Review of The Iceman (2012) by Panta O — 04 Sep 2013

This grim crime thriller directed by Ariel Vromen is based on the life of notorious Mafia hitman Richard Kuklinski. The movie premiered in 2012 at the Venice Film Festival and stars Michael Shannon, Winona Ryder, Chris Evans and Ray Liotta. Superb acting, and it is shame that after screening at the 2012 Telluride Film Festival and the 2012 Toronto International Film Festival , this film received a limited release in cinemas in the United States.

It is a sadly cruel true story of Richard Kuklinski, the notorious contract killer and family man. He killed over 100 people, and when finally arrested in 1986, neither his wife nor daughters had any clue about his real profession. The film is anchored by a searing, incredibly intense performance by Michael Shannon, whose remorselessness as a hit man is as relentless as Shannon's portrayal of him. Most of the actors were perfectly cast: Kuklinski boss Roy Demeo (Ray Liotta), sidekicks Josh Rosenthal (David Schwimmer) and Mickey Scicoli (John Ventimiglia), his wife, Deborah (Winona Ryder), and the real Iceman Mr. Freezy (Chris Evans) because he drives an ice-cream truck (whose storage unit has room for more than just frozen desserts).

Engaging to the end, this movie will make you get a feeling very much similar to some of the more nihilistic crime movies of the 70's, and that's why it was a great surprise. Maybe it's not for everyone, but if you like a real crime drama - here is something new and a little bit different!