Phillip Seymour Hoffman was on the highest possible level of Acting. He was hands down, the best of his generation. He inhabited the very essence of all his characters.
blessed to have met actors and contemporaries of his that worked with him. Man was a pro, in every sense, and as an actor/freelance artist; an artistic inspiration.
His gift is what killed him. I think the filmmaking of Synecdoche New York is what made him give up on life. If I was had to play that sad of a character so well I would kill myself too
The open window was a great metaphor. "Who keeps opening my window?", she says as she slams it down shut. Symbolic of how she likes to keep a tight check on things that may slip into her tightly controlled world without her approval.
Joel Z. Williams It's actually a weirdly obvious callback to PSH's speech about gossip, when he cuts the pillow and lets the feathers fly everywhere from the window.
Very good point there. It makes me think of another scene shown much earlier in the film. The priest wants to do a Frosty The Snowman play but the nun disapproves of it saying its pagan or something (regarding the hat that brings Frosty to life), and I think she personally fabricated these claims to get rid of him from the school.
Joel Z. Williams Or could it show her lapse in judgment, and willingness to blame others? She could've very well opened her window prior, yet with her certainty and suspension, she may have forgotten she did and just blamed someone else. If she runs such a tight ship then she would know and cease any windows being opened in her own office.
@@ADHDmenace1118 But,she wouldn't open the window,she never does nor wants it to open. She's certain she didn't,but as shown in the movie, some things is unexplained left without complete answer.
Rest in peace again; I have chills. I am so terribly sad for the loss of this brilliant soul and good man. May his children and family find comfort in knowing we moviegoers loved him, too. So many incredible performances. My heart goes out to everyone who knew him intimately.
rodeopac Thank you. Everyone is really feeling it. I can't believe he and Heath Ledger were up for Oscars the same year, too. I just watched that footage from the Oscars 2006. I bawled like a baby when Ledger died. I think I've run out of tears.
Yeah, it does a good job in dividing the general audience. But in reality, people who choose to be catholic will definitely take side with the school principal. The portrayal of the priest is a bit too unrealistic for catholic community... especially when he tries to adopt secular Christmas song, he looks very vulnerable to abuse his authority and popularity.
The way the nuns and the priests were portrayed in the movie, it gave us impression that modernization in the priesthood means leaving the door wide open for hedonism, commercialism and disrespect towards traditional values.
Streep's certainty and Hoffman's smugness make one lean toward his guilt. The one "out" that occurs to me about this film is that Hoffman's character may not have abused the boy, but rather recognized that the boy was homosexual because the priest was also, and attempted to bond with the boy as a comfort and bolster through the hardships he knew he would endure. That is the most benign reading I can give it and the only one that makes my "doubt" of his guilt linger.
@@user-om9fw4ce4e The problem is, all of the "clues" in the movie are designed to be read two ways-either as evidence of guilt or innocence. You're NOT supposed to be able to tell which he is. That's the point of the movie. And if you think you ARE sure, then you haven't paid close enough attention.
The priest gave the boy wine. Also, innocent people say, No, I did not do that, I would never. Guilty people say How could you know that, you have no proof.
Even if he didn’t do it, the way he high hats her by opening the window in her office, sitting in her seat, telling her not to pick up the papers and basically rubbing the hierarchy in her face is super annoying. She was looking for excuses to dislike him but he sure as hell gave them to her
I had forgotten about this movie, saw it when it first came out and I was a young woman. The story is relatable to my own life growing up Catholic with a brother who was abused by a priest. Seeing this clip again, now being a mature woman, I can relate to becoming formidable as I get older. There is nothing to fear and the truth is the power.
not at all. for me it seems clear that this scene and the entire film is more about the problematic nature of sister aloysius's approach to her faith--her need for certainty in an uncertain world.... i think it's more to the point that he was innocent. his rage toward her is that much more justified and understandable considering that he was innocent..... if he was actually guilty, im not sure he would have been this unhinged. people who are guilty but feigning innocence are cold and calculated in their defense, whereas he's completely emotionally unraveled and exhausted in his efforts to prove his innocence (im not so sure he'd never done anything in the past, but i really don't think he did anything to donald)
@@fluff975 Well said! When I watch this scene, I absolutely believe he's innocent. I would be emotional and furious too, were I the priest. Of course, other scenes in the movie make you doubt his innocence as well. PSH was such a phenomenal actor.
This scene he wanted to know how did he act in a certain way that would cause her to think this way. It's almost as if he wanted tips on how NOT to get caught when he does it again.
Have you ever been accused of something you didn't do? This is the end of the movie. This woman is destroying his reputation and he's been remarkably cool up until this point.
To some people, it doesn't matter how the priest reacted. If hes defensive, he's guilty. If he's does nothing, he's guilty. If he blinked too hard at her questions, he's guilty. I think people are (understandably) so against child sexual abuse, just like Streeps character, that if someone is under accusation for it, any little thing they do is scrutinized that will support their belief that he is guilty.
So many scenes in which he pulls rank in order to intimidate her. The way he continually demonizes her (an early scene where he comments "The dragon is hungry"). They way he happily enjoys good food and sugar in his tea, knowing the nuns do not. All shows me the fundamental disrespect he has for the nuns. He truly believes they are beneath him. I think a man who truly cared for the children and who had respect for nuns as human beings would understand that there ARE predators in the church, and would offer some understanding and assurance to a nun who was acting protectively. But his confrontations reveal a preoccupation with himself and his reputation, and he takes everything she does and says personally.
His character is such a hypocrite! He accuses the sister of not being progressive, but later when she tells him that she spoke to a nun at his previous parish, he gets angry at her for not speaking to the priest, and reminds her that she answers "to us". He's not so progressive as he would like to think.
Oh she called his bluff. Either way, this Movie was amazing. Did you ever see Heaven Help Us. It's a Teen Comedy but one of The Brothers named Constance was a real SOB who liked abusing the Boys.
Oh really! I thought I was the only one who liked that Movie. Isn't it amazing that so much Talent came from this Movie. Brat Packer Kevin McCarthy, Patrick Dempsey before he became Dr. McDreamy, Kevin Dillon who did Entourage, and Yeardley Smith before she voiced Maggie Simpson and Mary Stuart Masterson from Some Kind Of Wonderful.
“What are you doing in this school?.. Even more the point, what are you doing in the priesthood??” Exactly. He is guilty. You can tell by how he reactively tried to deflect, distract, & project after being point-blank confronted.
@@vasvas8914 I found Streep to be repugnant as well. When I look at her actions throughout the film, I truly believe she was capable and willing to destroy an innocent man's life based on nothing more than suspicion.
Let's be honest here. IF he didn't do anything improper(pretty sure he did), that nun would have still wanted him out, because he was wanting progression, and she was a traditionalist.
I Just went through this movie paying close attention to background themes. He definitely was a predetor. But he wasnt molesting Donald he was molesting the two white boys. The very first shot was one of them getting out of bed. He had Three flowers in his book and when he sat down conceding to the nun he took only two flowers out. He was reminiscing over his two possessions. Knowing he has to leave them. Donald the third flower was bonded with him but not as a conquest Donald was a reflection of his own homosexual repression. There are soo many hidden gems that show the truth. Too many to list. One is his urgency for the nun to call the Bishop. This is most likely the man she saw Flynn in a friendly embrace with outside her window. He doesn't back down untill she mentions going over the bishops head. Rage. Then panic. Outside the candy store was St Lawrence St. Shown several times. "St lawrence was known as a martyr". The nun mentions the pastor was given a promotion and sent to be the Pastor of "St Jerome church and school" St Jerome was sent to Rome by his father where he had pagan influence and indulged shamelessly in hedonistic pleasures. So Pastor Flynn Martyrd himself to protect the Bishop from her prying, and the bishop sent Pastor Flynn somewhere where he could go play freely. When it was mentioned to her that Donald misses Pastor Flynn greatly. This is where her doubt set in. She knew in her gut what Flynn was but was wrong about Donald. She focused her attention on the wrong boy. Rewatch this movie knowing he is a predetor. From the moment he is accused he shows his true colors. Using the church's podium as a personal counter attack, then approaching the weaker nun alone to charm her. He uses the "were the same" manipulation. The mark of a sociopath. He tries thia with the stronger nun but she sees thru. Several times he mentions or plays the victim of progressive thinking and for giving love. NAMBLA rhetoric. Watch this movie again, pay attention to the lamps and lights as well
+John E In this plot, a white roman catholic school, a pedophile would never try to approach a white boy! Pedophiles only target isolated, introvert kids, which Donald happens to be one of them due to his race and sexual orientation. As you can see, all the white boys in this movie are outspoken and loud, the blond boy, William London, for instance, would never keep quiet if that priest ever tried to touch him sexually!
Im thinking now he popped all three but donald wasnt really a posession cause he wanted it, thats what the mother eluded to. I think Flyn likes the hunt, likes to break the stronger personalities. Look at the way he. Pulles only two of the three flowers out of the book at the end touching them, like reminiscing. Just like Dexter and his slides. Flynn was giving up two conquests. Also kids often act out with behavioral problems like that after being molested.
John E That seems like a conspiracy theory to me :). I still believe that Flynn molested Donald and the boy's mother knows of it. Anyway, it's just the point of this movie, they got us all rolling in doubt.
He's clearly the talent. She dodges and pressures him, but he gets her to admit bias and stays clean. She can't prove wrong doing, and he successfully confronts an attack on his character and judgement.
He resigned, he was a man and had favor and yet he still feared that leveraging those things wouldn’t be enough to beat her. He made the better arguments, but her unrelenting suspicion and feeding of bread crumbs along the way made him desperate and induced his fear.
@@cunningfox7838 To me, it seems it was creating a hostile environment and the issue was a technical one, taking blame for not outing the student for the wine. Rather than sending her out, he was promoted elsewhere. She was left with doubt in the end.
@@whiteowl87 I think they both suffer from doubt. He is a priest, and if this principle is launching baseless accusations like this she is a danger to all of those children and all the employees at the school quite frankly. It’s his duty to get her removed, but he doubted how he would fare and he did not have faith and so he resigned. But you are right, she was left doubt as well. Something I noticed this time around: the boy was called to the rectory, in order for the priests story to add up Donald would have to have drank the alcohol before then, But no strange behavior was exhibited from the child before he went, which means the alcohol is consumed during the visit. This seems like a major plot hole unless I missed something.
@@cunningfox7838super late reply, forgive me, but I just saw the film today lol. Sister James says she smelled alcohol in the breath of the black student Flynn is suspected of having an inappropriate relationship with after he returns from their visit but it’s entirely possible for him to have drank the wine beforehand and for her not to smell it on his breath because she didn’t approach or talk to him directly prior to his departure from the class. Then once he returns and she checks up on him since he was distraught she likely got close enough to smell it. As for his acting sad after returning, it could be that he’s ashamed for having disappointed a man he looks up to so much by drinking the communion wine.
This movie is about so much more than simply her suspicion and his denial. It's about the politics of the Catholic Church, the power given toward the men over the women, political attitudes toward progressive education and more. She already didn't like him because of his new education methods and attitudes, so she was looking for even half a reason to get rid of him. At the same time, he just might have given her one.
The old blind nun they're trying to help hide her blindness so she doesn't get sent to the old nun's home where they're treated poorly illustrates this power dynamic. Contrast the nuns eating their spartan meals in the school cafeteria with the priests living it up in their mansion of a rectory, dining on rare roast beef, drinking booze, smoking, laughing. Amy Adams can't have a cough drop but the priest dumps extra sugars in his tea.
@@diannecarroll4087 Absolutely. I know a retired Catholic priest and he conveyed to me that the contrasts between the male and female clergy experiences was perfectly depicted. The leadership hierarchy of the church is all male and has never been subtle about its favorable treatment to men. The priest told me that the men got all sorts of perks, including expense accounts, paid trips, flexibility with their living arrangements, etc. The nuns, on the other hand, had to make do with the absolute least possible.
This is such a fucking great film. He was a magician. I remember watching this thinking ... WHAT ACTOR TAKES THIS HORRIBLE ROLE??? (and still seems like and awesome person personally) ..... A GREAT ONE.
His out in this scene was his eagerness to know how she knew. Like saying " what convinced you? Or something of that nature shouldnt be on his mind as an innocent man.. his eagerness and frustration was the why? Instead of what shes actually accusing him of. He takes importance and pride in hiding his steps ( clean fingernails) so someone seeing through his act ,him not covering his tracks perfectly brings him to rage
Hoffman was incredible in this movie. My opinion will be unpopular, but I think he even deserved to win an Oscar for this performance over Heath Ledger
I've watched this movie like 3 or 4 times and each time I come up with a different answer on whether or not I think he did it. Hoffman is amazing in this, I would've loved to see him win an Oscar for it but obviously there was Ledger that year (although I think you could've easily had Hoffman in the lead actor category for that role, in which case he would've easily deserved to win)
@@user-om9fw4ce4e It's pretty easy to imagine he just had some other unrelated misdeed in a previous parish that she would've found out about and he didn't want exposed
Superb and flawless acting. I attend Catholic school in the 60's and the Director nailed perfectly the details and actions as well as the vast worlds apart were the lives of the nuns and the lives of the priests. Priests could own property, smoke, drink and enjoy life while the nuns took vows of poverty and owned nothing. As a young lady, I noticed this difference and never understood it. After watching the movie many times, my observation is that William London recoiled from Father Flynn because the priest had grabbed his hand asking if the young man had washed his hands who said he had. Father Flynn asked then why were they a different color than his face and neck which all the students laughed at William. Sister Aloysius had not observed the entire dialogue and, therefore, assumed the worst of William London's reaction to Father Flynn which was the basis for Sister Aloysius' relentless suspicions. Father Flynn weighed all his options and resignation/transfer was the best choice. I am sure he had some type of transgressions, however, being a sexual predator was not one of them--in this play turned movie. Sister Aloysius would stop at nothing to ruin Father Flynn's reputation.
"Priests could own property, smoke, drink and enjoy life while the nuns took vows of poverty and owned nothing. As a young lady, I noticed this difference and never understood it." No, it's not social injustice. All nuns belong to religious orders. All monks belong to religious orders. Some priests belong to religious orders, but most do not, and so are called diocesan or "secular" priests. Yes, i went to the same schools in the 60's, and i never learned anything about the faith either. That was by design, through nefarious forces within the Church herself, following the Council. Had to learn it on my own later.
Patricia Holloway True. Father Flynn resigned before the problem could blow out of proportions. Spreading gossip is one thing, rummaging through his past and furthermore his private life is crossing the line.
They are both such excellent, excellent actors. It is a real tragedy that the brilliant talent Philip Seymour Hoffman left us so early. Stoners, BEWARE. This could one day happen to you. Wasted talent is such a tragedy. Drugs of all kinds risks it.
@@mike8984ify Not true. The marijuana that is out there today is far more potent than what existed in the 60s, 70s, 80s, and even the 90s. There is a dramatically high risk of heart problems and stroke from pot us. Also, there is a heightened rick of psychosis and permanent brain alteration. Look it up.
I gotta' rent this movie or something......It was on TV earlier, and I was taking a nap on the sofa ( it's Sunday afternoon...)......when I was jolted awake be Hoffman's ranting & raving about something. So I only saw about the last 15 minutes.
The fundamental tension between understanding certain patterns of behavior and having concrete evidence or proof of a misdeed. How many people have been victimized right under the noses of others because there was no "proof"? And yet, someone who understands how predators operate can see the red flags very clearly. This is why the film is brilliant. Yes, you need clear evidence to put someone behind bars. But at what point would you take action to protect truly powerless potential victims in your charge? When you don't know for sure, would you err on the side of overlooking real abuse, or on the side of protecting children from a possible predator?
I think he did, sister A was not the only suspicious nun the innocent sister brought it to her and she was suspicious first which is why she went to the locker. The boy that's always pulling away from father F and doesn't like him at all. I think when the innocent sister became suspicious it was a huge foreshadow for his guilt. Being innocent sister James didn't and couldn't fathom his guilt. With father f leaving so quick, the kid that's always pulling away and the sister who couldn't and would never be suspicious without cause because she sees the world so purely then sister A was kind of suspicious even before sister James brought it to her it to me points to guilt
Not to mention ,scene where he was saying goodbye ,why did the camera focus on London? And why did London look happy? Why did London lean back I'm nail scene? London was a victim as well.
I find it crazy how many people in the comments are “unsure” of the priest’s guilt. Anyone who has ever been abused and watches this movie will be sure to see the signs right away. Doubt doesn’t come from nowhere, and it only stays if it can’t be explained away.
@@gamemaster2311 Yes, there is, even the writer made it clear. Watch the movie again carefully. The priest is guilty but the victim is not Donald, it's Jimmy Hurley. The sister's doubts at the end are not about his guilt, but about the church, as an insitution. They knew he was guilty and got him a promotion.
I used to believe he was innocent at first, Meryl Streep's character does sort of come off like a negative individual looking to drag him down based on her own projections. Ive dealt with people hating on me at jobs based on absolutely nothing, and until you set them strait and defend yourself they will keep doing it. So I wanted him to be innocent, I wonder if the sister would like me if I came in as a priest because she is very old school, and the father is slightly more laid back and agreeable (like myself) but alas I do believe her suspicions were correct.
The priest was guilty but the victim was not Donald, it was Jimmy Hurley. Watch the movie again carefully. And the nun's doubts at the end are not about his guilt, but about the church, as an institution. They knew he was guilty and got him a promotion.
@@tutunepan492 That's Diana's opinion, not a fact. The movie/play is supposed to be ambiguous. Analyze the dialogue, research the play online and draw your own conclusion.
This Is Where You Watch Synecdoche New York This Is Where You Watch Capote And He’s Like The Master Or Along Came Polly Or The Talented Mr Ripley Punch Drunk Love And Hunger Games Films RIP To Him!
Phillip Seymour Hoffman was on the highest possible level of Acting. He was hands down, the best of his generation. He inhabited the very essence of all his characters.
He really did, he did more than recite lines, he created a real person on screen
Everything he did, he gave 💯 brilliant
Ya it's a shame his demons took him from us. We truly lost a fantastic actor. Rip big guy
blessed to have met actors and contemporaries of his that worked with him. Man was a pro, in every sense, and as an actor/freelance artist; an artistic inspiration.
A terrible, terrible loss. He was such a gifted actor. He made the characters he played unbelievably real.
He could've been penguin in a batman movie 😢
His gift is what killed him. I think the filmmaking of Synecdoche New York is what made him give up on life. If I was had to play that sad of a character so well I would kill myself too
He had his own demons, truly.
Whats why you should never do drugs.
It was a terrible loss not because of his profession/talent because every premature death is a tragedy. Addiction is a tragedy and overdose is one.
Doesn’t even feel like he’s acting. He becomes that character
Arguably the best ever
The dynamic between these two is insane
VERY well put. Their energies are ridiculous!
The sexual tension between them is palpable!
Truly poetic
The open window was a great metaphor. "Who keeps opening my window?", she says as she slams it down shut. Symbolic of how she likes to keep a tight check on things that may slip into her tightly controlled world without her approval.
Joel Z. Williams It's actually a weirdly obvious callback to PSH's speech about gossip, when he cuts the pillow and lets the feathers fly everywhere from the window.
Joel Z. Williams Wow.. Thanks friend. Very Informative. I gonna save your comment
Very good point there. It makes me think of another scene shown much earlier in the film. The priest wants to do a Frosty The Snowman play but the nun disapproves of it saying its pagan or something (regarding the hat that brings Frosty to life), and I think she personally fabricated these claims to get rid of him from the school.
Joel Z. Williams Or could it show her lapse in judgment, and willingness to blame others? She could've very well opened her window prior, yet with her certainty and suspension, she may have forgotten she did and just blamed someone else. If she runs such a tight ship then she would know and cease any windows being opened in her own office.
@@ADHDmenace1118 But,she wouldn't open the window,she never does nor wants it to open. She's certain she didn't,but as shown in the movie, some things is unexplained left without complete answer.
Rest in peace again; I have chills. I am so terribly sad for the loss of this brilliant soul and good man. May his children and family find comfort in knowing we moviegoers loved him, too. So many incredible performances. My heart goes out to everyone who knew him intimately.
Laurie ~ Beautiful statement! Such a profound loss
rodeopac
Thank you. Everyone is really feeling it. I can't believe he and Heath Ledger were up for Oscars the same year, too. I just watched that footage from the Oscars 2006. I bawled like a baby when Ledger died. I think I've run out of tears.
I know, stunning loss mixed with the realization of a fleeting life we all experience ~
What's so great about this movie and scene is you're never sure who's in the right really.
Yeah, it does a good job in dividing the general audience. But in reality, people who choose to be catholic will definitely take side with the school principal. The portrayal of the priest is a bit too unrealistic for catholic community... especially when he tries to adopt secular Christmas song, he looks very vulnerable to abuse his authority and popularity.
So true!
It's obvious to me he was guilty
The way the nuns and the priests were portrayed in the movie, it gave us impression that modernization in the priesthood means leaving the door wide open for hedonism, commercialism and disrespect towards traditional values.
???
Brilliant actor...what a loss.
Only he could make me doubt about his character's true intentions. His acting leaves you "Did he do it?" That's not easy acting
It is almost inconceivable how convincing Meryl Streep is as Sister Aloysius. It is the performance of a lifetime of artistic expression.
Her and Hoffman were amazing in this movie
Streep's certainty and Hoffman's smugness make one lean toward his guilt. The one "out" that occurs to me about this film is that Hoffman's character may not have abused the boy, but rather recognized that the boy was homosexual because the priest was also, and attempted to bond with the boy as a comfort and bolster through the hardships he knew he would endure. That is the most benign reading I can give it and the only one that makes my "doubt" of his guilt linger.
I've had the same exact thought!
He's guilty as sin. So many clues, give it another watch. Im certain of it......
I've watched the movie a few times and I can certainly tell you if I was in a jury I do not see enough evidence to convict
@@user-om9fw4ce4e The problem is, all of the "clues" in the movie are designed to be read two ways-either as evidence of guilt or innocence. You're NOT supposed to be able to tell which he is. That's the point of the movie. And if you think you ARE sure, then you haven't paid close enough attention.
The priest gave the boy wine.
Also, innocent people say, No, I did not do that, I would never. Guilty people say How could you know that, you have no proof.
Its even crazier to think they are doing this in front of cameras and 20-30 crew members
The two greatest actors of their generation, absolutely magnificent.
Let's not get carried away here. Philip was clearly the stronger actor but Meryl has had the higher profile career and is a capable actor as well.
Devin Dash Lol! I think Meryl is the greatest actor or actress ever. PSH is amazing as well. But Meryl > Brando. Yes, I said it.
I don't think Philip had that many movies and oscar nominations like Meryl
+Desirée Rodríguez Exactly that just means his genius went unrecognized.
i dont think they are the same generation... philip is like 10 years younger than meyl... no?
and he kept trying to figure how much info she had, he is such a great actor RIP... one of the best dialogues ever !
Two masters.
But PSH will always be "The Master"
Will miss you brother Hoffman. One of the best actors to have ever lived.
Shit man I'm so sad he's gone
*****
why? she actually is complimenting him and shows him that he was important, why is that a shame?
+Cristina Reyes Watch your language.
Me too... one of the best
Me too such a severe loss such a talent
Two *brilliant* Titans and a master class. Excellent film.
First Meryl Streep movie i ever saw and I immediately understood what the fuss was about
Philip Seymour Hoffman was a truly tremendous actor. So gifted in playing complex characters and making them feel natural. Really miss him.
one of the most interesting movies with 3 great actors of all time, Phillip Seymour, Mery and Amy Adams, awesome!
Viola Davis
pls include VD in the list.. ❤her😊
Sad,just so sad,He had so much more to give, I feel so sad for his babies,Cooper, 10, Tallulah 7 and Willa 5,R.I.P Phillip
When you're "dragging" Meryl Streep to a great performance you know you're watching a legend
Even if he didn’t do it, the way he high hats her by opening the window in her office, sitting in her seat, telling her not to pick up the papers and basically rubbing the hierarchy in her face is super annoying. She was looking for excuses to dislike him but he sure as hell gave them to her
I had forgotten about this movie, saw it when it first came out and I was a young woman. The story is relatable to my own life growing up Catholic with a brother who was abused by a priest. Seeing this clip again, now being a mature woman, I can relate to becoming formidable as I get older. There is nothing to fear and the truth is the power.
he was so guilty in this scene but not beyond a reasonable doubt. i love this film
not at all. for me it seems clear that this scene and the entire film is more about the problematic nature of sister aloysius's approach to her faith--her need for certainty in an uncertain world.... i think it's more to the point that he was innocent. his rage toward her is that much more justified and understandable considering that he was innocent..... if he was actually guilty, im not sure he would have been this unhinged. people who are guilty but feigning innocence are cold and calculated in their defense, whereas he's completely emotionally unraveled and exhausted in his efforts to prove his innocence (im not so sure he'd never done anything in the past, but i really don't think he did anything to donald)
@@fluff975 Well said! When I watch this scene, I absolutely believe he's innocent. I would be emotional and furious too, were I the priest. Of course, other scenes in the movie make you doubt his innocence as well. PSH was such a phenomenal actor.
@@anxioussamurai9017 agreed. and yes--he was the greatest.
This scene he wanted to know how did he act in a certain way that would cause her to think this way. It's almost as if he wanted tips on how NOT to get caught when he does it again.
1:36 love that delivery
The fact that he’s defensive and is asking her right away, says he could or might get caught. He’s mad but mad he got Caught. Such a good scene
Have you ever been accused of something you didn't do?
This is the end of the movie. This woman is destroying his reputation and he's been remarkably cool up until this point.
To some people, it doesn't matter how the priest reacted. If hes defensive, he's guilty. If he's does nothing, he's guilty. If he blinked too hard at her questions, he's guilty. I think people are (understandably) so against child sexual abuse, just like Streeps character, that if someone is under accusation for it, any little thing they do is scrutinized that will support their belief that he is guilty.
Then how can one explain his departure from 3 parishes in 5 years? The older boy always pulling away from him?
So many scenes in which he pulls rank in order to intimidate her. The way he continually demonizes her (an early scene where he comments "The dragon is hungry"). They way he happily enjoys good food and sugar in his tea, knowing the nuns do not. All shows me the fundamental disrespect he has for the nuns. He truly believes they are beneath him. I think a man who truly cared for the children and who had respect for nuns as human beings would understand that there ARE predators in the church, and would offer some understanding and assurance to a nun who was acting protectively. But his confrontations reveal a preoccupation with himself and his reputation, and he takes everything she does and says personally.
Truly one of the greatest actors of our time.
The acting here real made this movie shine. A great film.
His character is such a hypocrite! He accuses the sister of not being progressive, but later when she tells him that she spoke to a nun at his previous parish, he gets angry at her for not speaking to the priest, and reminds her that she answers "to us". He's not so progressive as he would like to think.
+uofc57 Did she talk to The Nun to ask if he acted "inappropriately" with other Boys.
+laminage No...She lied
Oh she called his bluff. Either way, this Movie was amazing. Did you ever see Heaven Help Us. It's a Teen Comedy but one of The Brothers named Constance was a real SOB who liked abusing the Boys.
OMG!! You just named most of my favs!!! Where have you been all my life!!!!
Oh really! I thought I was the only one who liked that Movie. Isn't it amazing that so much Talent came from this Movie. Brat Packer Kevin McCarthy, Patrick Dempsey before he became Dr. McDreamy, Kevin Dillon who did Entourage, and Yeardley Smith before she voiced Maggie Simpson and Mary Stuart Masterson from Some Kind Of Wonderful.
“What are you doing in this school?.. Even more the point, what are you doing in the priesthood??”
Exactly. He is guilty.
You can tell by how he reactively tried to deflect, distract, & project after being point-blank confronted.
This is an extremely underrated movie
I mean it’s not transformers or avengers… a great tv movie but I would’ve never seen it in the movie theater.
⚡️flash of lightning, 💥sound of thunder, “I know people”. My favorite ‘Meryl Streep’ character.
RIP philip best actining scene
*acting*
he's my favorite actor.
Two fantastic talents. A problem since the beginning of time. Children and families lives destroyed due to abuse.
Amazing, amazing, amazing actor. Seriously talented!!
He’s such a good actor- this character is repugnant in every way and he plays it so well.
Its funny that I thought Streep character was repugnant
@@vasvas8914 I found Streep to be repugnant as well. When I look at her actions throughout the film, I truly believe she was capable and willing to destroy an innocent man's life based on nothing more than suspicion.
When great actors act together, they do even better! Like with the Viola Davies scene.... Jeez..
*Davis*
Let's be honest here. IF he didn't do anything improper(pretty sure he did), that nun would have still wanted him out, because he was wanting progression, and she was a traditionalist.
why do u think he did?
@@fluff975 I dunno,just a vibe I guess.
This scene alone should have won Meryl Streep the oscar
Everytime she nominated, she should win! 😂
Um, I think 3 is plenty 😂😂😂
I think Meryl had her fair share...
@yannick245 that's not how Oscar's work. You don't get a certain amount then that's it, you're done.
I Just went through this movie paying close attention to background themes. He definitely was a predetor. But he wasnt molesting Donald he was molesting the two white boys. The very first shot was one of them getting out of bed. He had Three flowers in his book and when he sat down conceding to the nun he took only two flowers out. He was reminiscing over his two possessions. Knowing he has to leave them. Donald the third flower was bonded with him but not as a conquest Donald was a reflection of his own homosexual repression. There are soo many hidden gems that show the truth. Too many to list. One is his urgency for the nun to call the Bishop. This is most likely the man she saw Flynn in a friendly embrace with outside her window. He doesn't back down untill she mentions going over the bishops head. Rage. Then panic. Outside the candy store was St Lawrence St. Shown several times. "St lawrence was known as a martyr". The nun mentions the pastor was given a promotion and sent to be the Pastor of "St Jerome church and school" St Jerome was sent to Rome by his father where he had pagan influence and indulged shamelessly in hedonistic pleasures. So Pastor Flynn Martyrd himself to protect the Bishop from her prying, and the bishop sent Pastor Flynn somewhere where he could go play freely. When it was mentioned to her that Donald misses Pastor Flynn greatly. This is where her doubt set in. She knew in her gut what Flynn was but was wrong about Donald. She focused her attention on the wrong boy. Rewatch this movie knowing he is a predetor. From the moment he is accused he shows his true colors. Using the church's podium as a personal counter attack, then approaching the weaker nun alone to charm her. He uses the "were the same" manipulation. The mark of a sociopath. He tries thia with the stronger nun but she sees thru. Several times he mentions or plays the victim of progressive thinking and for giving love. NAMBLA rhetoric. Watch this movie again, pay attention to the lamps and lights as well
+John E
In this plot, a white roman catholic school, a pedophile would never try to approach a white boy! Pedophiles only target isolated, introvert kids, which Donald happens to be one of them due to his race and sexual orientation. As you can see, all the white boys in this movie are outspoken and loud, the blond boy, William London, for instance, would never keep quiet if that priest ever tried to touch him sexually!
Im thinking now he popped all three but donald wasnt really a posession cause he wanted it, thats what the mother eluded to. I think Flyn likes the hunt, likes to break the stronger personalities. Look at the way he. Pulles only two of the three flowers out of the book at the end touching them, like reminiscing. Just like Dexter and his slides. Flynn was giving up two conquests. Also kids often act out with behavioral problems like that after being molested.
John E That seems like a conspiracy theory to me :). I still believe that Flynn molested Donald and the boy's mother knows of it. Anyway, it's just the point of this movie, they got us all rolling in doubt.
+John E Where are your sources for the St Jerome flight from rome and hedonistic pleassures.
+Ernesto Cardiel it was on Wikipedia. he was known for other stuff of course but it was noted he strayed from the church into pagan stuff.
He's clearly the talent. She dodges and pressures him, but he gets her to admit bias and stays clean. She can't prove wrong doing, and he successfully confronts an attack on his character and judgement.
He resigned, he was a man and had favor and yet he still feared that leveraging those things wouldn’t be enough to beat her. He made the better arguments, but her unrelenting suspicion and feeding of bread crumbs along the way made him desperate and induced his fear.
@@cunningfox7838 To me, it seems it was creating a hostile environment and the issue was a technical one, taking blame for not outing the student for the wine. Rather than sending her out, he was promoted elsewhere. She was left with doubt in the end.
@@whiteowl87 I think they both suffer from doubt. He is a priest, and if this principle is launching baseless accusations like this she is a danger to all of those children and all the employees at the school quite frankly. It’s his duty to get her removed, but he doubted how he would fare and he did not have faith and so he resigned. But you are right, she was left doubt as well.
Something I noticed this time around: the boy was called to the rectory, in order for the priests story to add up Donald would have to have drank the alcohol before then, But no strange behavior was exhibited from the child before he went, which means the alcohol is consumed during the visit. This seems like a major plot hole unless I missed something.
@@cunningfox7838super late reply, forgive me, but I just saw the film today lol. Sister James says she smelled alcohol in the breath of the black student Flynn is suspected of having an inappropriate relationship with after he returns from their visit but it’s entirely possible for him to have drank the wine beforehand and for her not to smell it on his breath because she didn’t approach or talk to him directly prior to his departure from the class. Then once he returns and she checks up on him since he was distraught she likely got close enough to smell it. As for his acting sad after returning, it could be that he’s ashamed for having disappointed a man he looks up to so much by drinking the communion wine.
I think Meryl Streep went back in time to get this mid 50s authentic Bronx accent.
It doesn’t feel like he passed so long ago :( it still feels recent.
I forgot how great this film is. Im gonna have to watch it again.
Hoffman's half second beat before he says "that's not good enough" is very telling..
He was one of my favs.
He was such a great actor wow
Meryl and Phil. Clash of titans. Love them both.
Btw,I dont believe the priest had molested the boy.
This movie is about so much more than simply her suspicion and his denial. It's about the politics of the Catholic Church, the power given toward the men over the women, political attitudes toward progressive education and more. She already didn't like him because of his new education methods and attitudes, so she was looking for even half a reason to get rid of him. At the same time, he just might have given her one.
The old blind nun they're trying to help hide her blindness so she doesn't get sent to the old nun's home where they're treated poorly illustrates this power dynamic. Contrast the nuns eating their spartan meals in the school cafeteria with the priests living it up in their mansion of a rectory, dining on rare roast beef, drinking booze, smoking, laughing. Amy Adams can't have a cough drop but the priest dumps extra sugars in his tea.
@@diannecarroll4087 Absolutely. I know a retired Catholic priest and he conveyed to me that the contrasts between the male and female clergy experiences was perfectly depicted. The leadership hierarchy of the church is all male and has never been subtle about its favorable treatment to men. The priest told me that the men got all sorts of perks, including expense accounts, paid trips, flexibility with their living arrangements, etc. The nuns, on the other hand, had to make do with the absolute least possible.
@@hutch1197 oh NOez! THe GeNdEr PaY gAp In ThE ChUrch!!!!
Movie clips thank you but why do you cut so awful your clips??
This is such a fucking great film. He was a magician. I remember watching this thinking ... WHAT ACTOR TAKES THIS HORRIBLE ROLE??? (and still seems like and awesome person personally) ..... A GREAT ONE.
She is amazing
SOMEBODY is in trouble for opening up that window!!! YIKES
He accidentally admitted to it when he said 'this as nothing to do with the wine'
This **has nothing to do with wine
His out in this scene was his eagerness to know how she knew. Like saying " what convinced you? Or something of that nature shouldnt be on his mind as an innocent man.. his eagerness and frustration was the why? Instead of what shes actually accusing him of. He takes importance and pride in hiding his steps ( clean fingernails) so someone seeing through his act ,him not covering his tracks perfectly brings him to rage
Hoffman was incredible in this movie. My opinion will be unpopular, but I think he even deserved to win an Oscar for this performance over Heath Ledger
I've watched this movie like 3 or 4 times and each time I come up with a different answer on whether or not I think he did it. Hoffman is amazing in this, I would've loved to see him win an Oscar for it but obviously there was Ledger that year (although I think you could've easily had Hoffman in the lead actor category for that role, in which case he would've easily deserved to win)
***** Yeah that's pretty much the same answer as I've come up with
The writer said in an interview that Flynn is a pedo
He's guilty as sin, so many clues.....I'm certain of it.....
His resignation was his confession
@@user-om9fw4ce4e It's pretty easy to imagine he just had some other unrelated misdeed in a previous parish that she would've found out about and he didn't want exposed
Superb and flawless acting. I attend Catholic school in the 60's and the Director nailed perfectly the details and actions as well as the vast worlds apart were the lives of the nuns and the lives of the priests. Priests could own property, smoke, drink and enjoy life while the nuns took vows of poverty and owned nothing. As a young lady, I noticed this difference and never understood it.
After watching the movie many times, my observation is that William London recoiled from Father Flynn because the priest had grabbed his hand asking if the young man had washed his hands who said he had. Father Flynn asked then why were they a different color than his face and neck which all the students laughed at William. Sister Aloysius had not observed the entire dialogue and, therefore, assumed the worst of William London's reaction to Father Flynn which was the basis for Sister Aloysius' relentless suspicions.
Father Flynn weighed all his options and resignation/transfer was the best choice. I am sure he had some type of transgressions, however, being a sexual predator was not one of them--in this play turned movie. Sister Aloysius would stop at nothing to ruin Father Flynn's reputation.
"Priests could own property, smoke, drink and enjoy life while the nuns took vows of poverty and owned nothing. As a young lady, I noticed this difference and never understood it."
No, it's not social injustice. All nuns belong to religious orders. All monks belong to religious orders. Some priests belong to religious orders, but most do not, and so are called diocesan or "secular" priests. Yes, i went to the same schools in the 60's, and i never learned anything about the faith either. That was by design, through nefarious forces within the Church herself, following the Council. Had to learn it on my own later.
Patricia Holloway True. Father Flynn resigned before the problem could blow out of proportions. Spreading gossip is one thing, rummaging through his past and furthermore his private life is crossing the line.
Priests take vows of poverty too.....nuns can smoke and drink too.
Perfect clap of thunder. 1:59
Too perfect. Almost funny to me.
0:50 Sister Aloysius' attack against Father Flynn's gaslighting.
Rip Philip...you were true legend..
When the sister says, “certainly,” and thunder and lightning strikes, that gave me chills 😬 it was like God was assisting her in taking down Flynn
They are both such excellent, excellent actors. It is a real tragedy that the brilliant talent Philip Seymour Hoffman left us so early.
Stoners, BEWARE. This could one day happen to you. Wasted talent is such a tragedy. Drugs of all kinds risks it.
There is zero risk of OD from marijuana...
@@mike8984ify Not true. The marijuana that is out there today is far more potent than what existed in the 60s, 70s, 80s, and even the 90s. There is a dramatically high risk of heart problems and stroke from pot us. Also, there is a heightened rick of psychosis and permanent brain alteration. Look it up.
Intensity- He had it in spades.
I gotta' rent this movie or something......It was on TV earlier, and I was taking a nap on the sofa ( it's Sunday afternoon...)......when I was jolted awake be Hoffman's ranting & raving about something. So I only saw about the last 15 minutes.
I had to do this scene last night w my partner and I was Phillip Seymour Hoffman role. Rip Mr. Hoffman!
The fundamental tension between understanding certain patterns of behavior and having concrete evidence or proof of a misdeed. How many people have been victimized right under the noses of others because there was no "proof"? And yet, someone who understands how predators operate can see the red flags very clearly. This is why the film is brilliant. Yes, you need clear evidence to put someone behind bars. But at what point would you take action to protect truly powerless potential victims in your charge? When you don't know for sure, would you err on the side of overlooking real abuse, or on the side of protecting children from a possible predator?
‘I know people.’ Yes, you do.
What a great class of actors?!
PSH: you’re still missed.
Philip Seymour Hoffman is one of the greatest actors of our time. God this scene is so well-acted.
Don’t leave out Viola Davis please
I m not satisfied...ask the boy. He will protect you. Because you seduced him.....But how can an old priest seduce a child???
I think he did, sister A was not the only suspicious nun the innocent sister brought it to her and she was suspicious first which is why she went to the locker. The boy that's always pulling away from father F and doesn't like him at all. I think when the innocent sister became suspicious it was a huge foreshadow for his guilt. Being innocent sister James didn't and couldn't fathom his guilt. With father f leaving so quick, the kid that's always pulling away and the sister who couldn't and would never be suspicious without cause because she sees the world so purely then sister A was kind of suspicious even before sister James brought it to her it to me points to guilt
+Amy Johnson You have doubts?
Yep, he's guilty
Not to mention ,scene where he was saying goodbye ,why did the camera focus on London? And why did London look happy? Why did London lean back I'm nail scene? London was a victim as well.
Great, yes, cut it off just before the famous quote that I’m looking for.
he is scary when he raises his voice
I believe he’s guilty, but I don’t know...
I think he was good. Not great. That's how drug addiction is...
Thumbs up if you doubt him.....
I find it crazy how many people in the comments are “unsure” of the priest’s guilt. Anyone who has ever been abused and watches this movie will be sure to see the signs right away. Doubt doesn’t come from nowhere, and it only stays if it can’t be explained away.
You're missing the point. There's no answer as to whether he did or didn't do it.
@@gamemaster2311 Yes, there is, even the writer made it clear. Watch the movie again carefully. The priest is guilty but the victim is not Donald, it's Jimmy Hurley. The sister's doubts at the end are not about his guilt, but about the church, as an insitution. They knew he was guilty and got him a promotion.
@@diana.290 Literally no proof of this lol
@@diana.290
The only way to find out for sure is to ask someone who has played the part. They're the only ones the writer tells.
Unfounded suspicions, i think alot of men can relate
...meryl streep seems like the kind of person that would do this in real life.
Seymour's best film in my opinion.
I used to believe he was innocent at first, Meryl Streep's character does sort of come off like a negative individual looking to drag him down based on her own projections. Ive dealt with people hating on me at jobs based on absolutely nothing, and until you set them strait and defend yourself they will keep doing it. So I wanted him to be innocent, I wonder if the sister would like me if I came in as a priest because she is very old school, and the father is slightly more laid back and agreeable (like myself) but alas I do believe her suspicions were correct.
Goodbye Jam
"I know people"
"That's not good enough!"
Yes it is. It's a skill.
Was he guilty or not.....
Hard role to play rip man
RIP ,best actor ever
No one knows. Seriously, the writer/director only told Philip Seymour Hoffman whether he did it or not.
If you couldn’t tell who was in the right or wrong, you need to do some research outside this movie
I think he was guilty of something. Otherwise he wouldnt be so touchy or pushy about the issue.
Then again, the power of gossip is really strong.
He was the modern day John Candy... now he's gone...
Wth?
Is there a rule about priests and nuns needing a third party if they’re alone together? I’m not familiar with it but it comes up in this movie.
I want one of those hats
did the priest really molested the boy.... the dialogue in that part is so ambiguous....I can't point if he confessed or she is just stubborn!
@@MaceAhWindu I hate when directors for that 😂😅
@@MaceAhWindu and I love it! I'm up all night making up my own theories
The priest was guilty but the victim was not Donald, it was Jimmy Hurley. Watch the movie again carefully. And the nun's doubts at the end are not about his guilt, but about the church, as an institution. They knew he was guilty and got him a promotion.
@@diana.290 ...I shall do.....thanks
@@tutunepan492 That's Diana's opinion, not a fact. The movie/play is supposed to be ambiguous. Analyze the dialogue, research the play online and draw your own conclusion.
This Is Where You Watch Synecdoche New York This Is Where You Watch Capote And He’s Like The Master Or Along Came Polly Or The Talented Mr Ripley Punch Drunk Love And Hunger Games Films RIP To Him!
as a r**e survivor and a trans person who gets thrown in with pedos for simply existing, this movie absolutely smacks
So sad