here.
Review by Zandro Salvo.

Sydney Lumet’s latest offering provides a new spin on the ‘heist gone wrong’ genre as two brothers plot to rob their own parents' jewelry store. Before the Devil Knows You’re Dead takes full advantage of its ensemble cast with Philip Seymour Hoffman providing his usual brilliance playing an addicted businessman desperate to save his marriage and start anew. Ethan Hawke and Marisa Tomei compliment Hoffman’s fierce desperation with their own bumbling attempts to start fresh. It’s hard to find someone to root for when the most sympathetic character dies in the first scene. Herein lies the strength of this movie as each character is explored, both their warmest intentions to connect with one another and selfish desires to ensure their own well-being. This exploration of the dualities of selfishness is perfectly executed by the cast. While Hoffman’s character justifies the robbery as his way to rejuvenate his marriage, Hawke’s character sees it as a way to get his daughter back. In contrast, the horrible outcome provides an escape for Tomei’s character from her shallow marriage and Finney’s character to resolve his broken relationships with his sons.

The only shortcomings of this film are its overuse of the flashback and over-reaching ending. Just because the film is multi-layered following several characters’ downfall, it shouldn’t necessarily evoke the use of complex structure devices or convenient conclusions. With such drama, perhaps the audience would have been best served with some time to catch its breath.

Before the Devil Knows You're Dead
Sidney Lumet | USA | 2007 | 123min

Tue. Oct. 2 | 9:15pm | Empire Granville Theatre
Thur. Oct. 4 | 4:00pm | Empire Granville Theatre