I've Been on a Philip Seymour Hoffman Movie Binge.

Here are my thoughts on some of the movies I've watched.

I’ve been studying the filmography of Philip Seymour Hoffman for the last week. I truly consider him one of the best actors of all time, not just of his generation. Losing him was such a devastating loss, not only for his loved ones, but for the art world.

Something I noticed while watching movies he was in, was that no matter how big or small his part, he was a scene stealer. He was just that great.

I’ve watched 17 of his movies over the last week or so, and here are my thoughts. I am listing these in the order in which they were released.

Disclaimer: I have seen more PSH movies than this, I am just mentioning the ones I recently watched.

Scent of a Woman (1992) - 5/5 Stars

This movie was so amazing. A beautiful remake of Profumo di Donna. Pacino won the Oscar for this film.

Fun fact: PSH said that if he didn’t get this film, his career wouldn’t have been what it was.

Flawless - (1999) 5/5 Stars

This movie right here. It was so unexpected. There is one star in this movie and I’ll give you a hint: It’s not De Niro. Hoffman plays “Rusty”, who was written (and directed) by Joel Schumacher. Hoffman flawlessly portrays Rusty, who I can honestly say is one of the most beautiful, magical, and endearing characters I’ve ever encountered in any movie, show, book, or play. PSH got much praise for this playing this delicate character. I give this movie 5/5 stars because the story is beautiful and PSH carried it on his back. In my mind, Rusty and Walt are still singing together in Rusty’s NYC apartment.

Love Liza (2002) - 4/5 Stars

This movie was just so sad. The story is devastating, but beautifully portrayed by PSH. Iconique Kathy Bates co-stars as his mother-in-law.

Fun Facts: This movie was written by PSH’s brother, Gordy Hoffman. This movie was PSH’s first leading role.

Punch Drunk Love (2002) - 4/5 Stars

This had been on my list for FOREVER. The Scene where Adam Sandler randomly kicks the glass door and shatters it is one of the funniest fuqing things I’ve ever seen. This movie was a slow burn for me. I wish we would have gotten more PSH, but he did such a great job playing a scumbag. Side note: Sandler is one of the few actors that I think seamlessly transitioned from doing comedic roles into doing more serious roles. It takes a special kind of talent to do that. Others who I think accomplished that: Robin Williams (The ULTIMATE. THEE KING). Jim Carrey. Steve Carrell.

Fun facts: This movie was one of several that PSH did with Paul Thomas Anderson. They were very close collaborators and Anderson even directed PSH’s son, Cooper, in his only role to date, Licorice Pizza. Cooper’s performance was met with much acclaim and I truly hope we got more projects out of him.

Along Came Polly (2004) - 2/5 Stars

This is genuinely one of the worst movies I’ve ever seen. PSH was absolutely the saving grace in this one. I’m so serious. In my mind, I kept thinking, “Please let PSH be in the next scene.” He was the star. The conference room scene is one of the funniest things I’ve ever seen and I watch it randomly when I want to feel something.

Capote (2005) - 5/5 Stars

I had seen this movie before I started my binge, but there was no way that I could leave it off this list, as it is truly the movie that put him on the map and made his stock go up. He won tons of awards, including an Oscar. It’s a perfect movie, no notes.

Fun facts: This movie was written by Dan Futterman who had many roles, but for me, THEE MOST ICONIQUE role he ever had was that of “Val” in the perfect film, The Birdcage. The movie was directed by Bennett Miller. PSH, Futterman, and Miller had been friends since they were very young and finally got to collaborate together on this film and they knocked it out of the park. PSH lost 40 lbs. for this role.

Something I noticed while watching these movies was how often PSH had repeat co-stars. Capote is 1 of 3 films he appeared in with Catherine Keener, who starred as none other than Ms. Nelle Harper Lee.

The Savages (2007) - 4/5 Stars

This movie was fun. Laura Linney and PSH had a great chemistry as siblings caring for their absentee ailing father Philip Bosco (who will ALWAYS be Vincenzo from It Take Two to me).

Before the Devil Knows You’re Dead (2007) - 4/5 Stars

This movie was brutal and anxiety inducing, but I couldn’t look away. PSH’s performance was the most captivating and filled with such intensity. These characters were miserable and you could feel it through the screen. The chemistry between PSH and Hawke was so strong, although devastating. Marisa Tomei did such a good job playing the delicate, timid, doe-eyed wife that felt like a loser. This is a movie I only need to watch once because of how intense it is.

Fun fact: This was Sidney Lumet’s last movie and he was a hero of PSH’s. PSH had gotten the script from Sidney years ago and used his newfound power in Hollywood to help get the movie made. This movie was a chance for him to work with Sidney and his buddy, Ethan Hawke, who he’d known since the early ‘90’s.

Charlie Wilson’s War (2007) 4/5 Stars

This movie was so fun. Such a powerhouse cast. While the subject matter was serious, it was still clever and smart. PSH was nominated for an Oscar for best supporting Actor, which he rightfully earned. I did not read the book.

Fun fact: This was 1 of 3 movies PSH and Amy Adams did together.

Synecodoche, New York (2008) - 3/5 Stars

This movie was weird, but totally on brand for the writer/director, Charlie Kaufman (Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, Adaptation, Being John Malkovich). I was frustrated by this movie, but then I thought about it and realized I just wasn’t understanding it. That’s upsetting because I’m usually pretty good at catching things and analyzing themes, but this one went over my head. The acting was great, it was just a post-modern, psych drama film that I didn’t fully vibe with. I may rewatch to see if it hits different one day. It was nominated for the Palm d’Or at Cannes and is considered one of the greatest films of the 21st century.

Mary & Max (2009) - 5/5 Stars

This was so pure and beautiful. Not gonna lie, I am kind of creeped out by stop-motion animation, but I gave this one a chance because of the cast. This is an adult animated film that covers a lot of very real and raw themes. I highly recommend it.

Fun fact: PSH and director Adam Elliot never met in person. PSH recorded everything over Skype while in London doing a play.

Jack Goes Boating (2010) - 5/5 Stars

This movie is beautiful. Truly raw and heartfelt. This movie had me crying and laughing with it’s examination of romantic relationships. This was PSH’s only film directing credit and was originally performed at The LAByrinth Theater Company, which PSH helped found in 1992 and was involved in until his death.

Fun facts: This was 1 of PSH’s 3 movies to do with Amy Ryan. PSH, Daphne Rubin-Vega, and John Ortiz reprised their roles from the stage production for this movie.

The Ides of March (2011) - 4/5 Stars

This move was absolutely haunting and very eye-opening. I know this is just a movie, but I absolutely believe it is an accurate portrayal of what happens behind the scenes in the political world. The corruption. The secrets. So real. This movie is based on the play, Farragut North and I would loved to see it.

The Master (2012) - 5/5 Stars

Whew. This movie. It was so sad. Joaquin Phoenix was absolutely amazing. His posture ALONE in this movie deserves an award. He and PSH just fed off of each other’s energy and the result was fantastic. I’ve spent a lot of time thinking about this movie and read a lot of theories of what it’s really about. I have come to the conclusion that Dodd saw himself in Freddie. He noticed that damaged, troubled, wandering soul because that used to be him, and on some level, it still is. They were kindred spirits. I think Dodd saw Freddie as what Dodd would have been if he hadn’t tamed himself. Although, Dodd wasn’t totally tamed, as we saw when he lost his temper and indulged in drinking. Dodd wanted so bad to help Freddie and save him. The ending was very emotional to watch and I could totally feel the deep love and affection between them.

Fun facts: Paul Thomas Anderson has said that this is his favorite film he’s ever made. Phoenix and PSH were both nominated for Oscars for this movie.

A Late Quartet (2012) - 4/5 Stars

This was a nice watch. I’m a huge fan of stringed instruments, so that, combined with the amazing cast was a great plus. It was really sweet and I see it as a comfort movie.

Fun fact: The actors had to learn to play their instruments for this role.

God’s Pocket (2014) - 4/5 Stars

I really enjoyed this. PSH is the star. Just a small time criminal trying to survive on the streets of South Philly while subplots unravel around him. The supporting cast was so great.

Fun fact: This was John Slattery’s directorial film debut and I love that he cast his buddy Christina Hendricks from Mad Men.

A Most Wanted Man (2014) - 5/5 Stars

This movie was absolutely amazing. I did not read the book, but I’m sure it was great. I feel such affection for PSH’s character and the plot is amazing. And the sexual tension between Bachmann and Irna *chef’s kiss*. The cast is star studded and it’s just a great movie. I couldn’t find anything wrong with it. I’m a huge fan of action/spy movies, but I think even if you aren’t, you will like this.

Fun fact: This was the final movie that was finished and previewed before PSH’s death.

Do you have any thoughts on these movies, on Philip Seymour Hoffman, or on any movies not listed here? Leave a comment below because I would love to hear it!

Always,

Hype