When you've got Gary Oldman wearing a red spandex and red lipstick in the role of the devil and James Brown, godfather of soul himself, complaining that the deal he got with the prince of darkness needs to be renegotiated because he's gotten too old to do splits, you know you've divided everyone who hears about it into two clearly marked, separated groups; those who reject it and those who are intrigued. Those that belong in the latter category probably wind up watching this commercial, are once again divided into two groups; those who love it and those who hate it. This is a clear-cut short film; either you love it or you hate it. But that doesn't mean that it's bad... just that it's limited. I don't know exactly why, but I'm thankful it is. Maybe it's because that allowed it to be what it wanted to be, what it had to be. What is that, you ask? Well, bizarre as hell, first of all. But also funny and stylish, not to mention quite intense. The race in the commercial is cool and exciting. The humor is very good... again, limited, but very good if you're into exactly that sort of thing... and I am. To an extent, at least. I laughed out loud at the 'twist' in the end. The editing and cinematography is very stylish, very typically Tony Scott. I liked all of the puns and jokes, both those concerning the devil himself and those concerning James Brown. The acting is good. Clive Owen once again delivers a perfect performance. All in all, just a very weird and bizarre yet entertaining little commercial. I recommend it to any fan of the commercials or any of the actors... and possibly fans of Tony Scott. 8/10
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TBJCSKCNRRQTreviews3 December 2004
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bartvanbenthem14 March 2005I really liked this Part of the Hire series, a lot of good acting by Clive Owen and Garry Oldman and a lot of humor, action and a very surprising story with a hilarious ending.
Decades ago, the legendary James Brown sold his soul to the devil for fame and fortune. Now he wishes to renegotiate. Hired to take Mr. Brown to a rendezvous with the devil (Gary Oldman), the driver (clive owen) soon finds himself entangled in fiendish plans.
conclusion, This is the best Part in the hire series together with The Follow from Kar Wai wong(very different but almost as good).
Other nice ones are: Star, Ambush, Ticker and powderkeg.
actually there is a really bad one in the Hire series which is Chosen, really bad car chase, i only liked the ending. -
Humdinger6912 December 2013The final chapter of the BMW film series The Hire and a very interesting change from all of the previous chapters. While the previous episodes were mostly just straightforward action and driving, this one takes a turn for the supernatural, with a story that involves James Brown (played by himself), who literally sold his soul to the devil for fame, negotiating his contract. Naturally it all ends with Clive Owen causing havoc in his fancy BMW.
Definitely more my style, and my personal favorite of the series.
There's also a pretty comical end scene.
9 out of 10 -
To BMW Film's credit, it seems to me that much work is put into making each film as independant as possible. Sure there are parallels, mostly with subject matter, but stylistically each one stands apart from the others.
Beat the Devil is, in my opinion, the weirdest of the films. The subtitles, the car chase, everything is heavily stylized. Accusing this film of being unrealistic is like saying the ninja turtles aren't human. Duh, they're not supposed to be. That's a poor analogy but you get the idea.
The whole thing is also thick and complicated. The dialogue is often unintelligible and I'm still not quite sure why The Driver would bet what he did...but does it really matter? I mean, Gary Oldman plays the Devil and James Brown is in it. -
imdb-207621 May 2004A lot of fun here about getting old. Hehehe! This short movie has a lot from music videos. Both clipping and lighting.
It is a bliss to watch. Good actors. Fast clipping and effective stops - a study in cool movies. If you want to have a good warm up you should watch this gem.
And the surrealistic race driving. It is just perfect.
Twisted humor (the devil vs. james brown? ;-) ). You can clearly see the actors had a great time doing this. Their performance shines. A good watch for those who like a little twisted, fast phased action!
10/10! -
So that's how James Brown did it..."Beat the Devil" is worth 8 minutes of your time. If you are interested in watching Gary Oldman in a "Darkness" type suit on with wacky hair and makeup, this movie is for you! Of course Clive Owen plays the mysterious type really well, and as always looks good in a BMW. And then there is James Brown. He has some pretty good lines and he had a good pace...not a bad actor. It is actually pretty funny if you think about it... I mean James Brown wanting to renegotiate a contract with the devil! And since the only way the devil likes it is "winner take all", then they have to race down through Las Vegas and the desert. If this movie were made into a normal length film, I would definitely see it.
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Another episode in The Hire-series. It looks different from what we have seen so far but again it is pretty good. James Brown as himself sells his soul to the devil, a great performance by Gary Oldman. The Driver has to race the devil and his driver, played by Danny Trejo. If he wins James Brown gets another 50 years to live. Clive Owen stars as the driver again and there is a nice ending with Marilyn Manson.
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grrrrrr21 November 2002I watched Beat the Devil from BMW Films just minutes ago. It was released earlier today. I've been following BMW Films through all their releases. I dig them all, and I love BMW's. My favourite have been Star, featuring Madonna and the BMW M5, directed by Madonna's husband, Guy Ritchie. That was until today. This smashing new short film directed by Tony Scott is just awesome! It features the new (unreleased) BMW Z4, James Brown and Marilyn Manson. Definitively a new no. #1.
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Batkid14 November 2007The Plot: Clive Owen ( before he was in "The Bourne Identity," "King Arthur," "Elisabeth: The Golden Age," and "Sin City" ) plays a "hire" who drives people places they desperately need to go.
Often times, they are working for something "top secret" and can only give our protagonist limited information.
Also, this is meant to show off the BMW car and is executive-produced by Tony Scott, Ridley Scott and David Fincher ( Panic Room, Alien 3 ).
In this one directed by Tony Scott ( who should have worked a little on his editing for this episode ), our hero must help James Brown win a "race" against his album producer ( portrayed hilariously by Gary Oldman ). Just watch it because it's worth it!
Included are cameos by Danny Trejo and "Gothic" singer Marilyn Manson. -
silvercable1411 July 2006This film is pretty crazy. Of the many BMW films, this one has to be the most odd, yet interesting of them all.
The film stars Clive Owen (Sin City, Closer) as the Driver (a guy who drives people around in a BMW), Gary Oldman (True Romance, Batman Begins), as the Devil himself, and James Brown (the King of Soul) as, well, himself.
James Brown has a contract with the Devil, in which he has sold his soul for fame and fortune, but, alas, he did not put in a clause about Aging. So, without his moves, he can no longer be famous. He wants to renegotiate his contract so that he is younger so he can still preform, and Clive Owen is caught in the middle of it all. James Brown bets that he can beat the devil in a race, and, if he does, he will receive his youth.
This short is directed by Tony Scott (Domino, Top Gun), in his newer style, much like that of Domino and Man on Fire. The quick paced-ness makes the short immensely fun to watch and exciting to look at. The vibrancy of the colors and style of the characters adds a richness to a great story.
Part of the BMW line of shorts films, each with a different director, this one stands out as amazing and shocking at the same time. You wouldn't expect a film about a car to be this insane. -
planktonrules13 April 2010This is a very surreal film. James Brown (yes, THAT James Brown) goes to see the Devil (Gary Oldman) as he's getting older and wants to make another deal with him--a deal to restore his youth. Brown has brought a driver along with him (Clive Owen) and proposes an auto race to ..either give him the youth or to give him Owen's soul this time.
It's obvious that a lot of money was put into this short, as the star power of the three principle actors is impressive. Plus the stunts and fancy camera tricks didn't come cheaply. In 2000 and 2001, BMW commissioned a series of 8 films directed by world-famous directors like Ang Lee, John Woo and, in this one, Tony Scott helms this short. I must admit that I have only seen one other film in this series, so comparing it to the rest isn't yet possible. However, compared to the fabulous short made by John Frankenheimer, "Beat the Devil" came up a bit short. One of the biggest reasons for me is that it just looked like too many disparate story elements were shoved into this film--almost making it an assault on the senses. While Frankenheimer's film WAS intense and packed a lot into a short, this one went many steps beyond that. In addition, the whole idea of a battle against the Devil is a bit clichéd--as it's been done many, many times in the past. Still, for a major adrenalin junkie, perhaps you'll love this film. It certainly was interesting--even if I wasn't bowled over by it. -
Boba_Fett113817 April 2005This isn't just the best of "The Hire" series of shorts, it also is one of the best and certainly most fun movies that I have seen in a while!
I think I had a smile on my face throughout the entire movie. It was incredible fun and had some great dialog and hilarious moments. Especially the ending with Marilyn Manson was extremely funny.
I really love Tony Scott now, after seeing this short. I already liked his recent visual style and the way of editing in his movie but this really has got to be his best visual work, I love it! It's very cool and comparable to the style in his movies "Spy Game" and "Man on Fire". I'm actually excited in seeing his next movie "Domino" now, before seeing this movie I didn't had really that much interest in seeing it.
Man, Gary Oldman plays one crazy ugly devil! I'm a big fan of Oldman and I absolutely loved him in this. Next to "True Romance" (also directed by Tony Scott by the way), this is my favorite role of his. Other parts are played by James Brown who extremely funny plays himself and the always very cool Danny Trejo.
Extremely fun and likable to watch!
10/10
http://bobafett1138.blogspot.com/ -
CharlesVonFunhammer5 December 2002I have a growing appriciation for Ridley Scott's films, but a declining appriciation for brother Tony's. Top gun was cool, it was fun. But really his films have been on their way down since that endevour. Beat the devil is horrible. It's like ADD on Crack. Gary Oldman is just annoying, and plain bad. James Brown . . . well, godfather of soul or not, he signed up for an unfortunate production. The use of subtitles is really great. I know Tony's not a performance guy, but come on, at least make the actors speak clearly. The whole thing is very silly, very stupid, and very bad. The visuals did nothing to enhance what story there was. Clive Owen is cool. If you want to see a good BMW film, watch the one by the guy who made Amorres Perros -- Be honest, you can't spell/pronounce his name either. Ang Lee's was good, Woo's was okay, Ritchie's was nice, Scotts was terrible. Don't see it.
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drhansley3 January 2006I've never seen so much action poured into 9 minutes of film. I had to watch it again to see what I missed the first time. It has Gary Oldman doin' his thing. (NOBODY can do 'outrageous' like Gary Oldman can) His devil is wild! James (I Feel Good) Brown who supposedly actually DID sell his soul to the devil.(that's between them, I'm not getting into that) Clive Owen looking all serious and observing the goings on around him. (I think Gary made him a bit nervous) Mr. Brown has sought out the Devil to re-negotiate his contract. The Devil enjoys a wager, but likes the concept of winner takes all. The wager? Drag the Strip at dawn. The Devil: Cool! The race is on. So what we have is Gary Oldman, James Brown, Clive Owen, a 1976 Trans Am and a BMW Roadster drag racing down the Sunset Strip, and what a ride.
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Blade_Runner8623 November 2002Beat the Devil is another outstanding effort by BMW Films. Directed by Tony Scott, this stylish 9 minute piece is a fantastic addition to "The Hire".
The story goes that a young James Brown sold his soul to the devil, in exchange for great preforming talent, but now Mr Brown wants to renegotiate and he brings the Driver into the plan, drag at The Strip in Las Vegas. Gary Oldman is terrific as the Devil, his loud and crazy, and everything Clive Owen's character is not. Owen's performance is just as good as all the other BMW films, plus there is a cameo by Marylin Manson.
I highly recommend Beat the Devil, and all of BMW's "The Hire" series. 9/10 stars! -
NateWatchesCoolMovies16 June 2016Tony Scott's Beat The Devil is one part of a multi episode series of promotional short films called The Hire, themed around, and sponsored by BMW. An unbelievable amount of acting heft and prolific directors were brought in to make these, including Scott, Joe Carnahan, Alejandro Gonzales Inarritu, Guy Ritchie, Ang Lee and more. They're all wonderful and different in their own way, but Scott's is my favourite of the bunch hands down. From the eclectic cast, all having a blast, to the sheer kinetic momentum and adrenaline soaked velocity of the stylistic direction, it's pure movie-making. Tony Scott's very distinct and polarizing visual aesthetic rears its beautiful head here for a literal crash course which would go on to emerge from the chrysalis and fully spread its wings in the director's two best films, Man On Fire and Domino. This one is a delicious little treat and obvious precursor to those. The story is fable in nature, starring James Brown as himself (!), pining about his old age. He hires the 007 sequel Driver (Clive Owen, stars in every one of these films, drives a BMW all the time and ties them all together), who takes him to Las Vegas to see The Devil (Gary Oldman, who else), who he sold his soul to decades earlier for fame and fortune. Brown wants to renegotiate the terms of contract, or simply put. Wants to live as a youth longer. Oldman is a sight to see, adorned in crimson lipstick and all manner of kitschy wardrobe numbers, a flamboyant debutant who acts like a Dr. Seuss character in drag. He makes a deranged proposal: the two of them will race the Vegas strip at dawn, Owen against Devil's driver Bob (a deadpan perfect Danny Trejo). If Brown wins, he gets an extension on life and youth. The race is pure Tony Scott, a commotion fuelled superstorm of breakneck editing, colours flying off the saturation charts proudly and auditory assault as only the guy can craft. It's the most fun out of the Hire series, careening along on its own delirious and joyful reckless abandon. Watch for a priceless cameo from Marilyn Manson as well.
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It is still not as good as the first series as the original is the original true. But it is good with usually bad guy Gary Oldman who has since reformed as the Commissioner of Gotham City and Machete's Danny Trejo against Clive Owen and the late, great James Brown.
Brown feels that his soul has been corrupted by the devil aka Oldman. And wants to have the Driver win the race against the devil and Trejo doing the driving on the Vegas strip.
In order to have his career back. As it is non-stop action in the seat of your pants thriller. As the Driver for him, it is just another day on the job for him. But for Brown it is do or die. -
The style of this short when james brown must beat the devil to get its soul back, obviusly in a race between him in a bmw and the devil in a suped up pontiac trans am, is the style you see tony scott put in man on fire, domino and deja vu. So if u like that style, this is the right short movie u can watch any time.
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ThunderKing626 December 2022This review was typed on Decem 26 2022
I've seen this short movie back in the day, and I was flabbergasted. At my first watch back in the day I was shaken and surprised and highly confused to what was going on. Years later, I finally understand and can say, I can see clearly now.
Was this a short to promote a BMW, or a short to tell you what really happened to the Soul King.
About: James Brown seeks the devil to renegotiate his contract after selling away his soul. He realizes he can't do what he use to do and needs an adjustment.
Story and Production: Newbs and normies watching this will not understand or want to see what this short really means. The production was like historical abstract art, it doesn't tell you directly what the film is trying to tell you, which was done on purpose for the newbs and normies.
Genre: Art,
Highlight: My eyes being opening, Marylin Manson scene because he was trying to read the bible.
Soundtrack: abstract
Is this short film worthy? Yes
Should you watch this? Yes. -
gravity_eyelids31 January 2003Although I did like Manson's appearance in the end. But then again, I'm a big Manson fan, so that has absolutely nothing to do with the film itself.
Yes, the special effects were flashy, but style for its own sake is worthless. It wasn't completely horrible, but then again, it wasn't anything special either. -
filmfreak-514 May 2003This is a very amusing piece which is quite a bit out of the ordinary. It makes you think a lot about certain scenes of Natural Born Killers and U-Turn - and if you can actually make it in the world of show business without having to sell your soul... well, only few knows, I suppose... A very decent picture, but the total and absolute best part of the picture is a short appearance by shock rocker #1 Marilyn Manson in the end. The Devil himself, in the shape of Gary Oldman, saying "It's that creepy guy from downstairs..."...I recommend this little piece, it's downright hilarious.... even if you're a poor little sod who's NOT into Marilyn Manson ;-)
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Horst_In_Translation10 July 2015"Beat the Devil" is another of the BMW promo short movies starring Clive Owen from over 10 years ago. Unfortunately, it is not even close to the best of the series. A main reason for that is that there is simply too much focus here on the late James Brown. I thought his shtick got repetitive very quickly in here. It sort of destroyed the whole thing, which runs for 10 minutes by the way. Admittedly, the car race scene was not that appealing either. Such a shame. Gary Oldman as the Devil is great fun and he is the perfect choice for his role. He brings that perfect mix of intensity and insanity for the character. Owen lays fairly low here, so there is not too much to say about him this time. Danny Trejo plays a nothing character in one scene and Marylin Manson appears at the end, but is not as funny as they wanted his scene to be either. David Fincher worked on the script and the director is the late Tony Scott, brother of Ridley and I felt his direction was slightly too much all over the place for my taste. Apart from Oldman, this one really isn't worth a watch. Not recommended.
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kathleen-brennan7 November 2004I loved this short. My family has always been BMW enthusiasts, and I've always been a Clive Owen enthusiast, so it is to be expected that I would enjoy the film. Extra treats for me were Gary Oldman who has always been a favorite of mine ever since his moving portrayal of Beethoven. He can do anything. He makes the perfect "Prince of Darkness". James Brown is an unexpected surprise and a great bit of flavor against a dark backdrop. Las Vegas aka Sin City is the perfect battle ground. I even enjoyed Marilyn Manson's cameo. He only added to the clever and wonderfully weird cast. The whole thing is great and I highly recommend this film to anyone who enjoys drama, hot British guys, and fast cars.
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hcharton-944-47576131 March 2021How do I review this title if I can't watch it??? What the malfunction?????
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BigJim50213 May 2004You just can't beat Gary Oldman... it's that simple. All of the BMW films are fun little romps, and this one is no exception. And as for the guy that posted before me about the explosions not making sense... It was the Devil in that amazing exploding car, so maybe you should a) suspend disbelief... or b) imagine it as if those explosions are a result of the Prince of Darkness losing a race... I mean... there is a lot of fire in Hell.
On a side note, both Brown and Manson were hilarious, and Owen was as charismatic as usual. Not to mention that I enjoyed seeing Danny Trejo in it, even though you can see him in basically every movie made in the last 10 years.
yippie/10