By Robbie Jones
Usually, no one wants to watch a film they haven’t heard of. If the title doesn’t ring a bell, they don’t know the cast, haven’t heard any reviews etc. they are immediately put off. This was not the case for me. About a year ago, I saw there was a film on called Before the Devil Knows You’re Dead. It was released in 2006, and stars Philip Seymour Hoffman and Ethan Hawke, yet I had never heard of it in my life. But, I recorded it. Why did I record it? Because I thought it was a cool title. That’s right; I recorded it for its namesake. That’s not something I condone, by the way. I also don’t condone not watching a film due to its title, as you may be missing out on something brilliant. But here I was, recording a film I didn’t even know the plot to.
Usually, no one wants to watch a film they haven’t heard of. If the title doesn’t ring a bell, they don’t know the cast, haven’t heard any reviews etc. they are immediately put off. This was not the case for me. About a year ago, I saw there was a film on called Before the Devil Knows You’re Dead. It was released in 2006, and stars Philip Seymour Hoffman and Ethan Hawke, yet I had never heard of it in my life. But, I recorded it. Why did I record it? Because I thought it was a cool title. That’s right; I recorded it for its namesake. That’s not something I condone, by the way. I also don’t condone not watching a film due to its title, as you may be missing out on something brilliant. But here I was, recording a film I didn’t even know the plot to.
It was months before I actually watched it. Again, due to no knowledge, it didn’t appeal to me. But when I eventually sat down and forced myself to put it on… Oh man. I had never been so surprised. The film tells the tale of Hank (Ethan Hawke), a man struggling with money as he finds himself overdue on child support with his ex-wife as well as having to pay for his daughter’s education. His older brother Andy (Philip Seymour Hoffman) plans to escape to Brazil to avoid being arrested for embezzling funds at work. However, he also needs some cash. Andy hatches a plan for Hank to rob their parent’s jewellery store, which Hanks reluctantly agrees to. It’s simple: The only person working there will be the elderly woman they hired; their parents can get by on the insurance, what could go wrong?
Everything. Absolutely everything.
Everything. Absolutely everything.
Hank brings a friend along, and everything goes to plan, until Hank’s mother in shot in the process. Now these brothers must face pain and guilt as they watch their father (Albert Finney) slowly crumble away without his wife. But how long before it becomes too much?
Now how was I supposed to expect that when I saw it in the TV mag? The film is excellent. Truly excellent. The cast are all top form; though despite Hoffman being his usual brilliant self, I’m thinking Albert Finney takes the prize for best performance here. He is amazing; the emotion and depth of his character know no limits. The movie was directed by Sidney Lumet, who sadly died shortly after, making this his last film. Granted, I have only seen one other of his films (12 Angry Men) but just from those alone I can tell he is a great director. The tone of the film is chillingly pleasant, and in some parts, it’s actually very tense, and very thrilling. If I could recommend the movie more, I would. But honest to God, my words mean nothing unless you see it for yourself.
Now how was I supposed to expect that when I saw it in the TV mag? The film is excellent. Truly excellent. The cast are all top form; though despite Hoffman being his usual brilliant self, I’m thinking Albert Finney takes the prize for best performance here. He is amazing; the emotion and depth of his character know no limits. The movie was directed by Sidney Lumet, who sadly died shortly after, making this his last film. Granted, I have only seen one other of his films (12 Angry Men) but just from those alone I can tell he is a great director. The tone of the film is chillingly pleasant, and in some parts, it’s actually very tense, and very thrilling. If I could recommend the movie more, I would. But honest to God, my words mean nothing unless you see it for yourself.
Check it out Wednesday 20th March, 11:35 PM on Film4 (UK Only). Be sure to let us know what you think!
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