Killing Them Softly

Rating : 5/10
Release Date : 5th October, 2012
Time : 140 minutes
Director & Writer : Andrew Dominik based on the novel, ‘Cogan’s Trade’ by George V Higgins; Music : Rachel Fox
Starring : Brad Pitt, Ray Liotta, Richard Jenkins, Scoot McNairy, Ben Mendelsohn, James Gandolfini

There is a message in here somewhere. A message perhaps best articulated in the last few sentences of the film. But to my mind it gets lost in the bleak portrayal of American economic depression, the violence, the bloodshed, the psychotic characters and the slow, uneven pace of the film

Some young turks, at the behest of a petty criminal, rob a poker game run by the mafia, knowing fully well that someone else will get blamed for it. The mafia now has to decide what to do about it, hiring Brad Pitt as the enforcer, and apparently the decision-making even amongst the top bosses is as bureaucratic and slow, done by committees, as the worst of the government departments.

Brad Pitt is old school. Likes to kill people softly. Is against beatings, they serve no purpose, are messy. And if he knows one his targets personally, he would prefer if someone else is hired.

The movie meanders, with many clips of the politicians, Obama and GW Bush, makes a few subtle points but overall struggles to leave a mark large enough for you to carry it forward in your memory for any substantial length of time