The Cold, Bold Casting Brilliance of Before The Devil Knows You’re Dead

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As a cinephile with a soft spot for gripping thrillers and a deep appreciation for the work of master directors like Sidney Lumet, I can confidently say that “Before the Devil Knows You’re Dead” is a must-watch. This film isn’t your typical horror flick, but rather a suspenseful drama that showcases some stellar performances from an incredible cast.

In an easy-to-understand fashion: The movie titled “Before the Devil Knows You’re Dead” offers a thrilling plot, thanks to some clever time jumps that keep you on the edge of your seat. Contrary to its ominous title, this film is not a horror movie; instead, it’s a suspenseful drama that can be streamed here on Peacock.

Essentially, this film isn’t about traditional horror, but rather showcases talented actors competing fiercely to claim the title of most ruthlessly sociopathic villain. The 2007 movie, which marked the culmination of the illustrious career of the late director Sidney Lumet (known for films like Network, Serpico, and The Wiz), derives its chilling title not from Satan, but from a common Irish phrase: “May you be in heaven fifteen minutes before the devil realizes you’re dead.

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The killer cast of Before the Devil Knows You’re Dead – Ethan Hawke, Philip Seymour Hoffman & more

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The charming Irish toast implies that its recipient is likely living a hedonistic, carefree life headed for hell – and in this suspenseful film, that’s far too generous a compliment for its deceptive, unworthy main characters.

Ethan Hawke, known for films like “Gattaca” and “The Black Phone”, portrays a cowardly yet likable character named Hank, who is pressured by his stronger brother Andy (played powerfully by the late Philip Seymour Hoffman). The brothers are planning an elaborate scheme to get out of debt, involving robbing their parents’ suburban jewelry store in a strip mall. They aim to carry out this plan without causing harm and ensuring that their parents aren’t present during the heist to avoid any complications.

In their own pathetic manner, both Andy and particularly Hank fail spectacularly in executing the task, with Hank recruiting a more dangerously capable associate (portrayed by Brían F. O’Byrne). Meanwhile, Andy orchestrates the entire operation remotely, proving no wiser than before. A flawed decision: The newcomer carries an authentic firearm instead of the fake gun Andy expected Hank to use, which eventually triggers a shootout that instantly kills Hank’s partner and critically wounds Hank as well as Andy’s mother (Rosemary Harris), who happened to be working unexpectedly at the store on that fateful day.

In this movie, there’s more than just a twist to the main plot. The late Albert Finney, a remarkable actor known for films such as “Big Fish” and “Skyfall,” plays Charles, a grieving and bewildered father in his octogenarian years. Despite his age and sorrow over losing his beloved wife, Charles channels all his energy into tracking down the culprit who took her life. He portrays Charles with a mix of determination and dignified sadness as he vows to uncover the truth behind his wife’s murder, even if it means pushing through his overwhelming grief.

The viewers are aware earlier than Charles that his sons are responsible for the senseless crime, which makes it even more distressing when later events unfold and Charles learns the truth directly from Andy. As the movie progresses, a consistent trend becomes apparent among its main characters: Each actor, with Marisa Tomei as the cunning yet patient wife Gina standing out notably, leaves their personal egos outside for this film. Director Lumet manages to coax performances that are both vulnerable and committed from his cast, transforming Before the Devil Knows You’re Dead into a chilling experience that transcends the boundaries of a typical thriller.

Instead of being immediately swept away by the suspense, one must step back and admire the exceptional performances in this disheartening film, where self-centered characters are portrayed in a striking manner. Actors like Hawke, Hoffman, Finney, and Tomei skillfully evoke sympathy for their characters, making you forget momentarily about their selfishness and malevolence. However, they swiftly remind us that the actions of these characters are cowardly, needy, and incredibly evil, leaving one to question if any part of their sinister plan could ever be considered a smart decision.

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2024-11-19 01:01