Less than 60 seconds into the film, I already knew I was going to love it. And it did not disappoint. Sidney Lumet’s (Dog Day Afternoon) latest (and probably last) work starts out with a bang and it only gets better.
Plot? Well...Before the Devil Knows You're Dead is one of those films where the plot is fairly simple (a robbery gone wrong) yet very thick and layered at the same time, something that (in my opinion) is best enjoyed with having little if any prior knowledge of what events are about to unfold. And without giving any spoilers I should only mention that the story revolves around a dysfunctional family, their problems, and how their actions and reactions lead them to a path of moral, spiritual, and physical destruction...
Having not heard much about this film I went into it with no expectations, and once again I was not only pleasantly surprised, but astounded how an ensemble of great actors (Philip Seymour Hoffman, Ethan Hawke, Albert Finney, Marisa Tomei) and Sidney Lumet’s “attention-to-detail” directing can turn even a simple plot into a great and truly enjoyable movie experience.
As far as the title goes...well the complete title of the film is "May you be in heaven a half hour before the devil knows you're dead". Quite complicated and rather vague, but I think I finally got it figured out:) Did you?
* * * * * (five out of five) -- probably one of the better character driven dramas I have seen in years. I definitely recommend!!
V.
Enjoyed Before the Devil Knows You're Dead? Viira recommends: In the Bedroom, Gone Baby Gone
Poster courtesy of http://www.impawards.com/
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