Actor in Focus: Phillip Seymour Hoffman

Philip Seymour Hoffman is definitely one of my favorite actors. Why you ask? Over the years, I've seen him play a variety of characters, and with each new role, he seems to transform into that character; this is what makes him an incredible actor. His taste in choosing the right roles is impeccable, as well. He has won one Academy Award and been nominated for another.

Movie Reel: A quick synopsis and review of the films I've seen in which he's had a leading role. Click on the title for a link to the Netflix Page.

Happiness:

This film is about a bunch of intertwined weirdoes trying to find happiness in their lives. Philip Seymour Hoffman plays a man who likes to phone random people and tricking them into phone sex. This movie was a little too creepy for me. The plotlines themselves weren't bad; I liked the plotline about Joy and found the others pretty interesting. However, there was just too much child molestation and masturbation for me to find this movie enjoyable.

Punch-Drunk Love:

Barry Egan, a loner with an anxiety disorder, meets a woman and they feel a connection between each other. But Barry has to deal with the troubles in his life including his anxiety problem, harassment from his sisters, and his credit card number being used by a phone sex number he called. This movie is strange, but that’s what I like about it. There’s a lot of symbolism, so be sure to look for it. Philip Seymour Hoffman’s character, the man behind the phone sex scandal, definitely delivered my favorite line, “Shut the f - - - up!” Paul Thomas Anderson directs.

Capote:

Philip Seymour Hoffman plays the title character of Truman Capote. The plot follows
Capote as he writes his book In Cold Blood, a book about the gruesome murder of a family in Kansas. This movie comes together as a fascinating look at his interaction with the criminals who committed the crime. This movie will easily captivate your attention and keep it until the end. Catherine Keener co-stars as Lee Harper. Hoffman won an Academy Award for Best Actor, Catherine Keener was nominated for Best Supporting Actress; other Academy Award nominations for the film include Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Adapted Screenplay.

The Savages:

This is another slice of life film. Hoffman stars alongside Laura Linney as a brother and sister who have to deal with putting their father with increasingly worsening dementia in a nursing home while simultaneously dealing with the issues in their own lives and reconnecting with one another. This film is incredibly realistic. Not only are the characters relatable, but the plot is, too. Laura Linney received an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress and the film was nominated for Best Original Screenplay.

Before the Devil Knows You're Dead:

Hoffman and Ethan Hawk play brothers Andy and Hank Hanson. They are both so desperate for money that they decide to rob their parents' jewelry store. However, their plan goes horribly wrong. The premise to this movie seemed a lot more interesting to me than what it turned out to be. It wasn't a bad film, just a bit of a letdown for me.

Charlie Wilson's War:

This movie is based on the true story of Congressman Charlie Wilson(Tom Hanks). Wilson uses his efforts as a Congressman to help supply weapons to the Mujadein of Afghanistan so the people can protect themselves against the Soviet invasion, the largest covert operation in history. Philip Seymour Hoffman plays Gust, a worker at the CIA who partners with Wilson. I enjoyed this movie because I can't say I knew much (ok, anything) about this subject. Hoffman was hilarious in his role and worked nicely with Hanks. My only complaint is that it seemed to end abruptly, which left me kind of unsatisfied.


Upcoming Movies: The previews for these movies have been released and these films look like they’re going to be good. So hit save on the Netflix page or check them out in the theater. (Warning: You may not want to read the reviews on the Netflix page since sometime reviews give away important parts in the plot. I’ve had movies spoiled for me that way so be careful!)

Synecdoche, New York
Theatrical release date: October 24, 2008(limited)
IMDB Page
Netflix Page
After his wife (Catherine Keener) leaves him, theater director Caden Cotard(Hoffman) decides to build life-size replica of Manhattan inside a warehouse for his new autobiographical play. As time goes on, new struggles arise in his life and the line between reality and his play blur.

Doubt
Theatrical release date: December 12, 2008 (limited)
IMDB Page
Netflix Page
Meryl Streep plays a strict nun who wants to rid the church of the new friendly priest(Hoffman). She uses his closeness to a boy to try to incriminate him and get him kicked out of the school. Amy Adams also stars. My brief synopsis doesn’t sound nearly as exciting and intense as the trailer looks, so be sure to check it out.