Five Moments of Honesty in Film – Number One: Magnolia

Magnolia plays like a finely tuned orchestra. The third film in Paul Thomas Anderson's widely acclaimed canon, this modern classic is perhaps his best work, an opinion acknowledged by even the director himself. Throughout the film, Anderson captures a brilliant ensemble of actors, with many giving career-defining performances. Among the cast is the late Philip Seymour Hoffman.

When live-in nurse Phil Parma discovers that his dying patient yearns to reconnect with an estranged son, the quiet hero sets forth upon a mission to unite the two. Parma learns that his patient’s son is none other than notorious pick-up artist Frank T.J. Mackey.

After locating a phone number in Hustler magazine, Parma calls Mackey's self-help organization, pleading with the operator for a reunion.

Hoffman's performance is guided with tenderness and precision. When Prima confesses to the operator that their conversation is like a scene from a movie, Hoffman's skillful grace transcends an otherwise bland allegory, weaving it into poetry.