Mobster films can include a variety of themes such as relentless violence and often revenge incorporated into their stories, but rarely do we get a film that is softly about the American economic system. Andrew Dominik's Killing Them Softly is an interesting take on this idea that features some fantastic performances from its leading cast and an economic theme that follows these characters like a desperate hitman. While the action sequences and actual mobster activities were incredibly stylized, there is such an emphasis on dialogue and context clues that left me feeling very unsatisfied. I had a difficult time following this film and while the focus on the talking aspect of this thriller is not necessarily a bad choice, it is just one that I feel is not easy to hold audiences' attention. However, there is so much to enjoy about this movie, from the cinematography to the fittingly jarring editing, and there is definitely no shortage of enjoyment for fans of this genre. And there never has been or ever will be a bad time for long-haired Brad Pitt.
Frankie (Scott McNairy) and Russell (Ben Mendelsohn) are two low-level criminals who are told by their boss Johnny Amato (Vincent Curatola) to rob a mob-enforced poker game run by Markie Trattman (Ray Liotta). When mob enforcer Jackie Cogan (Brad Pitt) finds out about the hit, he tracks them down and sets out to put everything back in its rightful, economic place. This script, written by Dominik and adapted from George V. Higgins's novel Cogan's Trade, is where I find that a lot of this film falls flat. The premise itself is very interesting: the exploration of a local mobster scene that an effective hitman attempts to smooth out, but I feel like the translation from page to the screen could have been a bit more exciting. There is nothing ineffective about this film's desire to drown its audience in dialogue but there is also no warning for it either. I was definitely expecting a much more compelling look at these modern-day mobsters, complete with action and values of loyalty, but instead was met with a handful of confusing plotlines. Perhaps this is one of the novels that are just not meant to be translated to film, as there is so much information regarding the world of these characters that I did not feel could be communicated properly. Dominik's writing excellently makes way for some solid humor and hard-packing action but the road to get there was a bit brutal. However, despite the lack of context and easily understandable plot, so much of this film's dialogue helps to personify these characters very well. Whether it be through the humor or little inflections in the actors' voices, there is a lot of talent on display here that I just feel could have been utilized better.
A piece of Dominik's script that I did genuinely enjoy, though, was the inclusion of the underlying economic theme. Intercutting nearly every scene with narration from Barack Obama and John McCain's 2008 presidential speeches about how they would make the country stronger was such an interesting choice. It really helped to show how the mob in this community did not follow the rules of America, but rather the rules of business. Making money and tying up loose ends is all that these characters care about and that is made very clear despite the setting of this political election. The narration throughout the film helped to remind the audience what these characters were really after and it also provided a great look into the world that these characters were living in (as well as making way for one absolutely powerful, final line delivery). Many of this film's technical elements are also fantastic, including the performances from the entire cast, the editing, and the highly stylistic action. Pitt, McNairy, Mendelsohn, and Liotta are all astounding in this film and were cast perfectly. While, of course, the latter carries one of the most unforgettable roles in the mobster film genre, Pitt was incredible as well and held his own just as well. The editing from Brian A. Kates and John Paul Horstmann was astounding and undeniably sharp from the get-go. Starting off this film with some of the quickest, most abrupt intercutting of title cards helped to set the tone immensely. I loved how these two cut this film and how they brought together the story in a bit of a roundabout way. What stood out the most to me about this film, however, were the action sequences. The action scenes, while very few, were incredibly impactful when they did rear their ugly and bloody heads. Sound design is also used perfectly for these types of scenes and from the squeals of men being pulverized against a car to the shimmering metal unloading into characters' heads, the audio was just barbarous.
Only three people are killed throughout the course of this film and not at all softly, if I may add. However, Killing Them Softly still turns out to be an exciting watch with a hell of a performance from Pitt. He is truly at his best when his roles are the most subdued and this film showcases that like none other. This movie may not be the most memorable of mobster films from the past twenty years or so, but it does a great job of standing out as a fresh take on the genre.
My Rating: ★★★
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