The great Philip Seymour Hoffman stars in two of the most anticipated films of the fall film season: Sidney Lumet’s tense neo film noir BEFORE THE DEVIL KNOWS YOUâ??RE DEAD and the both witty and deeply moving THE SAVAGES, both film sensations at this years Toronto Film Festival. And then proving once again his versatility, he will provide super support to Tom Hanks and Julia Roberts in Mike Nichols’ CHARLIE WILSONâ??S WAR. Not since the likes of Dustin Hoffman and Al Pacino, who proved character faces could carry starring roles, has there been an actor who could move with such ease from small art films to big Hollywood productions. Perhaps someday an inspired casting director will pair that other terrifically talented 3 name Philip – Philip Baker Hall in a film (father and son)- that would be a truly terrific trifecta.
Well, Hoffman and Hall were both in Paul Thomas Anderson’s first three films together (though they only shared screentime in “Hard Eight”). But I agree, someone should pair them as a father and son (hopefully Anderson!).