5. "Before the Devil Knows You're Dead"

December 17, 2007

 

A contemporary tragedy worthy of the ancient Greeks makes for a potent mix with the urban grit of director Sidney Lumet in "Before the Devil Knows You're Dead." Philip Seymour Hoffman and Ethan Hawke turn in powerhouse performances as two very different brothers desperate for their piece of the American dream. Their bad decisions illuminate the excruciating inevitability of fate, and their middle class malaise provides the film with a subtle layer of political anger. Told through a captivating series of rotating flashbacks (Lumet is in peak stylistic form at the age of 82) and further bolstered by a strong supporting cast including Albert Finney and Marisa Tomei, it’s a hell of a movie with a title to match.

You will be prompted to register or log in when posting.

Comment

Please note that by clicking on "Post Comment" you acknowledge that you have read the Terms of Service. Be polite. Inappropriate posts may be removed by the moderator.