A MOST WANTED MAN, Philip Seymour Hoffman's final film

[Someone in a Tree2]

Posted: 7/27/14 at 10:32pm

Finally, a terrifically adult summer movie, courtesy a John LeCarre story set in contemporary Hamburg. Amazing to see a film about spies and back-channel intrigue with virtually no violence or gunplay. Once you've seen it, I'd love to hear what you thought of the ending. I'm still on the fence, but it's certainly refreshing to get something other than the expected Hollywood ending.

And when all is said and done, here is yet another titanic performance from the actor with truly no peer, the ever-mourned Philip Seymour Hoffman. Any weaknesses elsewhere in the casting (I'm looking at you, Willem Dafoe) matter not a whit when you get to enjoy every morsel of Hoffman's work in tight focus from first frame to last. His work here matches the care-worn precision he brought to his Willy Loman on Broadway, and reminds us again as if we need any reminder what a precious gift we've lost with his passing.

[ucjrdude902]

Posted: 7/28/14 at 1:34pm

Hoffman's performance is getting insane reviews and strong (although early) Oscar buzz.