<p>Based on George V Higgins’ novel, Cogan’s Trade, Killing Them Softly explores the dark side of America troubled by gangsters in desperation and empty promises by politicians during the 2008 recession. <br /><br /></p>.<p>Two armed robbers Russel (Ben Mendelsohn) and Frankie (Scoot McNairy), wearing kitchen gloves and see-through masks, hold up and rob a poker game.<br />It is quite surprising that they were successful in their mission, being as clumsy as they were. <br /><br />Even the people at the poker table didn’t seem to mind it that much either. The duo pin the crime on double-dealer Markie (Ray Liotta), who has committed a similar crime before.<br />It is up to Jackie Cogan (Brad Pitt), a hired brutal mob enforcer to track them down and set things right. <br /><br />Pitt plays the perfect emotionless killer who has his own strategy when it comes to murder. He says, “Killing someone can get embarrassing. Touchy-feely. I like to kill them softly — from a distance.”<br /><br />Mickey (James Gandolfini) plays the role of a hitman turned drunken sex-addict. The only female role in the entire movie is the hooker he verbally abuses. <br /><br />If not for the visuals of the 2008 election campaign by Obama and McCain from TV sets, the pale yellow setting reminds you of the 70’s or early 80’s. <br /><br />It shows the dark America hit by recession and a state of chaos and lawlessness everywhere. The movie is not perfect but there is something alluring about the anxiety it portrays and the dialogues in it. <br /><br />Jackie’s explicit cynicism shows throughout the movie and he ends it perfectly by mocking Obama’s election speech claiming America to be community. <br />He says, “We’re living in America and you’re on your own. America’s not a country. It’s just a business.”<br /><br /></p>
<p>Based on George V Higgins’ novel, Cogan’s Trade, Killing Them Softly explores the dark side of America troubled by gangsters in desperation and empty promises by politicians during the 2008 recession. <br /><br /></p>.<p>Two armed robbers Russel (Ben Mendelsohn) and Frankie (Scoot McNairy), wearing kitchen gloves and see-through masks, hold up and rob a poker game.<br />It is quite surprising that they were successful in their mission, being as clumsy as they were. <br /><br />Even the people at the poker table didn’t seem to mind it that much either. The duo pin the crime on double-dealer Markie (Ray Liotta), who has committed a similar crime before.<br />It is up to Jackie Cogan (Brad Pitt), a hired brutal mob enforcer to track them down and set things right. <br /><br />Pitt plays the perfect emotionless killer who has his own strategy when it comes to murder. He says, “Killing someone can get embarrassing. Touchy-feely. I like to kill them softly — from a distance.”<br /><br />Mickey (James Gandolfini) plays the role of a hitman turned drunken sex-addict. The only female role in the entire movie is the hooker he verbally abuses. <br /><br />If not for the visuals of the 2008 election campaign by Obama and McCain from TV sets, the pale yellow setting reminds you of the 70’s or early 80’s. <br /><br />It shows the dark America hit by recession and a state of chaos and lawlessness everywhere. The movie is not perfect but there is something alluring about the anxiety it portrays and the dialogues in it. <br /><br />Jackie’s explicit cynicism shows throughout the movie and he ends it perfectly by mocking Obama’s election speech claiming America to be community. <br />He says, “We’re living in America and you’re on your own. America’s not a country. It’s just a business.”<br /><br /></p>
