Before the Devil Knows You're Dead

Starring: Philip Seymour Hoffman, Ethan Hawke, Marisa Tomei, Albert Finney, Michael Shannon, Rosemary Harris
Directed by: Sidney Lumet
Rating: PG
Genre: Crime, Drama, Thriller
2007

Times Seen:
Tim: 1

Summary: Two brothers (Philip Seymour Hoffman, Ethan Hawke) decide to rob their parents' (Albert Finney, Rosemary Harris) jewelry store. However, the plan spins wildly out of control and result in unforeseen consquences.

Review:

Tim: I am still not entirely sure what to think about this movie. Sidney Lumet directs a very dark crime drama that offers very little hope or optimism about humanity and especially our characters. This is a dark, dark movie. It is well crafted, and for the most part, works.

The movie does give the cast some great opportunities to showcase their acting chops.

Philip Seymour Hoffman gives a very complex, dark performance. The depths of his immoral, dark heart will literally astound you. His performance is occasionally difficult to watch, because he is such a vile and disgusting human being. Ethan Hawke likewise gives a very morally ambiguous performance. It is hard to know exactly what to think about him. One thing is sure, he doesn't inspire many good feelings about his character. Hoffman and Hawke both give terrific performances.

The supporting cast is strong, too. Marisa Tomei further conveys her star power by giving another impressive performance. She seems to excel in these small, supporting roles. I really liked her in this movie. Albert Finney and Rosemary Harris are both good as well.

This movie is impressive in that it tells a powerful story about a family that is torn apart by greed and selfishness. I loved that this movie starts with one unbelievable act, and then spirals out of control until all of the characters have their lives altered, mostly for the bad. It is difficult but interesting to watch people's lives unravel before our very eyes. For these reasons, the movie does succeed. However, this movie is also incredibly difficult to watch. You won't leave this movie feeling good, that is for sure.

Before the Devil Knows You're Dead is a good movie, but it never really makes a huge impact on us. Yes, you will be shocked by the events that befall the characters. However, there is no huge emotional payoff that was so desperately needed for this movie to succeed. I liked this movie, but I don't believe you can include this in the best films of 2007. Rating 1-10
Tim's Rating: 7



If You Enjoyed This Movie, We Recommend: The Savages; Synecdoche, New York; Capote