Culture of Pop
‘Killing Them Softly’ Should Be Remembered Better
The sad, down on his luck character of Killing Them Softly is McNairy’s Frankie. He takes part in a robbery that grows complex in its ramifications during the movie. Although the heist is initially successful, the issue becomes a matter of reputation and holding individuals accountable. Cogan is hired to do the work of a blended form of justice, no court or charges, just “soft” violence and death. For example, Cogan lets Frankie live for an additional several hours and doesn’t make him experience any pain before the murder is committed.
Killing Them Softly also benefits from Gandolfini, another hitman who is far less sophisticated and classy than Cogan. The late actor plays a character who excessively drinks and loves prostitutes. His indiscretions make him unable to conduct his work, which causes Cogan to take on the task. Through all this, the underrated Richard Jenkins plays Driver, a Mafia transporter who also acts as a gateway for delivering information.
There are tone inconsistencies and overall imperfections present within Killing Them Softly. Perhaps these shifts are part of why the movie never gained significant traction. However, Pitt is something to bask in as the hitman Cogan, and the seedy, unfortunate environment of the movie is captured with its entire oddly comical and violently continuous nature. If you haven’t seen Killing Them Softly, check it out. Perhaps you’ll then join the group of movie watchers wondering why it isn’t better remembered.