Philip Seymour Hoffman left the world too damn soon. His personal demons aside, Hoffman was one hell of an actor and seeing remaining projects like this just reminds me of that fact. Our very own Chris Bumbray reviewed the movie earlier this year at the Sundance Film Festival. While he was less than enthusiastic about it, this trailer may convince you otherwise.
Featuring an acclaimed cast of actors who would warrant viewing on their own, GOD’S POCKET looks like the type of drama to get excited about. However, such is the way with trailers, GOD’S POCKET is described as a black comedy. I did get some maniacal chuckles from this trailer but the word comedy never entered my head. Still, this looks like an intriguing project.
Philip Seymour Hoffman and Christina Hendricks star in this deliciously twisted comedy directed by Mad Men’s John Slattery. When Mickey’s (Hoffman) crazy stepson Leon is killed in a construction “accident,” nobody in the working class neighborhood of God’s Pocket is sorry he’s gone. Mickey tries to bury the bad news with the body, but when the boy’s mother demands the truth, Mickey finds himself stuck in a life-and-death struggle between a body he can’t bury, a wife he can’t please and a debt he can’t pay. Also stars John Turturro and Richard Jenkins.
John Slattery has directed several episodes of MAD MEN but this marks his feature directorial debut. While I cannot say that he brings anything wholly unique to the project, the sheer fact that he cast Christina Hendricks is worth the price of admission. Between this, THE HUNGER GAMES: MOCKINGJAY, and A MOST WANTED MAN, Philip Seymour Hoffman looks to be having a banner year. What a shame.
GOD’S POCKET opens May 9th, 2014.