Philip Seymour Hoffman

There is no evidence. There are no witnesses. But for one, there is no doubt.

If you didn’t know before you will know after this blog. Philip Seymour Hoffman is my favorite actor and I am a huge fan of his work. It is usually very difficult for me to pick favorites but I never have a doubt about him (pun intended). I am always surprised by his ability to envelop himself in a character. You believe that he is the person you see on screen.

Doubt is just another example. This movie gets inside your head and makes a home. You aren’t sure who you should side with but you’ll make a decision before the end; some to be disappointed.

Father Flynn: Where is your compassion?

Sister Aloysius: Nowhere you can get at it.

Sister Aloysius (Meryl Streep) is so sure of herself and so animated about her feelings that you find yourself wondering if she really is the good one. Then you watch Father Flynn (Hoffman) and you see his true intentions and you fall in love with his character. You want there to be a court case so that you can testify to his innocence. Philip Seymour Hoffman is Father Flynn and Father Flynn is Philip Seymour Hoffman. You are not confused by the two characters because Hoffman dives into his script and becomes the character.

There are actors out there that are clearly acting and it takes me out of the film and I leave knowing that it was staged. This film I wondered if this ever happened to Hoffman. As well as Streep, she was absolutely brilliant in this film. Hoffman has been in many films including Capote, Along Came Polly, Magnolia, and many more.

Watch Doubt. See Hoffman.

Sister Aloysius: Sister James...

Sister James: What is it, Sister?

Sister Aloysius: [crying] I have doubts. I have such doubts.