Friday, December 21, 2007

Before the Devil Knows You're Dead

Forget No Country for Old Men - this is the real great crime film of 2007. Don't get me wrong, No Country was good, but this film has it beat. It gives us an interesting plot and great characterization, not to mention a satisfying ending (you listening, Coen brothers?). Before the Devil Knows You're Dead is the latest film from Sidney Lumet (Dog Day Afternoon, Network), an old-timer who still knows how to tell a story, and to tell it well.
An interesting sidenote: the movie was filmed on HD video, but I couldn't even tell until I read an article which mentioned it. Apparently, Lumet will never shoot on film again, and predicts that everyone will abandon film within five years. Remember my little talk about Zodiac and how film is dead? Well, when veterans like Lumet and Altman (who shot his last few features on video) decide to give up film, that really says something.
Great movie, don't hesitate to see it.

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