Before the Devil Knows You're Dead

 

Before the Devil Knows You’re Dead 2007

• Director: Sidney Lumet
• Seen by this director: Gloria, Running on Empty, Daniel, Dog Day Afternoon, Serpico, 12 Angry Men
• Based on book: no
• Cast: Philip Seymour Hoffman, Ethan Hawke, Albert Finney, Marisa Tomei, Michael Shannon, Amy Ryan
• Personal “oh yeah him/her” reaction, i.e. have seen this actor in:
• Philip Seymour Hoffman – Many
• Ethan Hawke – Many
• Marisa Tomei – Many
• Albert Finney - Many
• Michael Shannon – Amsterdam, Knives Out, The Shape of Water, Man of Steel, Mud, Take Shelter, The Runaways, 8 Mile
• Amy Ryan – Beau Is Afraid, Birdman, The Wire, Dan in Real Life, Gone Baby Gone, I’ll Fly Away
• Why? Good cast
• Seen: 29 December 2024.      

       Big brother Andy (Hoffman) talks little brother Hank (Hawkes) into robbing their parents’ jewellery shop in order to solve their pressing financial problems. He promises it will be OK. Insurance will cover all losses and nobody will get hurt. What could possibly go wrong?

       Everything, obviously. But this is not a comedy like most heist films. It’s hardly even a heist film, more of a character study. The trouble is, the characters are unlikeable and not even very interesting.

       The cast does what it can but especially Marisa Tomei deserves a much better role.

       What a dreary film. 

2* of 5