Killing Them Softly

Ethan Wasdovitch

Well, I’ve been waiting to see this movie for a very long time (ever since Brad Pitt’s performance was built up as Oscar-worthy during its premiere at Cannes).  I’m actually kind of surprised that it was given a wide release, and after seeing the film I am even more surprised given the artistic sensibilities at the film’s core.  The most important thing to know going into "Killing Them Softly" is that it is not the action-packed, suave film that trailers playing on television make it out to be.  Directed by Andrew Dominik (who also directed the slowly paced but brilliant western "The Assassination Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford" which also starred Brad Pitt), "Killing Them Softly" focuses less on the amount of action (and yes, there is action) and more on the quality of the action and the overall themes that it is attempting to explore.  So don’t be surprised if wide audiences don’t embrace this movie because it is certainly not for everybody.

The story is simple enough: a crime syndicate is interrupted by a couple of dim-witted criminals who are looking to make a quick buck by robbing an underground gambling game and as a result a cleaner (Brad Pitt) is sent in to fix the mess and get the organization running again.  That central plot plays out beautifully, but at times drags along as a result of the other aim of the film, which is a much more broad message about the nature of American economics and politics.  For the most part, the film succeeds in juggling all of these elements, with some scenes being much more effective than others (especially the final moments, which easily steal the show).  Still, it is easy to read some of the more analogous elements of "Killing Them Softly" as overbearing and forced.

The acting in this movie is another high point.  Brad Pitt is incredible in his role (as expected) and the other standout performances are Scott McNairy and Ben Mendelsohn as the two criminals who perform the robbery that sets the plot in motion.  These two guys are absolutely vile and are the very definition of “scumbags”.  James Gandolfini is also excellent, but unfortunately his scenes go on for too long and had me guessing what the point of some of his dialogue was.  For the most part, the actors keep the film rolling along while Dominik adds some very interesting flare to give the film a distinct style.  Many scenes experiment with slow-motion and perspective to make it feel much more surreal.  These parts of the film may turn off many people who are looking for a more straight forward action-thriller.  

"Killing Them Softly" easily earns its R rating by being packed with profanity and extreme violence.  None of it ever feels excessive but rather adds to the realism of the film and gets you to really despise the right characters.  It is important to be aware that the violence in "Killing Them Softly" aims for realism and succeeds.  The violence is relentless and visceral, I can almost guarantee that you will cringe during every violent moment.  Proficient sound-editing adds to the impact of the violence, and I believe this film may even win Oscars for its sound effects and editing.  Not for the faint of heart.

Overall, "Killing Them Softly" succeeds.  The subtly of its political messages is certainly inconsistent and may be far too obvious for many, but the raw intensity and suspense of the plot mostly covers up any heavy-handedness.  Brad Pitt and the entire supporting cast give winning performances and director Andrew Dominik adds plenty of style to give "Killing Them Softly" a unique feeling.  Unfortunately it drags in parts and many will find the entire film flat out boring despite extremely realistic violence and big name actors.  This is a unique film that will either improve or be diminished upon repeated views.  Only time will tell.

Oh, and this movie is extremely cynical.  Don’t expect an uplifting picture by any means.  If you’re not optimistic about the current state of American politics, this movie will add to your pessimism.

8.5/10

Updates!

I'll be going to see Andrew Dominik's "Killing Them Softly" tomorrow and posting a review shortly afterwards!

I was a huge fan of "The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford" and can't wait to see Brad Pitt in action again.

Best of 2012 (so far)

Ethan Wasdovitch

So I decided to put a few lists together with the movie season coming to a close and the Oscars just a few months away.  I thought I’d give my top 5 films of the year (so far), a few others that will probably end up on my top 10 list, and a few films I was disappointed with.  I also added a short list of films that I was pleasantly surprised with, even though they won’t be on my top 10 list.

BEST

1.  Cloud Atlas

• Here is a film I was expecting to be disappointed with.  The mostly positive and yet slightly sub-par reviews kept me away from it, but a few people urged me to see it and wow, I was blown away.  The scope of this film is almost impossible to explain and the element of storytelling is shockingly potent.  I was expecting a much more metaphysical and abstract film, but it is presented with surprising ease and is never once difficult to follow (unless you go to the bathroom for even five minutes).  Easily the most ambitious and awe-inspiring piece I’ve seen in a very long time.  Still, the polarizing reviews will most likely be reflected on audiences as more people are exposed to this film.

2.  the Master

• Far less polarizing than Cloud Atlas, and yet much more difficult to digest.  The Master is unlike any movie I have ever seen and plays out like a fever dream.  The plot is simple enough and the unsettling atmosphere is heightened by some of the best acting in recent memory (Joaquin Phoenix’s performance outshines any I have perhaps ever seen).  Even if you don’t follow or even enjoy the story of the Master, it is hard not to admire such a bold and stark film.  Not as instantly hard-hitting as director Paul Thomas Anderson’s last film, There Will Be Blood, but I have found it impossible to forget.

3.  the Cabin in the Woods

• This was the first movie that blew me away in 2012.  I am a hard core horror fan and rarely do big-budget, big-name modern horror movies make such an impact.  Honestly, this feels like a game changer within the genre.  My review pretty much says everything about it that can be said without ruining the movie, but this is a hilarious and shocking movie (in ways that I didn’t expect).

4.  Argo

• Absolutely proficient and incredibly intense, Argo will make just about every film lover’s list of best of 2012.  Ben Affleck once again proves he is a force behind the camera (and in front of it for a change) with this razor sharp political drama.  For a movie with so little action (as described in the traditional sense), Argo seems a lot more heart pounding than you would expect.  A must see on every level, unless you’re looking for something a bit more cutting edge.

5.  Prometheus

• Well here is the movie that many people will detest appearing on a best of list.  I was waiting for well over a year for this film to come out and just before its release the less than stellar reviews had me bummed out.  When I saw it at midnight in 3D, I couldn’t believe how much I loved it.  Having seen it almost 10 times since its release on blu-ray, this incredible science fiction/horror film still packs a punch despite some very interesting editing choices by director Ridley Scott (some of the deleted scenes should have been left in the movie).  The world of Prometheus is detailed and immersive all while painting an intriguing picture about the possibilities of life elsewhere in the universe.  Michael Fassbender gives one of my favorite performances of 2012 as well.

Also Up There... (possible top 10 contenders)

Moonrise Kingdom

Lincoln

Killer Joe

Beasts of the Southern Wild

the Avengers

SURPRISES

the Hunger Games

the Raid: Redemption

Goon

the Five Year Engagement

Seeking a Friend for the End of the World

the Tall Man

the Amazing Spiderman

Disappointments

Silent House

• I enjoy found footage films but this one was a huge letdown.  The “one giant shot” aspect was really cool but did not do much overall to improve the cliche and predictable plot.  Elizabeth Olsen is disappointing after her great turn in Martha Marcy May Marlene.

Dark Shadows

• Tim Burton needs to stop and think about his career.  Sweeney Todd is one of my favorite movies but this was another turn in the wrong direction.  Its a silly adaptation of a silly show.  Also, I’m sick of Tim Burton slapping pale makeup on Johnny Depp and having him act weird.  It doesn’t work.

the Dark Knight Rises

• Now before anybody gets out their pitchforks let me explain why I consider this a disappointment.  My final grade for this film is an 8/10, which is a very good score.  Overall this is an excellent movie that is a satisfying conclusion, but as a whole it is nowhere close to being in the league of the first two of Christopher Nolan’s Batman films.  I found it overlong and underdeveloped.  It could have been split into two films, and both halves could have been developed so much more (especially with Marion Cotillard’s character and even Tom Hardy as Bane) to make it seem complete.  There are too many plot-holes to let slip by involving silly things that could have been explained had the filmmakers been more fearless (like Batman’s return to Gotham near the end of the film and his miraculous recovery from a fatal would).  So like I said, this is a great film with amazing action, great acting, and an epic scope.  Still, I wanted a lot more.