Before the Devil Knows You're Dead
An incredible film from the genius Sidney Lumet, there were quite a lot of things to say about this one.
To start with, what amazed me the most was definitely the non-linear storytelling structure. As a fragmented, multi-perspective narrative that was given total coherence by the masterful direction of Sidney Lumet, the story would have been completely incomprehensible otherwise. Fyi he directed this movie at 82, I don't even know if I would make it past 50, let alone remaining sharp with an intact sense of rationality to perfectly execute such demanding task as a octogenarian.
Unlike many other noirs, Before the Devil Knows You're Dead is more of a melodramatic character study, with the crime being merely a plot device. The heist is only the onset of a much bleaker chain of events that leads everyone down a monstrous path of doom and despair.
However, Lumet's vision wouldn't have been fully realized without the absolutely crushing performances from the leading duo. Ethan Hawke was everything his character was supposed to be: an irresponsible, incompetent coward being pushed to extremity, his moral degeneration slowly unfolding as he compromises with one atrocity after another. As for Philip Seymour Hoffman, I don't really know what to say man, a funny looking guy (stereotypically speaking tho, I found him very sexy) who always played serious roles. Like the more of his films I watch, the more admiration and love I hace for him. Phil delivered in everything I have seen starring him, leading role or supporting role, good script or bad script, he always stood out.
Were I to name one flaw, it would be Gina Hanson. I think her affair was great material, but her presence during the whole movie is like a benign tumor in a normal brain. But Sidney Lumet didnt write the screenplay though, so all my praise for him still stands.