Review of Killing Them Softly (2012) by Jake F — 25 Feb 2018

****.

From the opening title sequence of this film, you know you're in for something different.

On paper, 'Killing Them Softly' wouldn't seem all that remarkable. A movie involving a heist, hitmen and corruption is something we've all seen many, many times before. However, with Writer/Director Andrew Dominik at the helm, this is one gangster flick that rises above the heap of mediocre, 'Goodfellas' wannabes. Dominik takes that simple story, and not only infuses it with a potent message about corporate America, but also brings a piercing style that's impossible to ignore. His direction, coupled with the gorgeous cinematography courtesy of Greig Fraser, really gives this movie a unique feel. Everything seems so meticulous and carefully crafted that my jaw dropped a number of times. The cast also do a great job and, although I feel many people unfairly dismissed this movie due to its poor marketing that made Brad Pitt seem as though he was the main star, his understated yet powerful performance must be noted. The social commentary that runs throughout the movie was a great idea, and at times it's used really effectively (e.g. the end). Sometimes, however, it didn't quite have the impact I feel it could have done, had it been fleshed out a little better. Nonetheless, this was a tight, efficient mob movie with a difference, that I would highly recommend seeking out.