By ED KOCH
“Before the Devil Knows You’re Dead” (+)
This gem of a movie could only have been improved upon and earned the title of best film noir ever if it had been in black and white instead of color, if it had taken place in Paris instead of New York City, and if French with English subtitles had been used. For sure, parts of the film are implausible, but who cares. The plot is near perfect and so is the acting of the entire cast.
The story concerns two brothers. The older brother, Andy (Philip Seymour Hoffman), is successful career-wise, but he is unhappily married and a cocaine addict. He regularly visits a luxurious apartment managed by a male character dressed in a kimono who injects drugs into the arms of his patrons. The younger brother, Hank (Ethan Hawke), is having an affair with Andy’s wife, Gina (Marisa Tomei), and he cannot afford the alimony payments due to his ex-wife (Amy Ryan) and his daughter.
The beloved mother of Hank and Andy is Nanette (Rosemary Harris) and their disapproving and uninvolved father is Charles (Albert Finney). A caper is planned to provide the money desperately needed by the brothers which requires the presence of a hood, Bobby (Brian F. O’Byrne). The caper is a monumental failure, and Bobby’s brother-in-law, Chris (Aleksa Palladino) demands satisfaction in the form of seeking to extort Hank. I’m being very careful in my description of the plot and action so as not to spoil a single moment of suspense for you. You will enjoy each element of the plot as it unfolds before you. The film is directed by Sidney Lumet, and I believe it will be perceived by the public as one of his best creations.
HS, who saw the film with me, says: “This movie has an absurd title and an unbelievable plot. Nonetheless, it is beautifully done and a pleasure to watch. It is like movies used to be: You tend to be absorbed, not terrified and not browbeaten. However, the film does have a message. It is the Fifth Commandment: ‘Honor thy father and thy mother, that thy days may be long on the land.’ ”
“Gone Baby Gone” (+)
The lead actor in this film is Casey Affleck, brother of Ben Affleck who directed the picture.
The plot is complicated, with several stories being told at the same time. A private detective, Patrick Kenzie (Casey Affleck), and his lover/partner, Angie Gennaro (Michelle Monaghan), are investigating the disappearance of a four-year old girl. The detectives were hired by the child’s aunt, Bea McCready (Amy Madigan), and her husband, Lionel (Titus Welliver), who were unhappy with the police investigation led by Jack Doyle (Morgan Freeman). The child’s mother, Helene (Amy Ryan), is a drug addict and her sister, Bea, blames her for the child’s kidnapping. The film, which is occasionally scary and bloody, also involves a philosophical issue over which Patrick is conflicted.
Casey Affleck can handle a wide range of emotions and is a better actor than his brother, but Ben did a fine job in his debut as a director. He grew up in Boston and his use of its environs in “Gone Baby Gone” adds to the picture’s intrigue. The accents of the principal and minor characters ring true and the performances of each of them is excellent. Although there are a number of unnecessary twists to the plot before everything is fully understood, the movie is gripping and held my attention from beginning to end. All in all you get your money’s worth.
Did you every think you would be paying $11 for a single admission ticket, $4.50 for a large cola and about the same for a bag of popcorn? Doubling those costs for two people and adding on the price of a baby sitter, a couple could have a very nice dinner in a modest Manhattan restaurant. You choose your restaurant, but let me choose your films.
“Blade Runner” (-)
I had never seen this 1982 film which is now playing at the Landmark’s Sunshine Cinema. Other than it being a classic sci-fi movie, I didn’t know much about it and honestly thought the term blade runner might have something to do with skating.
The location is Los Angeles and the year is 2020. Creatures have been created that are far better equipped than robots and are much smarter and stronger than the humans who made them. Some of these creatures have turned on their creators and escaped. Rick Deckard (Harrison Ford), a blade runner, is charged with locating and eliminating the escapees. The plot primarily concerns his fight with one of the machines.
“Blade Runner” is one of the most forgettable movies I have ever seen, notwithstanding the fact that there are long lines waiting to enter the theater where it has been playing for several weeks. Stay away. It’s dreck.
