Review of Before the Devil Knows You're Dead

I had a hard time watching this. The story was well written. Ironically even though it was edited in a non linear manner, the story itself is very linear without any noticeable plot holes, which I find to be rare in movies made in any era. The acting is outstanding, though every character is so depressed that it tends to bleed out of the screen and under your skin. It is worth it solely to see the outstanding lead performance of Phillip S. Hoffman. First time I noticed him was Mr. Ripley, and from that moment on I feel he has had no contemporary peers regarding acting talent, and this movie does not disappoint in that regard. Unlike similarly plotted movies of crimes going wrong with events spinning out of control, such as the immensely enjoyable Fargo, this film leaves you with relief simply because it is over. Just too depressing to fully enjoy.