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

17 wins & 27 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 | violence | death | sex scene | sibling rivalry | 

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Taglines:

Greed. Betrayal. Revenge. Families can be murder.

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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:

7 December 2007 (USA)

Also Known As:

Tödliche Entscheidung

Filming Locations:

Queens, New York City, New York, USA

Box Office

Budget:

$18,000,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend:

$73,837 (USA) (26 October 2007)

Gross:

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

Company Credits

Production Co:

Capitol Films, Funky Buddha Productions, Unity Productions

Technical Specs

Runtime:

117 min

Sound Mix:

SDDS Dolby Digital DTS (as dts)

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Sidney Lumet said that the scene between Philip Seymour Hoffman and Marissa Tomei in the car when Philip Seymour Hoffman has his breakdown was one of the most extraordinary scenes of acting that he had ever been involved with.

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Goofs

When Andy and Hank break into Justin's apartment, a camera shadow can briefly be seen on a wall tracking past.

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Quotes

Dex: You don't look happy. Mind if I call you "Groucho"?
Andrew 'Andy' Hanson: No, I don't mind.

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Connections

References Easy Rider (1969)

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Soundtracks

The Pride
(2006)
Written by Christopher Ziter, Alexandra Bell, Jeffrey Baron
Performed by Essex Green (as The Essex Green)
Courtesy of Merge Records
By Arrangement with Bank Robber Music

User Reviews

Lumet brings another masterpiece

Director Sidney Lumet has made some masterpieces,like Network,Dog Day Afternoon or Serpico.But,he was not having too much luck on his most recent works.Gloria (1999) was pathetic and Find Me Guilty was an interesting,but failed experiment.Now,Lumet brings his best film in decades and,by my point of view,a true masterpiece:Before the Devil Knows You're Dead.I think this film is like a rebirth for Lumet.This movie has an excellent story which,deeply,has many layers.Also,I think the ending of the movie is perfect.The performances are brilliant.Philip Seymour Hoffman brings,as usual,a magnificent performance and he's,no doubt,one of the best actors of our days.Ethan Hawke is also an excellent actor but he's underrated by my point of view.His performance in here is great.The rest of the cast is also excellent(specially,the great Albert Finney) but these two actors bring monumental performances which were sadly ignored by the pathetic Oscars.The film has a good level of intensity,in part thanks to the performances and,in part,thanks to the brilliant screenplay.Before the Devil Knows You're Dead is a real masterpiece with perfect direction,a great screenplay and excellent performances.We need more movies like this.