After directing several episodes of Mad Men, John Slattery makes his film directing debut with God’s Pocket, one of Philip Seymour Hoffman’s final roles. Adapted by Slattery and Alex Metcalf from Pete Dexter’s first novel, the film takes its name from the bleak, working-class neighborhood in Philadelphia where the story plays out. The people who live and work in God’s Pocket don’t leave; carving out a life—marriage, divorce and death—within its boundaries.

A local gambler and small time thief, Mickey Scarpato (Hoffman), lives with his surprisingly attractive wife Jeanie (Christina Hendricks). Though Mickey seems to be loved by everyone, he’s still regarded as an outsider since he’s only lived in God’s Pocket for the 17 years he’s been married to Jeanie. The film opens at a funeral, and flashes back to the events leading to that moment. Leon (Caleb Landry Jones), Mickey’s stepson, a psychotic racist given to insane rants while waving around a razor, won’t be missed by anyone but his mother Jeanie.

Leon’s co-worker’s claim that he died in a workplace accident, but Jeanie doesn’t buy their explanation. Mickey—trying to please his wife—agrees to make inquires. So does a well-known columnist, Richard Shelburn (Richard Jenkins), whose done more drinking than writing in recent years, but his lust for Jeanie spurs him to action. What follows are a corpse being schlepped around in the back of a meat truck—Mickey can’t afford to bury Leon—beatings, and shootings. This movie is very dark; if you’re unable to laugh at the absurdity of it all, you’ll cry. Don’t watch God’s Pocket if you’re feeling down.

In a mere 89 minutes, God’s Pocket manages an absurd amount of carnage. Even so, Slattery gives his actors room to do what they do best. While this is one of Hoffman’s best performances, he shows why he was one of the best actors around over the last 25 years or so. He’s very heavy and looks terrible—perfect for the part, but in hindsight, heartbreaking, given what he was going through. Mickey is depressed, unsure of himself. Richard Jenkins continues to be one of the strongest character actors working today. Shelburn is completely unaware of how full of it he is. Shreds of his talent as a writer are still apparent, but years of drinking have left him unable to see the obvious.

Jeanie is the stories biggest hole. The idea that she’s so desperate to find out who killed her only son that she gives into Shelburn’s advances is bizarre. There’s nothing about the columnist that suggests he’s better able to find the truth behind Leon’s killing than her husband. It just doesn’t work. John Turturro gives a standout performance as “Bird,” Mickey’s partner in crime and a general screw up. In debt to an Irish mobster (Domenick Lombardozzi) Turturro’s performance manages to be both nervous and hilarious.

Unfortunately, while the story, setting and characters are interesting, God’s Pocket never really goes anywhere. In the end, nothing is resolved, and while Philip Seymour Hoffman, Richard Jenkins and John Turturro are impressive, ultimately, they’re not given enough to work with.

Presented in the 2.40:1 aspect ratio, MPI Media’s 1080p transfer looks sharp and detailed throughout. You can see the worry lines in Mickey’s face and every bead of sweat on “Bird’s” forehead. Faces and surroundings all look completely realistic. God’s Pocket was shot digitally, so filtering, sharpening and compression aren’t an issue.

The DTS-HD MA 5.1 sound mix works well for the film. Vocals are clean and audible, but the rears are mostly inactive. The more violent scenes do pack a bit of a punch and background noise is fitting. This is an evenly distributed track.

English SDH and Spanish subtitles are included.

The following extras are available:

  • Commentary with Writer/Director/Producer John Slattery: Oddly listed as a soundtrack option under “Setup,” Slattery discusses the difficulties of making a film under a tight budget and schedule. The longtime actor also discusses his approach to directing, etc.
  • Deleted Scenes (HD, 2:49) Three in total, each of these brief scenes is preceded by a title card.
  • TV Spot (HD, :32)
  • Theatrical Trailer (HD, 2:22)