You are currently browsing the category archive for the 'Before the Devil Knows You're Dead' category.
Before the Devil Knows You’re Dead is bleak as hell. The plot is depressing and the characters unlikable. While I neither demand positive plots or likable characters, in this case I was left wondering, what’s the point?
I really enjoyed Philip Seymour Hoffman as the conniving, colder older brother Andy. I’m halfway through PSH’s terrific work this year and both of his performances I’ve seen (this and The Savages) are Oscar-worthy. Andy is ruthless but also desperate and delusional and Hoffman nails it. The other performances are good here too: Marisa Tomei, Ethan Hawke, and especially Albert Finney. Looking at it from an Oscar perspective, all of them appear to be long shots but I would welcome a nomination for any of them. While I merely liked the film, it was interesting and unique enough that I hope it gets at least one nomination somewhere.
When we look back at this year’s Oscar season, Before the Devil Knows You’re Dead may well be the representative movie. The characters are largely compelling, but placed in a decidedly not upbeat story that falls just a bit short. The film has received buzz for a nomination is just about every major category save Best Actress, and could receive anywhere from 0-4 nominations. It also features two actors receiving Oscar buzz for other performances (PSH and Amy Ryan).
Ultimately, I don’t see the Academy bestowing any Oscars on the movie - the right move, in my opinion. To me, one mark of a great movie is transcending its genre to become relevant to people not fans of that genre. I don’t feel that’s the case for Before the Devil Knows You’re Dead. I think it is a botched heist movie with loftier pretensions. Don’t let the ending fool you. Read the rest of this entry »
Recent Comments