Brad Pitt’s underrated crime thriller, Killing Them Softly, is gaining renewed attention as audiences and critics alike revisit his deeper catalog. Released in 2012, this film features Pitt as a mafia enforcer, weaving tension and complexity into a genre piece that initially slid under the radar despite its star power.
Since the 1990s, Pitt has stood out as one of Hollywood’s most bankable actors, attracting crowds with every release, such as the recent announcement of his $30 million paycheck for the upcoming 2025 racing drama F1. While films like Seven are instantly recognized for his gripping performances, not every gem in his body of work saw overwhelming box office success. Killing Them Softly, directed by Andrew Dominik and starring notable actors including Scoot McNairy, Ben Mendelsohn, James Gandolfini, and Ray Liotta, is a prime example of a Brad Pitt film that slipped through the cracks when first released.
Exploring the Plot and Ensemble Cast
In Killing Them Softly, Brad Pitt takes on the role of Jackie Cogan, a hitman hired by the mob to restore order after three inexperienced criminals rob a high-stakes poker game operated by organized crime figures. With a discreet and clinical approach to violence, Cogan’s method is partly shaped by his own personal code and sense of professionalism, which may require the assistance of another assassin to fully resolve the botched situation. The ensemble cast, including Scoot McNairy, Ben Mendelsohn, James Gandolfini, and Ray Liotta, adds extra depth and authenticity to the film’s tense atmosphere.
The Story Behind the Film’s Unique Title
Killing Them Softly is adapted from George V. Higgins’s novel Cogan’s Trade. Director Andrew Dominik chose not to use the original book title for the film. According to Dominik in a USA Today interview,
“Brad’s character calls what he does ‘killing them softly’ — with a minimum of fuss,”
Andrew Dominik, Director. He believed Killing Them Softly conveyed a more modern tone, while “Cogan’s Trade” reminded him of film titles from earlier decades, such as Clint Eastwood’s work in the 1970s. The director wanted a title that reflected both the film’s updated setting and the unique principles of Pitt’s character.
Dominik had an unusual reason for keeping the film’s true name a secret during shooting. Rather than using a working title for confidentiality, he withheld the name from Pitt out of concern it would impact how the actor delivered the pivotal line that references the title. Dominik explained,
“There’s a danger that the actor might make a meal out of the line,”
Andrew Dominik, Director. His aim was a subdued and sincere performance, and Pitt’s understated delivery fulfilled that goal.
Critical Reception and Cult Appeal
Although Killing Them Softly did not connect with general audiences at the time of its theatrical release, it resonated among critics and has gradually built a reputation as an overlooked crime drama. The film is now noted as Certified Fresh on Rotten Tomatoes with a 74% score, reflecting its quality and the recognition it received from film professionals. Alongside contemporaries like Marvel and other major studios, Pitt and director Dominik’s collaboration is increasingly respected for its gritty style and thought-provoking character dynamics.
The film’s layered approach, influenced by the source material from George V. Higgins and the dynamic between crime and morality, makes it stand out among Hollywood’s vast selection of thrillers. With the combined talents of powerhouse actors and a director determined to take creative risks, Killing Them Softly is now regarded as one of Brad Pitt’s most compelling and underrated crime thrillers, deserving its place in the spotlight as new audiences discover its complex narrative and haunting performances.
