review: Owning Mahowny

I have said it before and will say it again, “Philip Seymour Hoffman is possibly the best actor of his generation.” This film is a prime example of his luminosity. He was a peripheral genius in such fine films as “Happiness”, “Magnolia”, Boogie Nights”, “The Talented Mr. Ripley”, “The Big Lebowski”, “State and Main” and many others, but films such as “Flawless”, “Love Liza” (written by his brother and possibly Philip’s most BRILLIANT performance), “Capote” and this film really allow him the chance to show that he is second to none in his riveting ability to literally BECOME a character. This is a film about over indulgence in gambling and the desperate extents of compulsive addiction. However, thanks to Hoffman, it is also a portrayal of human vulnerability. It is a good script and a decent directorial work that is driven rapidly into the realm of remarkable by Hoffman’s capacity to act. If you are an enthusiast of great acting, enjoy a master at work in this one. A good film made paramount by the work of Mister P.H. Hoffman. BRAVO!