Furbies, Timothée Chalamet & Other Things You Missed at A24’s ‘Uncut Gems’ NYC Pop-Up
It was all about the bling at the Uncut Gems pop-up in New York City this past weekend. A24, the film’s U.S. distributor, celebrated Josh and Benny Safdie’s gritty, unrelenting, Diamond District-set indie crime thriller by taking over a Midtown storefront and hosting an immersive fan experience. The three-day event came complete with giveaways, jewelry-filled showcases, props from the film, photo ops, special guests, and more. On Sunday, the directors, members of the cast, and Timothée Chalamet all stopped by to join in the jeweled-Furby-fueled fun. Read on to find out what else you missed.
Uncut Gems goes back in time to the glory days of 2012. A 22-year-old Canadian R&B singer by the name of The Weeknd is about to break, Kevin Garnett is rebounding the Celtics to an Atlantic Division title, and Howard Ratner (Adam Sandler) is having a string of bad luck. The charismatic, fast-talking, Diamond District hustler’s gambling addiction is catching up with him. Everywhere he turns, he runs into someone he owes money. But Ratner is resilient and has a few irons in the fire. One of his schemes involves an uncut black opal from Ethiopia that he hopes will return high dividends at auction.
Sandler is a revelation as Howard, the schlimazel who can’t get out of his own way, and composer Daniel Lopatin’s unyielding, new-age, synth-loving soundtrack is an excellent companion for Uncut Gems‘ chaotic and visceral journey. Plus, the film features a memorable supporting cast that includes Eric Bogosian, LaKeith Stanfield, Julia Fox, Judd Hirsch, and Idina Menzel acting alongside real-life Diamond District jewelers.
Uncut Gems Pop-Up – The Jewelry Mall
As for the pop-up, it felt like you were walking into an actual Diamond District jewelry mall. Display cases lined the first floor. Businesses in the neighborhood staffed two of the cases and were selling jewelry, while consultants from the Diamond District who worked on the film added flavor. Also on this floor, visitors could purchase the Uncut Gems soundtrack and other albums by Daniel Lopatin (AKA Oneohtrix Point Never), as well as pick up free “Howie” temporary tattoos, KMH brand water, and the latest issue of A24’s zine guest-edited by the Safdie brothers.
Gems Uncut zine
Uncut Gems-Themed ‘Gems Uncut’ Zine Guest Edited by the Safdie Brothers
With each film release, A24 tries to publish a zine guest-edited by the film’s director. Mike Mills (20th Century Women), Claire Denis (High Life), Greta Gerwig (Lady Bird), Bo Burnham (Eighth Grade), and Jonah Hill (Mid90s), have been among those who have contributed to the series. For Uncut Gems, the Safdie brothers have modeled their issue after an alternative newspaper, such as the Village Voice or the New York Press. Inside readers find an interview between Josh Safdie and his father Alberto, where Alberto shares stories from when he worked in the Diamond District between the 1980s and the 1990s. These stories inspired the brothers to make the film.
The paper presents the Safdie’s interview among old sports scoreboards, comic strips, and advertisements. Included are the original newspaper ads for films starring Sandler, like Punch Drunk Love, The Wedding Singer, and Big Daddy. You also find ads for Working Girl, Rocky III, Cool Hand Luke, The Exorcist, Tootsie, Goodfellas, Running on Empty, Mikey & Nicky, and more. There is even an ad that includes a number to call to get three Sandler records for one “great” price. The phone number listed is for the White House comment line, (202) 456-1111. Nice one, fellas.
Uncut Gems Pop-Up KMH Gems & Jewelry Store Replica
The second floor of the pop-up is where the frosty Furby magic was happening. A24 converted the space into a replica of KMH Gems & Jewelry, Ratner’s store in the film. Pop-up staff was on hand capturing visitors in the store’s vestibule. Once inside, there was a fish tank and a wall of fame. The wall featured images photoshopped to make it look like Sandler was posing with the likes of Justin Bieber, Sean Combs, and Hulk Hogan. Jewelry worn by cast members were in the display cases. And, visitors could try on a Furby or any other piece of their choosing, including the infamous Michael Jackson crucifix. In the corner, a TV tuned to a basketball game loomed.
Howie’s bling
Uncut Gems Exhibit with Props, Costumes, and Behind the Scenes Footage
The next room over was more like a museum of objects. Visitors could check out Julia Fox’s Robert Cavalli outfit and the Zegna trousers Sandler donned in the film. Also on display was an Adley’s auction paddle and catalog, Kevin Garnett’s NBA Championship ring, The Weeknd’s wig, the black opal, and Howie’s jewelry in the film, including his Torah pendant, Star of David pinky ring, and Rolex watch.
Keith Williams Richards who plays Phil in Uncut Gems.
Uncut Gems Pop-Up Special Guests
Several members of the cast and crew stopped by the storefront throughout the weekend. When we were there, Keith Williams Richards and Jonathan Aranbayev were in the store. On the closing day, the Safdie brothers, Julia Fox, and costume designer Miyako Bellizzi dropped by. Also popping in was actor Timothée Chalamet, who is not in the film. Perhaps a collaboration between the brothers and Chalamet could be on the horizon.
An A24 release, Uncut Gems is playing in select theaters in New York and Los Angeles. The film opens nationwide on Wednesday, December 25. For more images from the pop-up and an A24 Instagram post promoting it, browse below.
Photo credit: All images by Mindy Bond, except the photo for Josh Safdie and Timothée Chalamat which is from the Uncut Gems Instagram.