Killing Them Softly Review, (onto the review backlog!)

Killing Them Softly

Director: Andrew Dominik

Cast Headliners: Brad Pitt, Scott Mcnairy

Original Release Date: November 30th, 2012

Killing Them Softly is a very gritty movie. It is a pretty good, albeit semi-basic, crime drama. The interesting aspect is that who the main protagonist is supposed to be is not entirely clear.  Frankie (Scoot McNairy) and Russell (Ben Mendelsohn) are street level and humorous crooks who are hired to steal from Markie Trattman’s (Ray Liotta) poker ring. Much of the film follows them, and they are decently funny.

Because of this, in comes Jackie Cogan the hitman played by Brad Pitt. Pitt’s Cogan is scary in an awesome way. He is a smart man who tracks down Frankie over the course of the film. Dialogue is sparse but deep. There is some good directing and editing going on. When there are gun fights, the result is some beautiful bloody shots of the action.

Most of Killing Them Softly is this typical plot, but underneath it all there is a very political message. It is set in the 2004 election season. George Bush Jr is a man associated with America’s economic system, and quotes from him are used in the film. Perhaps the movie is implying that capitalism causes crime. For those opposed to political propaganda, luckily it is very subtle.

This film is relatively mundane, but is quality. Brad Pitt is entertaining to watch, as is Scoot McNairy.  The shifting perspective makes things interesting. The sights and sounds are enjoyable. Unfortunately it doesn’t try much new, but what it does attempt Killing Them Softly accomplishes.  7.75 out of 10