Philip Seymour Hoffman 1967 - 2014

PHILIP SEYMOUR HOFFMAN

1967 - 2014

 

It has now been three days since Philip Seymour Hoffman tragically died in his New York apartment from a suspected heroin overdose and just as is expected whenever a famous star dies, the worldwide media have flown in like vultures to try and uncover why this has happened. Sieving through every aspect of his private life, the so - called journalists of the media have done everything they can to try and discover why and how Hoffman died and if his personal life had contributed to his apparent suicide.  First and foremost as a fan of Philip Seymour Hoffman, I don't care what the circumstances are that surround his unexpected death and I certainly don't want to know the details of his dead body and the fact that a needle was found in his arm. For one thing, I don't think that has anything to do with any of us besides his family and friends and also I respected him enough as a hugely talented actor in life as to give his some level of dignity in death. Clearly, this is something the tabloids do not care about one iota and it sickens me to read the vitriolic almost venom filled attacks on his personal life and his various (alleged) motivations that led him to end his own life. As soon as a celebrity dies, it is as if the floodgates are opened for unscrupulous journalists to paw through the irrelvant details of a person's life to try and dig up as much dirt to fill the pages of their corrupt and completely single minded publications.

As a film critic, I have to watch a lot of movies on a weekly basis and due to his commitment to his profession, it was very common for Philip Seymour Hoffman to appear on screen on a fairly regular basis. Appearing in all genres of film from science fiction to thriller, Hoffman could completely become a character without having to alter his appearance or even affect a voice and this made him a very watchable and engaging cinematic prescence. While not all of the movies he starred in were necessarily good, he would always deliver a performance that far outshone the action taking place around him and for this reason he would go on to become known as one of the most indelible and reliable actors to be working in Hollywood. Many forget that he appeared in such popcorn fodder as Jan De Bont's rubbish but fun 'Twister' as the eccentric and motormouthed Dusty but even in such a schlocky and frankly silly film, Hoffman gave a performance that was far better than the rest of the cast did.

However, it is for the serious drama that Philip Seymour Hoffman really made an impact on the film world. From 'Almost Famous' to 'Punch Drunk Love', from 'Doubt' to 'Boogie Nights', he could effortlessly transform into a character or archetype that had never been seen before on film. To highlight some of his best performances, here is a quick rundown of some of his cinematic triumphs.

'Magnolia'

Dir. Paul Thomas Anderson 2000

Marking the third time that Hoffman worked with auteur director Paul Thomas Anderson, 'Magnolia' delivers a performance that showcased how he could genererate empathy and unbelieavable likabilty through a simple look into the camera lens or an unorthodox posture. Playing the doctor to the dying Earl (played brilliantly by Jason Robards), Hoffman gives a sympathetic and deeply lyrical portrayal of a man who just wants to help people, even if it means putting his own job at risk. Highlighting the more senstive side of Philip Seymour Hoffman, 'Magnolia' is a movie that will surely go down in the annals of film history as one of his absolute best.

'Synecdoche New York'

Dir. Spike Jonze 2008

The film may be all over the place, but Philip Seymour Hoffman makes 'Synecdoche New York' a must see for his utterly compelling portrayal of a man whose obsession takes him down a very dark path. Always willing to try and subvert expectations, Hoffman gives a performance that far outshines the film's annoyingly quirky and irritatingly postmodern flair.

'Boogie Nights'

Dir. Paul Thomas Anderson 1997

Despite having a very, very small role in Paul Thomas Anderson's bold and brilliant 'Boogie Nights', Hoffman stands out as a loyal fan whose loyalty turns into a crazed obsession. While Mark Wahlberg and Burt Reynolds got a large majority of the praise for the film, it is impossible to ignore Hoffman's needy and desperately lonely portrayal of a man who is simply looking for love, just not in the right places. As mentioned earlier, he could turn the smallest of roles into the most important and 'Boogie Nights' certainly shows this. 

'Punch Drunk Love'

Dir. Paul Thomas Anderson 2002

While Adam Sandler shines in this tale of romance, toilet plungers and yogurt pots, Hoffman steals the show as a psychotic, dangerous and very sweary owner of mattress store. The movie may not be for everyone, but if you are a fan of either Adam Sandler or Philip Seymour Hoffman, then I would definetly recommend this very strange and unforgettable picture.

'Doubt'

Dir. John Patrick Shanley

It may not be easy to act alongside the mighty Meryl Streep, but Hoffman holds his own in this stunning adaptation of John Patrick Shanley's controversial stage play. Playing a priest who is accused of sexually harassing an altar boy in the 1960's, Hoffman delivers one of his most intense and genuine performances and one that would earn him his third Academy Award nomination. If you haven't seen 'Doubt', you must for not only Philip Seymour Hoffman's intense but powerful performance but also for Meryl Streep's tyrannical and traditionally minded housemother. 

'Capote'

Dir. Bennett Miller

And of course, my favourite Philip Seymour Hoffman performance comes from the movie that won him his one and only Academy Award, Bennett Miller's fantastic 'Capote'. While technically Toby Jones played the part with a better sense of realism in the superior 'Infamous', Hoffman must not be ignored for his vocally perfect portrayal of the acerbic and sometimes dangerous writer. The film itself finds just the right balance of  being on Truman Capotes side and completely dismissing his simply vile actions he used to get the information he needs. As a character, we are not truly sure whether we like him but Philip Seymour Hoffman's delivery and commitment to the role makes 'Capote' a must see for anyone who loves great acting and perfect direction.

Despite only being 46 at the time of his death, Philip Seymour Hoffman's career rivals that of any of the true legends of cinema and I am sure it will not be long before his name appears in the pantheons of movie history along with Laurence Olivier, Peter 'O Toole and Charlton Heston. I am really going to miss him as an actor and the talent and passion he gave to every single one of his roles. He never bought his private life into his work and I hope that the parasites of the worlds media will have enough respect for his grieving family and his legacy to let this giant of cinema finally rest in peace.