Watch Killing Them Softly

Directed by Andrew Dominik, Killing Them Softly is a 2012 crime thriller starring Brad Pitt, Ray Liotta, and Richard Jenkins. Set during the 2008 presidential election, the movie follows three men who plan to rob a mob-protected card game, but things quickly spiral out of control. The film opens with Frankie (Scoot McNairy) and Russell (Ben Mendelsohn) discussing their plan to rob a card game run by Markie Trattman (Ray Liotta). The game is protected by the mob, but Markie has previously orchestrated his own robbery and blamed it on outsiders, so Frankie and Russell believe they can get away with it. They enlist the help of an experienced hitman named Jackie Cogan (Brad Pitt) to oversee the operation.

As the robbery unfolds, it becomes clear that things are not going according to plan. The thieves are forced to kill several people, and Russell becomes increasingly erratic and unpredictable. Jackie is called in to clean up the mess, and he quickly realizes that the robbery was an inside job orchestrated by Markie. He sets about investigating the situation and determining who should be punished for the crime.

Throughout the film, there are frequent references to the 2008 presidential election and the economic crisis that was taking place at the time. News reports and political speeches are heard in the background, and characters discuss their various opinions on the candidates and the state of the country. The film seems to be making a statement about the nature of American capitalism and the corruption that is inherent in the system.

Brad Pitt gives a standout performance as Jackie, the cool and calculating hitman who is always in control. He is both ruthless and charming, and he commands every scene he is in. Ray Liotta is also excellent as Markie, the hapless mobster who finds himself in over his head. Richard Jenkins plays a mysterious character known only as "Driver," who serves as a mediator between Jackie and his clients.

The violence in the film is brutal and unflinching, but it never feels gratuitous or sensationalized. The movie is more interested in exploring the psychology of the characters and the forces that drive them to commit these acts. There is a sense of fatalism and inevitability that hangs over the entire film, as if all of these characters are just pawns in a larger game they can't control.

The cinematography by Greig Fraser is also worth noting. The film has a gritty, desaturated look that perfectly captures the seedy underworld in which the characters operate. There are several striking shots that linger in the memory, such as an extended slow-motion sequence during a violent hit.

Overall, Killing Them Softly is a stylish and thought-provoking crime drama that showcases some outstanding performances from its cast. It is not a movie for the faint of heart, but for those who enjoy gritty, character-driven thrillers, it is well worth watching.

Killing Them Softly is a 2012 crime movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 37 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.2 and a MetaScore of 64.