Before the Devil Knows You're Dead (Lumet, 2007) — Hoffman/Hawke/Finney/Tomei

The Bus · 10-31-07, 12:14 PM

85%

This movie looks awesome. It's getting a lot of good reviews. In limited release now but I'm hoping there's an expansion soon.

CKMorpheus · 10-31-07, 12:41 PM

Looking forward to a wide release. The DVD talk review got me excited.

JPRaup · 10-31-07, 02:04 PM

saw this at Toronto Film Festival. Very good, great performances. Plot is intentionally over the top. Very enjoyable. 8/10

Cosmic Bus · 10-31-07, 09:38 PM

Can't wait!... for the DVD.

NoirFan · 10-31-07, 09:41 PM

I'll Netflix this one for sure.

marty888 · 11-01-07, 08:30 AM

Caught this at the NY Film Festival with Lumet present for a Q&A. It's an over-the-top melodrama that is pitch-perfect - terrific movie!

RichC2 · 11-01-07, 08:37 AM

I just saw Dog Day Afternoon a few weeks ago (I went an HD renting spree), and was wondering what Lumet was up to (or more directly, if he was still alive). Was a fantastic movie (amazing performances that you just don't seem to get these days, and its amazing how much Robert Downey Jr. looks like 70s Al Pacino) and I have some high hopes for this one, really want to see it.

Alas, we get Wristcutters this weekend (local actor is in it, though it may just be going wide-ish) but no Devil Knows You're Dead.

hardercore · 11-01-07, 12:16 PM

Heard great things, and love PSH as an actor. I'm so there.

DullandWitless · 11-03-07, 12:40 PM

A great little theater here in Nashville will have this film on the 16th, so I'll be catching it then.

PopcornTreeCt · 11-04-07, 01:53 AM

That's not Dustin Hoffman!!

I can understand putting last names in thread titles but perhaps we should be a bit more clear about it.

The Bus · 11-04-07, 10:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PopcornTreeCt

That's not Dustin Hoffman!!

I can understand putting last names in thread titles but perhaps we should be a bit more clear about it.

Thread titles can only be so long. Plus, I put P.S. Hoffman's picture first in the thread.

CKMorpheus · 11-18-07, 02:52 AM

Has anyone had a chance to see this? It was in my local theater for about a week and then it disappeared all the way to a tiny 4 screen theater 10 miles from me when I went to see it. I'm sure it'll be gone by the end of the week.

I thought it was superb. Amazing acting all around. Ethan Hawke was as good as I've ever seen him, and Phillip Seymour Hoffman rocked the house. The rest of the cast was great, and WOW is Marissa Tomei looking fine! Anyone who's a fan of her can rest easy, we see practically every inch of her.

I would compare this movie's mood as very Shakespearian. Everything is just a downward spiral from the opening moments to the very last frame. You know things are going to go from bad to worse, but you can't help but watch this train wreck in motion.

Geofferson · 11-24-07, 10:43 AM

I saw this last night - exceptional film.

Regarding the point CKMorpheus makes, it is a downward spiral, but what makes it different from other movies is that the aftermath is so compelling and well-constructed.

Surprised that more are not going to see this -- go see it before it's too late.

RyoHazuki · 11-24-07, 12:51 PM

I saw this the other day and really enjoyed it. P.S. Hoffman gave an amazing performance. He's just a joy to watch. I was kinda worried because one of the first scenes in the movie (the robbery) had some fucking terrible acting but after that the movie picks up.

And yeah Tomei is smokin hot.

SPiRAL · 11-24-07, 03:43 PM

Caught this a couple weeks ago in Los Feliz. Excellent performances as stated by others. Great twist at the beginning of the movie.

caiman · 11-27-07, 02:55 AM

Just saw this today. Awesome movie. I love the way the dread and intensity builds and builds. The last 15 minutes floored me. And probably one of the best performances by Hoffman, which is saying a LOT. He's truly amazing.

Not a very unique post, I know.

conscience · 11-30-07, 07:41 PM

Even though I had to suspend disbelief for a couple of times (

Spoiler:

), I still felt the movie was strong and the entire cast excellent.

I agree with RyoHazuki - Hoffman is a force as an actor. His performance (especially in the last third of the film) is truly amazing and that scene in the car on the side of the road almost made me tear up. Finney is his usual strong self.

The score was another strong aspect of the film. That particular piece that is played numerous times sounds like something from a Hitchcock film. Very vintage.

A really good, tense film.

Spoiler:

Mr. Cinema · 12-01-07, 09:03 AM

Was able to see this last night and loved it. Hoffman gave yet another solid performance. Finney and Hawke also gave strong supporting help. The Editing was terrific as well. Definitely enjoyed the way the film was pieced together. And as mentioned before, the last 15-20 minutes of the film is crazy.

Zodiac_Speaking · 12-02-07, 09:45 AM

I can't offer much outside of echoing everyone else: I loved it-a lot actually, probably damn near my fav of 07, so far, with only a few to possibly top it.

Just great all around, endlessly engaging, and I really like the editing from one scene to the next, that jarring, alomst DJing of the film.

Gunde · 12-21-07, 03:25 PM

Fantastic movie. Bumped Zodiac down to no. 2 of the year for me.
I'm now convinced that PSH is the greatest actor working right now.

Zodiac_Speaking · 12-21-07, 11:32 PM

No love from the GG? Idiots...

hardercore · 12-22-07, 06:48 AM

Wow. This is an incredible film. It reminded me of the Departed (my favourite film from last year) in the way the tension and paranoia just continues to snowball for each of the main characters until it reaches a chilling, suspenseful climax that resonates with so much tragedy, due for the most part to the way it is so inevitable -- there is no other real way the situation could possibly resolve. The performances are stunning, Hoffman in particular, but that's been said and said enough. Just one of the very best films of the year.

riotinmyskull · 12-29-07, 05:41 PM

just got done watching this and WOW. lumet has still got it. the last 20 minutes were really intense and i loved the ending.

movieking · 12-30-07, 08:54 AM

Great movie. I loved how all of the events played out.

TheGuy · 01-01-08, 10:11 PM

Liked it a bunch, reminded me of Fargo, Marisa is still a hottie*.

*Oh and did I mention that I was in the same class as Marisa Tomei way back in J.H.S. , yeah she was a hottie back then .

10-31-07, 12:14 PM	#1
The Bus DVD Talk Godfather Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: New York Posts: 51,620	Before the Devil Knows You're Dead (Lumet, 2007) — Hoffman/Hawke/Finney/Tomei IMDB \| DVD Talk Review \| RT: 85% This movie looks awesome. It's getting a lot of good reviews. In limited release now but I'm hoping there's an expansion soon. __________________ Movies: 2002 / 03 / 04 / 05 / 06 / 07 / 08 / 09 / 10 / 11 / 12 / 2013 "Too much disclaiming in this post." – Dr. Mabuse

10-31-07, 12:41 PM	#2
CKMorpheus DVD Talk Hall of Fame Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: New York, NY Posts: 7,932	Looking forward to a wide release. The DVD talk review got me excited. __________________ And death shall have no dominion... My Countdown Counting down to: Wedding Bells Adrienne: "I do!" Andrew: "I do!"

10-31-07, 09:41 PM	#5
NoirFan DVD Talk Legend Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Nightmare Alley Posts: 17,114	I'll Netflix this one for sure. __________________ DVDAf "If you want something done right, you have to live in the past." - Bruce Eric Kaplan 2012 Horror Challenge

11-01-07, 08:30 AM	#6
marty888 DVD Talk Legend Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Times Square Posts: 12,102	Caught this at the NY Film Festival with Lumet present for a Q&A. It's an over-the-top melodrama that is pitch-perfect - terrific movie! __________________ *Sex is nature's way of providing each and every one of us with a free home entertainment system.* My DVD List at DVD Aficionado

11-01-07, 12:16 PM	#8
hardercore DVD Talk Special Edition Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Berkeley, CA Posts: 1,981	Heard great things, and love PSH as an actor. I'm so there. __________________ Top 10 Films of 2011 \| 1. Drive \| 2. The Tree of Life \| 3. Nader and Simin, A Separation \| 4. Melancholia \| 5. Le Havre 6. Eternity \| 7. Beginners \| 8. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2 \| 9. The Trip \| 10. Martha Marcy May Marlene

10-31-07, 02:04 PM	#3
JPRaup Banned Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: NY Posts: 1,722	saw this at Toronto Film Festival. Very good, great performances. Plot is intentionally over the top. Very enjoyable. 8/10

10-31-07, 09:38 PM	#4
Cosmic Bus DVD Talk Platinum Edition Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Seattle, WA Posts: 3,129	Can't wait!... for the DVD.

11-01-07, 08:37 AM	#7
RichC2 DVD Talk Legend Join Date: May 2001 Posts: 19,925	I just saw Dog Day Afternoon a few weeks ago (I went an HD renting spree), and was wondering what Lumet was up to (or more directly, if he was still alive). Was a fantastic movie (amazing performances that you just don't seem to get these days, and its amazing how much Robert Downey Jr. looks like 70s Al Pacino) and I have some high hopes for this one, really want to see it. Alas, we get Wristcutters this weekend (local actor is in it, though it may just be going wide-ish) but no Devil Knows You're Dead.

11-03-07, 12:40 PM	#9
DullandWitless Member Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Nashville, TN Posts: 226	A great little theater here in Nashville will have this film on the 16th, so I'll be catching it then.

11-04-07, 01:53 AM	#10
PopcornTreeCt DVD Talk Hero Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Central Florida Posts: 25,826	That's not Dustin Hoffman!! I can understand putting last names in thread titles but perhaps we should be a bit more clear about it.

11-18-07, 02:52 AM	#12
CKMorpheus DVD Talk Hall of Fame Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: New York, NY Posts: 7,932	Has anyone had a chance to see this? It was in my local theater for about a week and then it disappeared all the way to a tiny 4 screen theater 10 miles from me when I went to see it. I'm sure it'll be gone by the end of the week. I thought it was superb. Amazing acting all around. Ethan Hawke was as good as I've ever seen him, and Phillip Seymour Hoffman rocked the house. The rest of the cast was great, and WOW is Marissa Tomei looking fine! Anyone who's a fan of her can rest easy, we see practically every inch of her. I would compare this movie's mood as very Shakespearian. Everything is just a downward spiral from the opening moments to the very last frame. You know things are going to go from bad to worse, but you can't help but watch this train wreck in motion. __________________ And death shall have no dominion... My Countdown Counting down to: Wedding Bells Adrienne: "I do!" Andrew: "I do!"

11-24-07, 10:43 AM	#13
Geofferson DVD Talk Hero Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: TechNoir Posts: 36,439	I saw this last night - exceptional film. Regarding the point CKMorpheus makes, it is a downward spiral, but what makes it different from other movies is that the aftermath is so compelling and well-constructed. Surprised that more are not going to see this -- go see it before it's too late.

11-24-07, 12:51 PM	#14
RyoHazuki DVD Talk Hall of Fame Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Phoenix Posts: 8,086	I saw this the other day and really enjoyed it. P.S. Hoffman gave an amazing performance. He's just a joy to watch. I was kinda worried because one of the first scenes in the movie (the robbery) had some fucking terrible acting but after that the movie picks up. And yeah Tomei is smokin hot. __________________ What did the Red Hot Chili Peppers do when their manager didn't like their latest tracks? Spoiler: The got long sleeves. - Neil Hamburger Xbox Live: CookinBooks

11-24-07, 03:43 PM	#15
SPiRAL DVD Talk Platinum Edition Join Date: May 2003 Location: Los Angeles , California Posts: 3,463	Caught this a couple weeks ago in Los Feliz. Excellent performances as stated by others. Great twist at the beginning of the movie.

11-27-07, 02:55 AM	#16
caiman DVD Talk Platinum Edition Join Date: May 2000 Location: Kansas City, MO Posts: 3,811	Just saw this today. Awesome movie. I love the way the dread and intensity builds and builds. The last 15 minutes floored me. And probably one of the best performances by Hoffman, which is saying a LOT. He's truly amazing. Not a very unique post, I know.

12-21-07, 11:32 PM	#21
Zodiac_Speaking DVD Talk Gold Edition Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Papillion, NE! Posts: 2,343	No love from the GG? Idiots... __________________ Killer Film Come and visit us. Follow me: Twitter: @jonkillerfilm

11-30-07, 07:41 PM	#17
conscience DVD Talk Hall of Fame Join Date: Jul 1999 Posts: 8,260	Even though I had to suspend disbelief for a couple of times ( Spoiler: the nurse and the heart monitor comments - remind me to never go to that hospital... ), I still felt the movie was strong and the entire cast excellent. I agree with RyoHazuki - Hoffman is a force as an actor. His performance (especially in the last third of the film) is truly amazing and that scene in the car on the side of the road almost made me tear up. Finney is his usual strong self. The score was another strong aspect of the film. That particular piece that is played numerous times sounds like something from a Hitchcock film. Very vintage. A really good, tense film. Spoiler: I guess I was the only one: but at the beginning when I found out Hoffman's character's name was Andy I thought it was him that was shot by the mother (Hank yells out Andy while driving off frantically). I know, I know - Hoffman is a little heavier than Bobby but I was caught off guard there thinking Hoffman's character ended up being killed until the reveal about Bobby. __________________ You can't take a picture of this. It's already gone. - Nate Fisher, Six Feet Under

12-01-07, 09:03 AM	#18
Mr. Cinema DVD Talk Legend Join Date: Oct 1999 Posts: 16,941	Was able to see this last night and loved it. Hoffman gave yet another solid performance. Finney and Hawke also gave strong supporting help. The Editing was terrific as well. Definitely enjoyed the way the film was pieced together. And as mentioned before, the last 15-20 minutes of the film is crazy. __________________ 1. Side Effects • 2. - • 3. - • 4. - • 5. - • 6. - • My Countdown Counting down to: Black Swan

12-02-07, 09:45 AM	#19
Zodiac_Speaking DVD Talk Gold Edition Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Papillion, NE! Posts: 2,343	I can't offer much outside of echoing everyone else: I loved it-a lot actually, probably damn near my fav of 07, so far, with only a few to possibly top it. Just great all around, endlessly engaging, and I really like the editing from one scene to the next, that jarring, alomst DJing of the film. __________________ Killer Film Come and visit us. Follow me: Twitter: @jonkillerfilm

12-21-07, 03:25 PM	#20
Gunde DVD Talk Platinum Edition Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Very far away.. Posts: 3,715	Fantastic movie. Bumped Zodiac down to no. 2 of the year for me. I'm now convinced that PSH is the greatest actor working right now. __________________ Spoiler: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0120187/

12-22-07, 06:48 AM	#22
hardercore DVD Talk Special Edition Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Berkeley, CA Posts: 1,981	Wow. This is an incredible film. It reminded me of the Departed (my favourite film from last year) in the way the tension and paranoia just continues to snowball for each of the main characters until it reaches a chilling, suspenseful climax that resonates with so much tragedy, due for the most part to the way it is so inevitable -- there is no other real way the situation could possibly resolve. The performances are stunning, Hoffman in particular, but that's been said and said enough. Just one of the very best films of the year. __________________ Top 10 Films of 2011 \| 1. Drive \| 2. The Tree of Life \| 3. Nader and Simin, A Separation \| 4. Melancholia \| 5. Le Havre 6. Eternity \| 7. Beginners \| 8. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2 \| 9. The Trip \| 10. Martha Marcy May Marlene

12-29-07, 05:41 PM	#23
riotinmyskull DVD Talk Hall of Fame Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: portsmouth, va Posts: 8,667	just got done watching this and WOW. lumet has still got it. the last 20 minutes were really intense and i loved the ending. __________________ my collection rank 'em as you see 'em: 13 \| 12 \| 11 \| 10 \| 09 october horror movie challenge: 12 \| 11 \| 10 \| 09 \| 08 \| 07 holiday movie challenge: 12 \| 11 \| 10 \| 09 \| 08

12-30-07, 08:54 AM	#24
movieking DVD Talk Legend Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Newfoundland, Canada Posts: 13,069	Great movie. I loved how all of the events played out.

01-01-08, 10:11 PM	#25
TheGuy Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: Brooklyn, NY.. Got a problem with that? Posts: 700	Liked it a bunch, reminded me of Fargo, Marisa is still a hottie. Oh and did I mention that I was in the same class as Marisa Tomei way back in J.H.S. , yeah she was a hottie back then .