Ethan Hawke revealed that a critical moment with Philip Seymour Hoffman during filming significantly influenced his performance in the 2007 crime drama
“Before the Devil Knows You’re Dead.”
The actor described how Hoffman’s candid criticism between takes helped him understand the essence of his character, strengthening their on-screen dynamic.
Insight into Their Working Relationship on Set
During an interview with Vanity Fair, Hawke recounted Hoffman’s blunt honesty as a defining experience. He recalled that Hoffman “didn’t suffer fools lightly” and treated each scene with intense seriousness. This approach made performing under Hoffman both challenging and inspiring, setting a high bar for the entire cast.
Hawke shared a moment from rehearsals when he admitted to Hoffman,
“I just have no idea who this guy is.”
Hoffman’s response was direct:
“’Cause you keep trying to play alpha, and I’m the alpha. Stop it.”
This correction allowed Hawke to discover the proper dynamic between their characters, emphasizing the underlying power struggle between brothers.
Plot Background Highlighting Brotherly Conflict
“Before the Devil Knows You’re Dead”
centers on two brothers, played by Hoffman and Hawke. The elder, a financially troubled broker, convinces his younger sibling to partake in robbing their family’s jewelry store. The heist fails disastrously, and their father, portrayed by Albert Finney, unknowingly pursues his own sons in retaliation, deepening the film’s tension and tragedy.
Director Sidney Lumet’s Role in Enhancing Performances
Hawke credited director Sidney Lumet with intensifying the sibling rivalry to elicit stronger performances from both actors. Lumet’s method involved stoking competitive energy, with Hawke recalling how the director would praise Hoffman daily while downplaying Hawke’s work, fostering a rivalry that sharpened their portrayals.
Hawke explained,
“I’d come in in the morning and Sidney would say, ‘I saw dailies last night. Phil is so good. He’s so good. You know, not since Marlon Brando have I seen work like that.’ And I’d be like, ‘Yeah, great, great. And my stuff was—.’ ‘Oh yeah, yeah, it was fine. I mean, it must be a real honor to work with him.’ I’m like, ‘Yeah, it is. It’s a real honor.’”
Reflection on the Intense Experience After Filming
Upon wrapping the movie, Hawke confronted Hoffman about the ongoing pressure of Lumet’s comparisons. He said,
“You know, this has been a great experience, but I’m so glad it’s over. Because if I gotta hear one more time from that old dog that, ‘Not since Marlon Brando have I seen work like this …’”
Hoffman’s reaction revealed Lumet’s equal admiration for Hawke:
“He said that to me every day about you.”
Together, they confronted Lumet, who admitted,
“Eh, you guys are so easy to play. It’s unbelievable.”
Significance of the Criticism in Defining Character Dynamics
Ethan Hawke’s candid account highlights how Philip Seymour Hoffman’s straightforward criticism became a catalyst for finding the authentic tension necessary in portraying complex brothers on screen. This intense creative process not only shaped their characters’ relationship but also contributed to the film’s raw emotional impact. The behind-the-scenes insights showcase the demanding yet rewarding collaboration that defined the performances in this acclaimed thriller.
