Review of Killing Them Softly (2012) by Bogdan N — 11 Jun 2013

This is a good crime drama with a stellar cast that almost feels like a Sopranos reunion of sorts including James Gandolfini (Tony from Sopranos), Vincent Curatola (Johnny Sacks from Sopranos) as well as Brad Pitt, Scoot McNairy (Monsters) and Richard Jenkins (Cabin in the woods, Six Feet Under) are all excellent.

The exception is Australian actor Ben Mendelsohn (Animal Kingdom) who is type cast and gives an average performance. The cinematography by Greig Fraser is beautiful with long shots, interesting use of focus and slow motion.

However the story is pretty straight forward and simple from the outset and perhaps the fault lies with the book that it was based, but the narrative lacks something. The film is slow paced focusing on character drama with drawn out conversations rather than the action.

The opening sequence is kind of jarring and the use of political speeches in the background create a kind of soundtrack/ narrator like backdrop to the action. However the parallels to the political elements lack impact.

Overall a beautifully performed and photographed crime drama, well worth a watch.