Before the Devil Knows You're Dead (2007)

When two brothers organize the robbery of their parents' jewelry store the job goes horribly wrong, triggering a series of events that sends them, their father and one brother's wife hurtling towards a shattering climax.

Director:

Sidney Lumet

Writer:

Kelly Masterson

Stars:

Philip Seymour Hoffman, Ethan Hawke, Albert Finney

15 wins & 13 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Philip Seymour Hoffman	...	Andy
Ethan Hawke	...	Hank
Albert Finney	...	Charles
Marisa Tomei	...	Gina
Aleksa Palladino	...	Chris
Michael Shannon	...	Dex
Amy Ryan	...	Martha
Sarah Livingston	...	Danielle
Brían F. O'Byrne	...	Bobby
Rosemary Harris	...	Nanette
Blaine Horton	...	Justin
Arija Bareikis	...	Katherine
Leonardo Cimino	...	William
Lee Wilkof	...	Jake
Damon Gupton	...	Doctor

Storyline

Needing extra cash, two brothers conspire to pull off the perfect, victimless crime. No guns, no violence, no problem. But when an accomplice ignores the rules and crosses the line, his actions trigger a series of events in which no one is left unscathed.

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Plot Keywords:

gun | robbery | money | thief | hidden gun | 

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Taglines:

Loyalty. It's all relative.

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Genres:

Crime | Drama | Thriller

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated R for a scene of strong graphic sexuality, nudity, violence, drug use and language

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

26 September 2007 (France)

Also Known As:

Antes que el diablo sepa que has muerto

Filming Locations:

47th Street, Manhattan, New York City, New York, USA

Box Office

Budget:

$18,000,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend:

£118,510 (UK) (11 January 2008)

Gross:

$7,083,025 (USA) (7 March 2008)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Capitol Films, Funky Buddha Productions, Unity Productions

Technical Specs

Runtime:

117 min 123 min

Sound Mix:

SDDS Dolby Digital DTS (as dts)

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

In the DVD's Director's commentary, Sidney Lumet says the nude scene between Gina and Hank was shot, Ethan Hawke wanted to make Marisa Tomei, feel more comfortable, and insisted on being nude as well. He further insisted that every male crew member strip naked while filming the scene to accommodate Tomei.

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Goofs

Charles takes his drivers license renewal test on a Saturday. However, all Department of Motor Vehicle offices in New York City are closed on Saturdays or Sundays.

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Quotes

Andrew 'Andy' Hanson: [to Hank] What's the matter with you? You used to have the world by the balls. Now I don't think you got any.

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Connections

Referenced in Richard Roeper & the Movies: Jack Goes Boating (2010)

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Soundtracks

"Change Your Life"
(2001)
Written by Mark Rozzo
Performed by Champale
Courtesy of Aloha Buffet Music

User Reviews

A multi-perspective heist movie that turns into so much more…

BEFORE THE DEVIL KNOWS YOU'RE DEAD starts off promisingly, setting up a simple heist that goes awry, told from varying perspectives (in RASHOMON style). At around the hour mark, Sidney Lumet transforms this film into something that is so much more than the sum of its parts; it eventually morphs into a multi-faceted family drama, exploring the full realm of human emotions/relations, as the story comes to its chilling climax.

As is the case with Lumet, he manages to coax exceptional performances out of his star-studded cast, without any notion of over-acting or hyperbole. Philip Seymour Hoffman, in one of his best roles, is a complex, mysterious, and interesting character, and oftentimes dwarfs Ethan Hawke, who plays his brother, Hank. That's not to say that Hawke is not bad; in fact he is quite above adequate, in a troubled role that suits his style. Marisa Tomei is excellent for her relatively short appearance (the fact that she bares her flesh adds to this). Albert Finney's character (Andy and Hank's father) is the most intriguing, and in my opinion, he deserved a bit more screen-time. Amy Ryan also performs her job adequately.

BEFORE THE DEVIL KNOWS YOU'RE DEAD is not an exceptional movie, but it proves that Lumet is still near the top of his game at the (apparent) twilight of an illustrious career. Many of his characteristics and trademarks appear here, not least of which involves the use of his characters. Infused with a killer script (no pun intended), smart dialogue and pacing, and a decent score, BEFORE THE DEVIL KNOWS YOU'RE DEAD is a must-see. A truly underrated gem. 8/10. 3 stars (out of 4). Should just enter my Top 250 at 248. Highly recommended.