Before the Devil Knows
You're Dead (2007)

	Directed by: Sidney Lumet	COUNTRY USA/UK GENRE Drama/Crime NORWEGIAN TITLE Before the Devil Knows You're Dead RUNNING TIME 117 minutes
	Produced by: Michael Cerenzie William S. Gilmore Brian Linse Paul Parmar
	Written by: Kelly Masterson

Cast includes:
CHARACTER	ACTOR/ACTRESS	RATING
Andy Hanson	Philip Seymour Hoffman	½
Hank Hanson	Ethan Hawke
Charles Hanson	Albert Finney
Gina Hanson	Marisa Tomei
Chris Lasorda	Aleksa Palladino
Dex	Michael Shannon	½
Martha Hanson	Amy Ryan
Bobby Lasorda	Brian F. O'Byrne	½
Nanette Hanson	Rosemary Harris
Justin	Blaine Horton

Review

To think that Sidney Lumet directed one of the previous century's best films, 12 Angry Men, already back in 1957 puts things into perspective when viewing Before the Devil Knows You're Dead. In the 50 years that have passed since then, the veteran has had his obvious slip-ups in the director's chair, but few filmmakers have been so productive and devoted to the medium as Lumet has. Though this heavy drama has its weaknesses, it represents a return to form for the 83-year-old.

Before the Devil Knows You're Dead deals with tragedy in and around a New York family. The explicit themes are classic money trouble and a failed robbery, with Lumet delivering a small jab at the American welfare system in the process, but what is really discussed here is the mental breakdown of three different characters and how they are handling this process individually and interpersonally. Make no mistake about it: the film is as sombre and intense as it sounds, and Lumet's attempt at alternative narrative structuring doesn't help the case in this respect – it might make the film more intriguing, but also more onerous.

Still, the strength of the material and the powerful performances Lumet gets from his performers make the film effective – the most notable achievement being how deeply we experience each character's emotional state and frustration. This is the kind of film that may make you want to hug your loved ones a little longer the next time you see them. And, not for the first time, Philip Seymour Hoffman is the main reason why the characters make such an emotional impact.