Killing Them Softly Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

Three stooges rob a poker game, causing Brad Pitt to clean up the mess while America deals with the 2008 financial crisis, resulting in a surprisingly philosophical bloodbath.

🍿 Killing Them Softly: Detailed Plot Synopsis

The Heist

Johnny Amato, orchestrates the robbery of a high-stakes poker game protected by the Mob, enlisting Frankie and Russell. Their amateur operation throws the criminal underworld into disarray. The robbery is executed with dish washing gloves and a sawed-off shotgun. After the robbery, a mafioso known as Driver hires Jackie Cogan to take care of the situation.

Jackie’s Investigation

Jackie, a meticulous hitman, is hired to restore order. He quickly determines that Markie Trattman wasn’t involved in the recent heist, however, he believes Markie needs to die to discourage future robberies. Meanwhile, Russell shares his involvement with Kenny Gill, a drug dealer connected to the Mafia, further complicating matters. Jackie, deduces that the perpetrators were Frankie, Russell, and Johnny.

Cleaning Up the Mess

Jackie starts eliminating those responsible. He first takes out Markie to send a message. He hires Mickey Fallon to eliminate Johnny. However, Mickey’s incompetence forces Jackie to take matters into his own hands. Jackie kills Johnny after convincing Frankie to reveal his location. Subsequently, Jackie kills Frankie as well, eliminating all those involved in the heist. Russell is deported on a drug possession charge.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Jackie Cogan (Brad Pitt): A pragmatic and efficient hitman hired to restore order to the criminal underworld, viewing America as a business where everyone is on their own.
• Markie Trattman (Ray Liotta): The manager of the mob poker game, previously guilty of robbing his own game, who becomes a target despite likely innocence.
• Driver (Richard Jenkins): A solemn mob contact who hires Jackie to clean up the mess, constantly trying to negotiate lower prices for the hits.
• Frankie (Scoot McNairy): A small-time thief who participates in robbing the mob poker game, driven by the need for money.
• Russell (Ben Mendelsohn): A heroin-addicted Australian ex-patriot who is stealing purebred dogs and teams up with Frankie for the heist, proving unreliable and talkative.
• Mickey (James Gandolfini): An out-of-state hitman brought in by Jackie, but proves to be a washed-up alcoholic incapable of fulfilling his assignment.
• Johnny Amato (Vincent Curatola): An ex-con who plans the robbery of the mob poker game, hoping to exploit the suspicion surrounding Markie Trattman.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Jackie Cogan: “I like to kill them softly, from a distance.” – Jackie explains his preferred method of assassination, highlighting his detached and professional approach.
• Jackie Cogan: “This guy wants to tell me we’re living in a community? Don’t make me laugh. I’m living in America, and in America, you’re on your own. America’s not a country. It’s just a business. Now pay me.” – Said at the end of the movie when Cogan, after arguing about his fee with Driver, gives his view of America as being a business instead of a community.
• Russell: “I’m gonna move to Montreal.” – Said by Russell disclosing his plan to avoid the contract that was put on him.
• Frankie: “He wasn’t that smart.” – Frankie making an observation about Johnny during their conversation.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $15,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $15,026,056
• Worldwide Gross: $37,930,465

💥 Killing Them Softly Reviews

Personal Review

Wow, this movie really stuck with me. The way it blends crime and social commentary is just brilliant. I loved the slow-burn tension and the performances were top-notch, especially Brad Pitt’s cool and detached hitman. The ending, with Obama’s speech playing in the background, was a powerful statement about America. It made me feel a bit uneasy, but in a good, thought-provoking way. Definitely a movie I’ll be thinking about for a while. The scene where Ray Liotta gets brutally beaten is difficult to watch. It is very graphic and highlights the cruelty within the story. It is an experience I can’t forget soon.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of neo-noir and crime thrillers”
  • “Viewers interested in films with social commentary”
  • “Admirers of Brad Pitt, James Gandolfini, and Ray Liotta”
  • “Those who appreciate stylish cinematography and dialogue-driven narratives”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Graphic violence”
  • “Strong language”
  • “Drug use”
  • “Mature themes”

Professional Reviews

• The New York Times: “Dominik crafts a compelling neo-noir with sharp dialogue and a cynical worldview. Pitt delivers a cool, collected performance that anchors the film’s bleak commentary on American society and its obsession with business.
• Variety: “Killing Them Softly is a stylish and violent crime drama, elevated by strong performances from Pitt and Gandolfini. The film’s deliberate pacing and dark humor may not appeal to all, but those seeking a thought-provoking gangster flick will be rewarded.
• RogerEbert.com: “A brutal and unflinching look at the criminal underworld, ‘Killing Them Softly’ is not for the faint of heart. Its slow-burn storytelling and cynical tone create a unique and unsettling atmosphere.

Audience Reactions

Brad Pitt’s performance is iconic and stands as the core and highpoint of the film.: Most viewers agree that Brad Pitt’s performance is outstanding and that the neo-noir cinematography creates a unique atmosphere. The film’s social commentary resonates with some, while others find it heavy-handed.

Overall Consensus: Killing Them Softly is a divisive film. Some consider it a brilliant neo-noir masterpiece with insightful social commentary, while others find it slow, pretentious, and overly violent.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “The film is based on the 1974 novel ‘Cogan’s Trade’ by George V. Higgins, known for his realistic dialogue and portrayal of criminals.”
• “Director Andrew Dominik updated the setting of the story from the 1970s to 2008, using the financial crisis and presidential election as a backdrop to mirror the themes of economic decay and broken promises.”
• “Many scenes feature actual speeches by George W. Bush and Barack Obama, adding a layer of political commentary to the criminal narrative.”
• “The film’s violence is often depicted in slow motion, emphasizing the brutality and consequences of the characters’ actions.”
• “Originally, Andrew Dominik’s cut of the film was 2 hours and 30 minutes long but it was shortened to 1 hour 37 minutes”

🖥️ How to Watch Killing Them Softly?

Killing Them Softly is available for rent or purchase on various platforms, including Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu. Check your local listings for cable on-demand options. Availability may vary depending on your region.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Killing Them Softly, you might like these similar films:

• The Friends of Eddie Coyle (1973): Another George V. Higgins adaptation with a similar focus on realistic criminal dialogue and a bleak portrayal of low-level crime.
• No Country for Old Men (2007): Shares a neo-noir tone and a cynical view of violence and morality, with a focus on the darker side of human nature.
• The Departed (2006): Features a crime-ridden Boston setting and explores themes of corruption, betrayal, and the blurring lines between law enforcement and organized crime.
• Snatch (2000): Features black humor and violence, highlighting the absurdities and dark comedy in a world of crime.
• Wind River (2017): Features neo-noir themes set in modern America with raw violence and nihilism.

🛒 Killing Them Softly Related Products

• Killing Them Softly (Blu-ray): Own the film in high definition and experience the gritty atmosphere and intense performances in stunning clarity. A must-have for fans of neo-noir and crime dramas.
• Killing Them Softly Movie Poster: A high-quality reproduction of the original theatrical poster. Features Brad Pitt’s intense gaze and the film’s striking title treatment. A stylish addition to any movie lover’s collection.
• Killing Them Softly Graphic T-Shirt: Show your appreciation for this cult classic film with this graphic t-shirt. Stylish, comfortable, and eye-catching, this shirt is perfect for any fan of ‘Killing Them Softly’.
• George V. Higgins – Cogan’s Trade (Original Novel): Go deeper into the story with the original novel that inspired the film. Explore the complex characters and sharp dialogue that made ‘Killing Them Softly’ so compelling.

🎧 Soundtrack

Killing Them Softly features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Dosruk” – performed by Carl Stone

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Killing them Softly ending line by Brad Pitt

Brad Pitt delivers an unforgettable line in this clip from ‘Killing Them Softly’. Trust me, you won’t be able to resist quoting it to your friends!

James Gandolfini in Killing Them Softly

James Gandolfini shines in this scene from ‘Killing Them Softly’. His performance is a must-see for fans of the late actor.

Killing Them Softly movie review

Jeremy Jahns gives his honest opinion on ‘Killing Them Softly’ in this insightful review. Whether you agree with his take or not, it’s worth checking out for his unique perspective.

Cinematography Style: Greig Fraser

Dive into the world of cinematography with this analysis of Greig Fraser’s work. ‘Killing Them Softly’ is just one of the many films he’s lensed, and this video breaks down his signature techniques.

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