Before the Devil Knows You're Dead (Lumet, 2007) — Hoffman/Hawke/Finney/Tomei
04-24-08, 11:52 AM
#26
DVD Talk Reviewer Emeritus
Just caught this film last night. Good stuff. I've been thinking a lot about it. But there were a few things that kept it from being great for me. I appreciated the ending, but it left me with too many questions regarding the other characters. I realize this is really Andy's story, but I wanted a little follow-through with Hank's side of the story. And yeah, the hospital thing was a little easy. And let's face it, this is a film filled with scumbags.
As was mentioned, the feeling of things going from bad to worse is palpable.
And Marisa Tomei. Oh hell.
As was mentioned, the feeling of things going from bad to worse is palpable.
And Marisa Tomei. Oh hell.
04-24-08, 05:58 PM
#28
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I honestly hated it. I was in a bad mood when I watched it so that couldn't have helped. I'm just tired of watching movies that are constantly down and depressing with no hope, or no character that's not corrupt.
Oh well, maybe in a few years I'll give it another chance.
Oh well, maybe in a few years I'll give it another chance.
05-20-08, 02:09 PM
#33
DVD Talk Legend
Originally Posted by RD1973
Just one question, does Ethan Hawke's character get away at the end?
You know, this is the only movie I'ver *EVER* liked Ethan Hawke in. He's always come across as a smarmy, undertalented assmonkey in every other role he's been in. Here, though, he's spectacular.
Last edited by Hokeyboy; 05-20-08 at 02:11 PM.
10-03-08, 11:29 PM
#34
DVD Talk Legend
I honestly hated it. I was in a bad mood when I watched it so that couldn't have helped. I'm just tired of watching movies that are constantly down and depressing with no hope, or no character that's not corrupt.
Oh well, maybe in a few years I'll give it another chance.
Oh well, maybe in a few years I'll give it another chance.
Phillip Seymore Hoffman is a local boy from Rochester and has really done some incredible work. Marisa Tomei is from Brooklyn and really has an incredible body. Nice combination.
The Blu Ray had very nice PQ and audio. Being a drama it was primarily conversation but the sub did get quite a workout from the score at times.
10-19-08, 03:08 PM
#35
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A really terrific flick. Hoffman again put in a great performance, which along with The Savages truely reinforces his magnificent range and diversity as an actor. Another one or two more films like these and he may well knock DiCaprio down to no. 2 in my favourite actors list. A title, might I add, that Caprio's held for me since I watched Titanic (the only perfect piece of storytelling ever filmed).
10-19-08, 08:14 PM
#37
DVD Talk Gold Edition
10-19-08, 09:14 PM
#40
DVD Talk Hero
A really terrific flick. Hoffman again put in a great performance, which along with The Savages truely reinforces his magnificent range and diversity as an actor. Another one or two more films like these and he may well knock DiCaprio down to no. 2 in my favourite actors list. A title, might I add, that Caprio's held for me since I watched Titanic (the only perfect piece of storytelling ever filmed).
Before the Devil Knows You're Dead was excellent. Sidney Lumet has made some greats (Network, Dog Day Afternoon). But the movies haven't been consistantly good. It's sort of 'in and out'. He was definately in tip-top shape for 'Devil'. I am impressed that a 70-or-80 year old guy was in charge of an admittingly 'hip' movie.
Hearing from the guy, Lumet obviously cares a lot about his actors. I respect the actors themselves. But you have to give everyone credit for the performances. 'Devil' was a strong collaboration. Without picking apart everyone's filmographies, I'd say that everyone involved put in their best performances to date.
A real mood-changing, soul-crushing, exhausting flick. One of those movies where you just need to get up and leave the house after watching. Catch some breath, forget that you were so involved in what happened.
03-16-14, 06:31 PM
#41
Re: Before the Devil Knows You're Dead (Lumet, 2007) — Hoffman/Hawke/Finney/Tomei
Second viewing today and it has not lost it's power. Sidney Lumet in top form at 83 and what a goodbye.
An acting tour-de-force, especially by the great Philip Seymour Hoffman (you Sir are sorely missed).
5/5
An acting tour-de-force, especially by the great Philip Seymour Hoffman (you Sir are sorely missed).
5/5
