As a cinephile who has seen his fair share of mob crime movies, I can confidently say that “Killing Them Softly” stands out as one of the most underrated gems in the genre. Though it may have flown under the radar upon its release in 2012, this masterpiece by director Andrew Dominik has left a lasting impact on me.
Ever since its debut in 2012, the gritty mob crime film “Killing Them Softly” has frequently been overshadowed as a standout choice. Despite garnering a 74% critics’ rating on Rotten Tomatoes, the movie only grossed approximately $40 million and appeared to fly under most people’s radars. In “Killing Them Softly“, Brad Pitt portrays Jackie Cogan, a professional hitman recruited by mob boss Driver (Richard Jenkins) to track down and eliminate the culprits responsible for robbing his private poker game, pocketing around $100,000. At first glance, this may seem like just another routine crime movie, but it’s actually a tale of a gun-for-hire tasked with taking out specific targets.
However, beneath its surface, there lies a more profound concept woven into this film: the demise of the American Dream. Killing Them Softly serves as an illustration of this illusionary belief that in America, one can achieve a better life, and here’s how it portrays that idea.
Killing Them Softly’s Story Reflects the 2008 Economic Crisis
The movie “Killing Them Softly” is a modern adaptation of George V. Higgins’ 1974 novel, “Cogan’s Trade.” The film’s creators, Andrew Dominik, chose to move the storyline to the backdrop of the 2008 global financial crisis, also known as the Great Recession – a severe economic downturn that occurred since the Great Depression.
The predicament of America’s finances can be likened to a narrative centered around money, where the focus is on acquiring, taking, and recovering it. As Dominik stated in his 2012 conversation with Indiewire:
Initially, what I found myself delving into was a tale about an economic collapse. This collapse happened in an economy heavily reliant on speculation, and its downfall was triggered by a lapse in regulatory oversight. There was something about it that felt compellingly intriguing.
In terms of its backdrop and dark, modern-day film noir aesthetic, the movie “Killing Them Softly ” conveys a pessimistic and cynical perspective, which is not commonly linked to the ideal of the American Dream.
Jackie Cogan’s “Killing Them Softly” Philosophy as a Reflection
Despite Jackie Cogan, portrayed by Brad Pitt, being an assassin, he follows a rather compassionate approach towards death. He advocates for “softly taking lives,” which means eliminating his victims in ways that are distant or cause minimal pain, so they won’t experience any terror or agony during their final moments. He prefers to keep his targets unaware of their impending demise.
Cogan’s ideas echo the unscrupulous tactics used by some U.S. financial institutions to exploit low-income homebuyers, leading to the economic downturn. This can be likened to U.S. politicians who make empty promises and nurture false hopes among their constituents. In essence, both these entities are subtly causing harm to Americans from afar – a reality we often fail to recognize. The main distinction lies in the fact that the consequences of such actions usually lead to hardships for American citizens.
The Film’s Seemingly Random Finale Reflects the Death of the American Dream
In the film “Killing Them Softly,” the demise of the American Dream is powerfully depicted, and it’s arguably most evident during the climactic scene. Here, characters Cogan (played by Pitt) and Driver (Jenkins) engage in a discussion about it over drinks at a bar. While they argue over unpaid job fees, a speech from the newly elected President, Barack Obama, is audible in the background. We catch glimpses of his words:
“to reclaim the American Dream and reaffirm that fundamental truth that out of many, we are one.”
In Cogan’s viewpoint, the idea of American idealism, as exemplified by Thomas Jefferson’s statement that “All men are created equal,” is more of a fantasy than reality. He believes that we, as a nation, are far from being a unified people, and equality among all individuals is seldom achieved. To Cogan, the American dream no longer exists; what remains is just wealth. Regarding President Obama’s statement about living in a community, Cogan comments, “This fellow wants to tell me we’re part of a community.
“Please, don’t joke around. In the United States, it’s every man for himself. The U.S. isn’t a nation; it’s simply a corporation. So, let’s get down to business – pay me now.
Cut to black, the movie ends.
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2024-09-08 17:31