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| Movie Review: Before the Devil Knows You're Dead Alternate Title: An American Tragedy
Story: May you be in heaven half
an hour before the devil knows you're dead is an old Irish toast
- and this movie is two hours of heavenly cinema. It was directed by
83 year old Sidney Lumet. He still has what it takes
to make a classic film. Aided by a terrific screenplay by first timer
Kelly Masterson one simply has to just sit back and
watch what fine cinema is all about. Brothers Hank and Andy are desperate for money.
They plan the perfect 'victimless' robbery of their parents' Mom and
Pop jewelry store. Everything goes wrong and the balance of the film
is delicious cinematic crime and punishment. The storytelling is presented
in a non-linear fashion focusing on different characters' points of
view. I was riveted from the opening scene to the closing credits. The action, the mystery, the family dynamic,
dysfunction, infidelity and the issues that envelop brothers, fathers
and sons are all heady topics with which everyone can relate. Run, don't walk to your local cinema to check
out this fabulous film. Acting:: Philip Seymour Hoffman is
a brilliant actor.He mesmerizes the audience with his award winning
performances and this role is no exception. Ethan Hawke,
can be a lightweight, but in this film, he surely holds his own. Albert
Finney as the father does not have a big role but he is fine
in the role that was handed to him. Marisa Tomei is
terrific as the woebegone wife. The ensemble cast is noteworthy including
Rosemary Harris, Brian F. O'Byrne and Leonardo
Cimino.
Predilection: None.
Critters: None.
Food: Pizza
Sex Spectrum: The opening shot is of a naked Hoffmann
and Tomei having sex. Yes, you can read that line again, if you like.
Blatant Product Placement: The jewelry store is in
a strip mall and you can see Foot Locker and the Gap.
Opening Titles: The Irish toast in written in white
type over a black background - after the aforementioned sex scene.
Visual Art: The attention to detail in the economic
strata of the family is terrific.
Theater Audience: Crowded for a mid-week, mid-day
showing.
Weather: The weather was perfect for a heist.
Sappy Factor: 0
Quirky Meter: 0
Squirm Scale: There is some violence that might make
some squirm.
Drift Factor: I did not drift even for a nanosecond.
Predictability Level: I was not sure what was going
to happen.
Tissue Usage: 0
Oscar Worthy: Absolutely
Big Screen or Rental: Big screen, for sure. For some
of Lumet's other great films, you can rent: Q & A , Running
on Empty, Garbo Talks, The Verdict, Deathtrap, Prince of the City, Network,
Dog Day Afternoon, Murder on the Orient Express, Serpico, The Anderson
Tapes, Fail-Safe, The Pawnbroker, Long Day's Journey Into Night
Length: A smidgeon over two hours.
LOBO HOWLS: 9
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