hilarious, and charming film that explores a character's physical and emotional journey outside his comfort zones. The stellar performances by Jack Carpenter, Melanie Lynskey, and John Pankow, combined with thoughtful, relatable, and quirky storytelling, make "Putzel" a must-watch movie that paints a vivid and affectionate portrayal of urban life. Whether you're a New Yorker or not, there's something comfortingly familiar and universally appealing in this journey of love, self-discovery, and bagels.