A few words about...™ Before the Devil Knows You're Dead -- in Blu-Ray

Robert Harris · 05-08-2008, 08:18 AM

Sidney Lumet is one of our greatest filmmakers.

And has been for over half a century.

Now at an age (he's 83), when most people might be retired and living on their laurels and royalties, Mr. Lumet is still adding to his wonderful catalog of work.

His catalog of work?

If his name isn't automatically ringing bells for you, try 12 Angry Men, The Fugitive Kind, Long Day's Journey into Night, Fail-Safe, The Deadly Affair, Murder on the Orient Express, Network, Dog Day Afternoon and The Verdict.

In his review of Before the Devil Knows You're Dead, Roger Ebert noted, "The Japanese name some of their artists Living Treasures. Sidney Lumet is one of ours. He has made more great pictures than most directors have made pictures.

Here he takes a story that is, after all, pretty straightforward, and tells it in an ingenious style we might call narrative interruptus. The brilliant debut screenplay by Kelly Masterson takes us up to a certain point, then flashes back to before that point, then catches us up again, then doubles back, so that it meticulously reconstructs how spectacularly and inevitably this perfect crime went wrong."

Before the Devil... was shot on Panavision gear in HD and was taken through the DI process to a 35mm printing negative. But unfortunately, and possibly because it wasn't a studio picture, the film found scant distribution after running the festival circuit.

To many potential home video viewers, this film will be an unknown, which is a pity, as the quality of Before the Devil... on every level, beginning with an incredible cast which moves this powerhouse of a film along rapidly, and ending with Image Entertainment's Blu-Ray disc is remarkable.

As an aside, the title comes from an Irish toast: "May you have food and raiment, a soft pillow for your head; may you be 40 years in heaven, before the devil knows you're dead."

Please do not permit the fact that it didn't receive an advertising program equal to the budget of a small state hold you back from picking this one up.

At 83, Mr. Lumet is running on all 12 cylinders. He has created a film that one could easily see coming from a brilliant 35 year-old filmmaker, fresh on the trail for new ideas. It seems to combine New York, Lumet grittiness with the dark minds of the Coen Brothers.

Before the Devil... is one of the best films released in 2007, and is Very Highly Recommended.

RAH

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PaulDA · 05-08-2008, 08:20 AM

Guess I have another film to add to my collection. Your recommendations are taking a toll on my wallet

Felix Martinez · 05-08-2008, 09:45 AM

Fantastic film, all around. What a nice surprise! Solid a/v quality with the exception of some blown out whites during exteriors. And my goodness, Ms. Tomei is aging like fine wine...

Michael Reuben · 05-08-2008, 10:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Felix Martinez

Solid a/v quality with the exception of some blown out whites during exteriors.

The Blu-ray is sitting in my viewing pile, but I distinctly remember noticing something like that in the print I saw in the theater. So that may just be the source material.

Lumet has been a long-time proponent of digital, even though he never got much attention for it. His TV show 100 Centre Street on A&E (2001-2002) was shot entirely digitally, and Lumet said at the time it was the best filming experience he'd ever had.

As for Devil, I think it's Phillip Seymour Hoffman's best film work ever, superior even to Capote or to his Oscar-nominated role in Charlie Wilson's War. He's mastered the craft of acting through small gestures that don't look like acting. So you don't think he's doing all that much until he sneaks up on you and . . . pow!

M.

Robert Crawford · 05-08-2008, 10:53 AM

I have this in my unwatched pile too.

Crawdaddy

Robert Harris · 05-08-2008, 11:42 AM

Shots that appear to be "blown out" would be purposeful.

Danny_N · 05-08-2008, 12:42 PM

Ordered this blind after reading Roger Ebert's glowing review and watched the BD about a week ago. I do not watch/buy many modern movies but this film is excellent.
Anybody who liked No Country For Old Men will like this one as well.

Felix Martinez · 05-08-2008, 01:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Michael Reuben

...Lumet has been a long-time proponent of digital, even though he never got much attention for it. His TV show 100 Centre Street on A&E (2001-2002) was shot entirely digitally, and Lumet said at the time it was the best filming experience he'd ever had.

As for Devil, I think it's Phillip Seymour Hoffman's best film work ever, superior even to Capote or to his Oscar-nominated role in Charlie Wilson's War. He's mastered the craft of acting through small gestures that don't look like acting. So you don't think he's doing all that much until he sneaks up on you and . . . pow!

M.

The features include a wonderful interview with Lumet re: shooting in hi-def. Great stuff.

Hoffman is fantastic here. I've read some off-base criticism of Tomei indicating she doesn't have much to do but take her clothes off, but during Hoffman's monologue in the car, she gives a reaction that is truly haunting. So simple, and yet it's still imprinted in my mind. Just a look that says, "you know, now that I think about it, I don't know who the f*#k you are."

One of the best from '07, and nearly slipped under my radar.

Cees Alons · 05-09-2008, 04:12 AM

I had it on order on HD DVD, which was canceled then. Ordered it again now.
Thanks for the review, Robert. I had not realized Sidney Lumet being 83 years old already. Can't wait to see this.

Yes, it was Roger Ebert's review that first drew my attention to this film, which I haven't seen in the theater (Roger Ebert has given me so much valuable free advice during the past years, that I decided to buy almost all of his books, to duly pay for it).

My final decision to order this film was based on Michael Reuben's recommendation elsewhere. And I think Phillip Seymour Hoffman is one of the strongest actors we currently have.

Cees

elden · 05-09-2008, 06:54 AM

Hi, I certainly agree with you. Your advice is really very helpful for us.

Thanks a lot!

JakeLip · 05-10-2008, 09:24 PM

I saw this in the theater and agree that it's one of the best things that came out last year. Just wanted to add my voice in support of it for now. The Blu-ray isn't a high priority at the moment but I would like to get it eventually. I too strongly reccomend at least a rental for those who haven't seen it.