Killing Them Softly

Killing Them Softly (2012)

About Killing Them Softly

"Killing Them Softly" is a 2012 American neo-noir crime film written and directed by Andrew Dominik. The narrative is based on the 1974 novel 'Cogan's Trade' by George V. Higgins. The movie is set in a post-Hurricane Katrina New Orleans and follows Jackie Cogan, a mob enforcer, who is hired to restore order after three guys rob a card game, causing the local criminal economy to collapse.

Making / Production

Andrew Dominik took inspiration from the economic crisis of 2007–2008 and the subsequent presidency of Barack Obama. This film was produced by Plan B Entertainment, with Dede Gardner, Brad Pitt, and Steve Schwartz as producers. It was distributed by The Weinstein Company in the United States. Greig Fraser served as the cinematographer and the editing was done by Brian A. Kates.

Actors

• Brad Pitt as Jackie Cogan, the film's main protagonist, who played the role with an intimidating and calculating personality.
• Richard Jenkins as Driver, a middleman between Jackie and the mob, portrayed with a sense of nervousness and uncertainty.
• Ray Liotta as Markie Trattman, the unfortunate scapegoat of the film, who gave a very heart-wrenching and distressed performance.
• Scoot McNairy as Frankie, one of the amateur robbers, who played the frantic and regretful character with conviction.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• The film, despite being set in Boston, was shot in New Orleans due to budgetary constraints.
• "Killing Them Softly" marks the third collaboration between Brad Pitt and director Andrew Dominik, after "The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford."
• The title of the film is not mentioned in the dialogue, a rare occurrence in cinema.

Awards

"Killing Them Softly" was nominated for the Palme d'Or at the 2012 Cannes Film Festival.

Quotes

• "America's not a country. It's just a business."
• "They cry. They plead. They beg. They piss themselves. They call for their mothers. It's embarrassing."

Music and Soundtrack

• "The Man Comes Around" by Johnny Cash - plays over the end credits.
• "Life Is Just a Bowl of Cherries" by Lew Brown and Ray Henderson - featured in the trailer.