Killing Them Softly (2012)

Jackie Cogan is an enforcer hired to restore order after three dumb guys rob a Mob protected card game, causing the local criminal economy to collapse.

Director:

Andrew Dominik

Writers:

Andrew Dominik (screenplay), George V. Higgins (based on the novel "Cogan's Trade" by)

Stars:

Brad Pitt, Ray Liotta, Richard Jenkins

3 wins & 8 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Brad Pitt	...	Jackie
Scoot McNairy	...	Frankie
Ben Mendelsohn	...	Russell
James Gandolfini	...	Mickey
Richard Jenkins	...	Driver
Vincent Curatola	...	Johnny Amato
Ray Liotta	...	Markie Trattman
Trevor Long	...	Steve Caprio
Max Casella	...	Barry Caprio
Sam Shepard	...	Dillon
Slaine	...	Kenny Gill
Linara Washington	...	Hooker
Ross Brodar	...	Poker Guy
Wade Allen	...	Business Suit Agent
Christopher Berry	...	Cab Driver Agent

Storyline

Three amateurs stickup a Mob protected card game, causing the local criminal economy to collapse. Brad Pitt plays the hitman hired to track them down and restore order.

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Plot Keywords:

nihilism | neo noir | hitman | poker game | global economic crisis of 2008 | 

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Taglines:

In America you're on your own

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Genres:

Crime | Thriller

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated R for violence, sexual references, pervasive language, and some drug use

Details

Official Sites:

Official site

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

30 November 2012 (USA)

Also Known As:

Cogan's Trade

Filming Locations:

Claiborne Avenue Bridge, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA

Box Office

Budget:

$15,000,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend USA:

$6,812,900, 2 December 2012, Wide Release

Gross USA:

$15,026,056

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$37,930,465

Company Credits

Production Co:

Plan B Entertainment,1984 Private Defense Contractors,Annapurna Pictures

Technical Specs

Runtime:

97 min 150 min (rough cut)

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital Datasat

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

In early negotiations, Ray Liotta was the original choice to play Tony Soprano in the HBO show, The Sopranos (1999). The part was later cast to James Gandolfini. Although they share no screen time, they both star in this film.

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Goofs

At the beginning of the movie, Russell and Frankie are discussing the possibility of doing or not doing the coup. Russell is eating an ice cream. Suddenly, in a next shot, the ice cream has disappeared.

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Quotes

Jackie Cogan: What's he gonna do, fold under questioning? If he does, they'll kill him. If he doesn't, they'll figure he's lying like last time and they'll kill him. Either way, Markie's dead. So why put the poor bastard through a beating? It's a waste of time - not to mention a really unpleasant experience for Markie. Just put him out of his misery, poor bastard.
Jackie Cogan: What's the problem?
Driver: It's murder and they are squeamish.
Jackie Cogan: Oh, for fuck's sake.

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Connections

Featured in Bad Movie Beatdown: Review of 2012 (2013)

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Soundtracks

Wrap Your Troubles In Dreams
Written by Lou Reed
Published by Oakfield Avenue Music Ltd (BMI)
Performed by Nico
Courtese of Universal Records
uner license from Universal Music Enterprises

User Reviews

Brutal!

Based on the 1974 novel Cogan's Trade by George V. Higgins, Andrew Dominik's 'Killing Them Softly' is Brutal! A Hard-Hitting Neo-Noir Crime Film, that speaks its own language without any inhibitions whatsoever! The narrative is difficult to stomach, but the overall impact, is stunning.

'Killing Them Softly' Synopsis: Jackie Cogan is an enforcer hired to restore order after three dumb guys rob a Mob protected card game, causing the local criminal economy to collapse.

'Killing Them Softly' deals with brutality & freedom of speech. Its about the inner demons & the monsters that give them that "push" to come out fiercely. Dominik's Adapted Screenplay is hardcore. It narrates an unforgiving, unforgettable story, about people, whom we can relate to, but not sympathize particularly. Dominik's Direction, on the other-hand, is raw & rustic. Cinematography & Editing deserve a special mention.

Performance-Wise: Brad Pitt steals the show. After 'Moneyball', this is a yet another knockout performance by the Screen Icon. Ray Liotta hasn't been this good in a really long time. Richard Jenkins is excellent. James Gandolfini is mesmerizing in a brief, but significant role. Scoot McNairy & Ben Mendelsohn are fabulous. Sam Shepard shines.

On the whole, 'Killing Them Softly' is a wonder of a film. Two Thumbs Up!