Having fully transformed himself into Jackie Cogan, an enforcer who has been hired to restore order after two guys rob a mob protected card game, star Brad Pitt effectively shows that his talent lacks neither depth nor versatility. The fact that he accomplishes this within the confines of a truly gritty, out-of-character film makes Killing Them Softly all the more impressive.
But, in all honesty, the film is much more than Pitt as quick, fresh dialogue guides this dark and somber story down a path of crime, destruction, and murder. At the end of it all, we sit and question what we just saw, appreciative for how it was constructed, edited, and showcased but fearful for just how set in reality the characters really are.
Pitt, for all intents and purposes, gives the most unusual and stellar performance of his career as Cogan. His rough and abrasive delivery brings about a character that we have never seen from the veteran actor. His chemistry with co-stars Richard Jenkins and James Gandolfini is flawless as they all stir up tension that really leaves you baffled. You are never entirely sure of the next move, and with lives on the line, you quickly find yourself leaning forward in your seat, anxious yet skittish for what will come next.
The pace of the story is well thought out, and the dialogue is quirky, quick, and mildly humorous. I did enjoy how the film was edited together to coincide the changing times that took place with 2008's election cycle, and though it annoyed me at first, I grew to appreciate the way the entire situation was incorporated"”though it should be noted that director Andrew Dominik does overstate the connection throughout.
The end result wasn't perfect as Killing Them Softly occasionally shows its budget and lack of character progression. However, I enjoyed my time watching the story play out. I probably appreciated it more a few hours after I'd left the theater, but it sometimes takes that long to realize how good something really is.
