"Before The Devil Knows You're Dead" serves as a profound exploration of familial dysfunction, characterized by the stark performances of Ethan Hawke and Philip Seymour Hoffman, under the masterful direction of Sidney Lumet in his final cinematic endeavor.

Kyle was honored to be joined by Seth Keys and our guest host, Mozart Gabriel, who most recently directed Metallica's music video "Inamorata."

More on Mozart: Gabriel is the son of Native American famous artist Tony Abeyta, and up runner Project Runway season 11 star Patricia Michaels. Born in Santa Fé NM. Gabriel was raised in Chicago IL, till the age of 5 and moved back to his native Reservation Taos NM. From 2000-2003 Gabriel was home school in the fine arts in Venice Italy by his mother and his father who attended his Masters in NYU. Gabriel took part in theater in New York, and landed small parts with Nickelodeon, a Nisa commercial, and the Ron Howard film The Missing. Gabriel was A student for the 3 years he attended in Landmark School for his struggles in Dyslexia. Soon after he spent 2 years at the Chicago Academy of The Art's for Music and Media Arts. Graduating from From Vancouver Film School in 2012, along with his acceptance as a Sundance Institute Fellowship Writer. He worked in Nashville TN for 2 years producing Music Videos, for The Foxies, Stereo Specter, and Hannah Aldridge.

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The episode delves into the intricate dynamics of the characters, whose seemingly simplistic motivations rest beneath the surface of a heist gone awry—a narrative device that Lumet employs to expose the moral decay and emotional turmoil that permeate their lives. We examine how the screenplay, penned by Kelly Masterson, effectively intertwines elements of suspense with deeply personal stakes, reflecting the complexities of betrayal and desperation. As we dissect the film's thematic richness, we also contemplate the broader implications of its portrayal of New York City, challenging the notion of the metropolis as merely a backdrop, while recognizing its role as an active participant in the narrative. Join us as we unravel the layers of this compelling film, revealing insights that resonate with the essence of human frailty and aspiration.

Takeaways:

• The film 'Before The Devil Knows You're Dead' serves as a profound exploration of familial dysfunction, showcasing the dark undercurrents that can exist within perceived ordinary lives.
• Ethan Hawke and Philip Seymour Hoffman's performances are lauded for their depth, highlighting the nuanced portrayal of complex emotional states that resonate with audiences.
• The screenplay, penned by Kelly Masterson, reflects a remarkable debut at the age of 50, emphasizing the idea that it is never too late to pursue one's passion in filmmaking.
• Director Sidney Lumet's final film encapsulates his lifelong mastery of storytelling, blending tension and character development in a manner that is both compelling and unsettling.
• The film's editing style, reminiscent of works like 'Pulp Fiction', reinforces the narrative's urgency while maintaining a rhythmic flow that keeps viewers engaged throughout its duration.
• The use of New York City as a backdrop is subtly integrated, yet it raises questions about the authenticity of the setting, suggesting that the emotional landscape is more critical than the geographic one.

Companies mentioned in this episode:

• Columbia
• Vancouver Film School
• Sundance
• Metallica
• Smithsonian
• Harwood
• Coen Brothers
• Twilight
• Sidney Lumet
• 12 Angry Men
• Murder on the Orient Express
• Green Day
• Paramore
• Michael Jackson
• Mariah Carey
• Corn
• Switchfoot
• Kelly Masterson
• Snowpiercer

Mentioned in this episode:

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