From the moment Killing Them Softly starts, you know this is a movie that’s different. The sound is disorienting, the cuts sudden and as I heard soundbites from the previous presidential election I started to wonder if the movie had already started or that I was watching a trailer for something else. Set against the streets of New Orleans, which seem to be almost devoid of life, this movie tells a story about crime and possibly about the state of America. A movie which immediately stands out and takes you into the dark world of gambling and hitmen.
The story is about two guys, Frankie (Scoot McNairy) and Russell (Ben Mendelsohn) who plan to rob a gambling spot. The plan seems perfect as the owner of the place (played by Ray Liotta) already has a bad reputation (having robbed his own place a couple of years ago). The robbery upsets the delicate gambling scene and a hitman is hired by the higher-ups in the form of Jackie Cogan (Brad Pitt). One of the best in the business. He is informed what to do by Driver (Richard Jenkings) and the result is a thrilling and violent story that will surprise, disorient and make you laugh.
Now this is a movie which visually really stands out. It’s amazingly shot and there were two scenes particularly that were highlights to me. One is where Russell is taking drugs and floats in and out of Consciousness. As a viewer you experience this disorienting state, backed up by great use of sound. Another scene involves a hit that’s made where the super slow motion captures every horrible detail.
The performances are great all round. I’ve seen Scoot McNairy in two other movies, but wasn’t a fan of his acting, but in this movie he impressed me. Together with Ben Mendelsohn he forms a likeable duo of criminals who you get to know as you hear about their dreams and things they experienced. Another standout performance is that of Gandolfini, playing an older hitman who might not be as good as he once was. His scenes together with Pitt are a joy to watch.
Killing Them Softly feels different and that’s a good thing, besides looking at criminal activities it also comments on the state America is in. It’s a visually beautiful movie about dark subject matter that you shouldn’t miss.
I can’t wait to see this. It looks like something I’d enjoy.
Hope you will!
I’ve heard about this one, but I wasn’t planning to see it until recently. Based on your review, it sounds great and as a fan of The Sopranos, it’s good to hear James Gandolfini is in it in top-form.
He’s doesn’t have a big part in it, but his appearance is memorable.
I’ve heard this stunning. Highly anticipated. Great write up.
Thanks a lot Zac, hope you will be able to catch it soon…
Gandolfini really stole the show – wish we could see a whole movie about his character! Great review – one of my favourites films from this year.
Yeah, they could do a prequel about him 🙂 It’s one of my favorites as well 🙂
Disappointed I didn’t get to see this in the cinema, now even more so. Nice review.
Thanks Terry, hope you’ll be able to catch it in another way soon.
Really want to see this one. I am gutted I missed it, still it wont be too long for a home release I guess!! Great review Nostra
I don’t think so either Scott. Thanks!
Glad to see you rate this so highly Nostra. This has been one of my most anticipated of the year. I can’t wait to see it.
Thanks Mark. It was just stunning to watch and I don’t think you’ll be disappointed.
Very interested in this one but I had been approaching it with a bit of trepidation. You’re review certainly eases some of that. Good stuff!
I can imagine that, but if you like a good crime movie I’m sure you’ll be able to enjoy it.
I know a lot of people are anticipating this one but I’m just not a fan of Pitt, though I have made an exception on his films for one reason on another. This one doesn’t appeal to me though, sorry.
Yeah, I know how you feel about him. I think you should check it out, it has some amazing imagery you would miss out on!
Need to grab this when it’s out on DVD, good review 😀
Thanks Tim!
I adore Andrew Dominick’s The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford, and I can’t wait for this. Great review.
I might have to give that movie a second chance. I actually stopped watching it because I just couldn’t follow the story…
Great review, Nostra. Really want to check this one out. The cast is pretty good and I loved Dominik’s Assassination of Jesse James.
Thanks Fernando, what was good about Assasination?
The mood, the cinematography, the acting (in that order).
Will try it again then…
Please do. I loved the look. Casey Affleck was superb and Brad Pitt’s performance is among his finest work.
Good review. This is a great movie. I think it is much more than it appears with the background radio and TV noise and especially Brad Pitts final line of dialog. I don’t know why but the end reminded me of “Ides of March”
Yeah, it’s definitely some criticism on what America is today (at least that’s the feeling I got). I didn’t have that Ides of March connection though, but it’s been a while since I saw that.
Well Fernando, I’ve started watching it as it was available on my VOD service for free. Still have to finish it, but I’m a lot more interested in it this time aroudn and it looks amazing.
Well, I’m glad 😀
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