Before the Devil Knows You're Dead (2007)

[Plain Old Tele]

Discuss.

[Jack Nevada]

Absolute pigshit. 

[baumer]

Before the Devil Knows You're Dead. Two brothers plan to rob their own parents' jewelery store but things go horribly wrong. The plot seems apt for a thriller or for a crime comedy filled with black humor but director Sydney Lumet takes the difficult path of making it a dark emotional drama. Sydney uses the non-linear narration and unpredictability of events that keeps you interested. Philip Seymour Hoffman playing the no nonsense elder brother shows some solid acting. He uses his body language to express his pain and anger. Ethan Hawke playing the younger brother also does not disappoint. Albert Finney playing the role of father leaves a lasting impression in his short but important role. Movie loses some brownie points by getting too slow at times and too dark to enjoy.But Lumet and the acting and the twist of the story make it worth watching. 

 

And thank you Marisa Tomei for deciding the best way to become relevant again in Hollywood is to show us your beautiful body.

 

8/10

[acab]

I consider it a brilliantly shot, acted and written crime thriller. Pretty underrated too. A beautiful farewell from the great Sydney Lumet.