Adam Sandler is one of Hollywood's most successful and, at the same time, most criticized actors. The press has been tearing his comedies apart for decades, but that hasn't stopped them from winning audiences and becoming part of the cultural code of an entire generation.

Adam Sandler's image was established early in his career. He's an awkward and childish man who hides his vulnerability behind aggression and silliness. But whenever Sandler plays a similar character in auteur films, he's praised for his subtle dramatic performances. Yet, almost everything that seems new in his serious roles has already been seen in his most ridiculous comedies.

What did Paul Thomas Anderson and the Safdie brothers see in the lighthearted comedian? How do memories of their father help the actor during emotionally challenging scenes? What is behind the popularity of Adam Sandler's comedies? And why does he dress the way he does? Let's explore this in our video essay.