"Killing Them Softly" Review

"Killing Them Softly"

Directed by Andrew Dominik

Starring Brad Pitt, James Gandolfini, Ray Liotta, Richard Jenkins, Ben Mendelsohn

 

RATING

8/10

This is one of those movies I reluctantly held off my Best of 2012 list for, and for good reason. "Killing Them Softly" was a bit of a wildcard for me. Having been directed by Andrew Dominik, I knew more or less what to expect. After all, he did do the incredibly timid and overlong "Assassination of Jesse James by The Coward Robert Ford", so I wasn't too keen on sitting through another two and a half hours of almost monotous babbling. Strangely, though, this film only ran for 95 minutes, so I figured it might be an exception, just with more talking. And I was in for something I did not expect, but at the same time, I sorta did (that makes little sense, but trust me, you'll know when you see it).

 

"Killing Them Softly" (which, might I add, has the best title for a movie all year) tells the story of three aspiring criminals who aren't exactly the smartest lads in the neighbourhood. They decide to rob a mafia card game, and steal their money whilst trying to pin the blame on another mafia member. However, when one of them begins to yap about the robbery, it tempts the mafia to hire a hitman, Jackie Cogan, to fix the situation and track down the three guys.

 

From the start, you should know that the film isn't too action-heavy. In fact, a vast majority of it is dialogue-driven, and it's really compelling dialogue at that. It's a very cleverly written script that has a mind of its own. And by that, I mean it wanders off on its own thoughts here and there and delivers somewhat of a Tarantino-ish effect. Characters bicker back and forth about dirty sex jokes, divorced wives, and politics, but never stray too far from the plot of the film. The performances are all excellent, especially from leading man Brad Pitt who nails his role as the confident and slick hired gun. His charisma really elevates the likability of these scumbags. James Gandolfini plays one of Pitt's friends, another hitman, who is flown over to dispose of one of the targets. Unfortunately, his addiction to sex and alcohol doesn't let go of him too easily and he ends up a delirious mess. It's great to see Gandolfini stretching his legs in a mafia flick again, well after The Soprano's. Though his role is quite minor, it's still vital for how the climax ties together. A couple actors who I really admired here was Scoot McNairy and Ben Mendelsohn as the guys who pulled off the robbery. They're a couple of low-life bozo's you can't help but like, so it's easy to get on either side of the situation. I'm very grateful that the film is compelling, as it was vital that Dominik prove the "Jesse James" naysayers wrong (including me. I might give it another chance...). It sucked me into this world, and made me invested in the characters and what their intentions were, so props to the directing and writing for an engaging experience. It really pays off. Perhaps the strongest part of the film for me was its slick style. Most of the characters in the film wear black attire amidst a dreary grey atmosphere that really gives the film a unique and smooth vibe.

 

However, there is one issue that will divide a lot of people. There are plenty instances of people just sitting in their cars listening to political debates and speeches (this took place shortly before Obama's election into power) or having it play in the background while a character walks around or drinks in a bar. This was the time when the recession was at its peak, so it ties into the plot by delivering a forceful message of how precious money was, especially if it was being stolen. Many might not catch the hints, but the last line of the film (which may be the best last line I've ever heard) certainly hits the nail on the coffin for that. The political elements might be very off-putting for some, and it definitely isn't the mafia action movie you were hoping for. In fact, it's very politically driven, quiet, and meditative. I can see why people compared it to "Drive".

 

"Killing Them Softly" is a tour de force of acting and technical work going hand in hand to deliver one of the most polarizing films of the year. Unfortunately, there is no middle ground for this. It's either you love it or you outright despise it... luckily for me, it was the former. I loved this film, and can't wait to see it again. If you're hoping for a spin on the heavy-handed action thriller, give this subtle and engrossing gem a watch. It's worth your time.