One of the better films yet to hit theaters is Andrew Dominik‘s Killing Them Softly, an examination of American capitalism disguised (or not so much) as a gangster film. Based on George V. Higgins’ “Cogan’s Trade”, the story follows professional enforcer, Jackie Cogan (Brad Pitt), who investigates a heist that occurs during a high stakes, mob-protected, poker game.
A new international trailer for the film has found its way online and does give away one pretty cool little scene, but I guess without the context it’s not as great a scene, but why they decide to put some things in trailers and not leave the surprise for the theater I’ll never know. It only lessens the impact, particularly among smart audiences able to look at a trailer and put the pieces together, or, at the very least remember what they’ve seen and once the moment comes to pass in the film they’re waiting for it. Shame.
Killing Them Softly played Cannes, where I reviewed it and gave it an “A” saying:
Adapted from George V. Higgins’s novel, this is a gangster film with guns, bloodshed, a heist and consequences, but it also serves as a metaphor for the whole of America — from the top down. A commentary that isn’t at all subtle, and not in a bad way. Ironically enough, the violent nature of this film, with its equal moments of beauty and savagery actually make for a perfect comparison.
You can read the full review here, watch the trailer below and look for it in theaters on November 30.
