With surefire hits like “The Amazing Spider-Man” and “The Dark Knight Rises” still on the horizon, summer blockbusters are still at the forefront of most movie lovers’ minds. But once the summer season winds down, there are a few pretty intriguing films set for the quieter early fall months.
Among them is “Killing Them Softly,” a gritty crime drama starring Brad Pitt that premiered in May at the Cannes Film Festival. Directed by Andrew Dominik, who last directed Pitt in “The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford,” the movie is based on the George V. Higgins novel “Cogan’s Trade” about an enforcer for the mob.
When a heist interrupts a mob poker game, Jackie Cogan (Pitt) is brought in to investigate. In Dominik’s adaptation, Cogan’s quest to find those responsible for stealing the mob’s assets to make them pay for their indiscretion is set against the backdrop of post-Katrina New Orleans and the impending economic downturn.
In addition to Pitt, the film stars James Gandolfini, Richard Jenkins, Ray Liotta and Sam Shepard.
Based on early reviews from Cannes, “Killing Them Softly” appears to be more than just a crime thriller, but an examination of the state of America rife with political undertones. Given that twist and the caliber of the talent involved, I’m surprised this movie isn’t getting more buzz.
“Killing Them Softly” opens Sept. 21. Check out two clips from the movie below.
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