Since the 1990s, Brad Pitt has been a mainstay among Hollywood’s top talents, renowned for his ability to draw audiences and headline major films. While the actor is frequently remembered for blockbusters, one title among his Brad Pitt underrated movies received critical praise yet avoided major box office success: the 2012 crime thriller Killing Them Softly.
Pitt’s Partnership with Andrew Dominik in a Gritty Underworld
After working together on the revisionist Western The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford, Pitt and director Andrew Dominik teamed up once again for Killing Them Softly. In this film, Pitt portrays Jackie Cogan, a hitman tasked with restoring order after three small-time crooks disrupt a mob-protected poker game and escape with a significant payout. Joining Pitt are co-stars Scoot McNairy, Ben Mendelsohn, James Gandolfini, and Ray Liotta, all inhabiting the film’s intense criminal landscape.
The plot reveals Cogan’s calculated approach to his assignments. Though handed a straightforward job, Cogan’s personal ethics and the complexity of the situation force him to consider bringing in another hitman. This layered criminal underworld, combined with Dominik’s direction, sets the film apart from typical genre offerings and adds to its reputation as one of Brad Pitt’s underrated movies.
The Hidden Story Behind the Title
Killing Them Softly is adapted from George V. Higgins’s novel Cogan’s Trade. Director Andrew Dominik made a conscious choice to depart from the book’s original title, seeking instead to reflect the film’s mood and modern sensibilities. According to Dominik,
“Brad’s character calls what he does ‘killing them softly’ — with a minimum of fuss,”
Dominik, Director. The focus was to highlight the character’s methodical approach rather than evoke older genre associations, as Dominik explained that the original title
“kind of sounds like a Clint Eastwood title to me from 1972,”
Dominik, Director.
Dominik also employed an unusual tactic on set: the real title of the movie was concealed from Brad Pitt during filming. The director was cautious about how the title’s line might have influenced Pitt’s performance, stating,
“There’s a danger that the actor might make a meal out of the line,”
Dominik, Director. Dominik preferred Pitt’s delivery to remain muted and natural, helping solidify the somber, serious tone of the film.
Critical Acclaim and Audience Reception
While Killing Them Softly did not achieve major commercial success, the film found favor with critics, earning a Certified Fresh status and a 74% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. The film’s nuanced performances and serious tone resonated with reviewers, though it struggled to connect broadly with general audiences. Actors like Scoot McNairy, Ben Mendelsohn, James Gandolfini, and Ray Liotta contributed to the film’s strong ensemble, underscoring the depth and complexity brought to Dominik’s adaptation.
Brad Pitt’s career has been marked by a mix of box office hits and overlooked gems, and this crime thriller stands out as a notable entry in his filmography for its intense storytelling and understated approach.
The Enduring Appeal of Pitt’s Hidden Gems
Killing Them Softly remains a testament to Pitt’s range as an actor and his willingness to collaborate with visionary directors like Andrew Dominik. Even as studios chase blockbuster returns—such as Pitt’s reported $30 million payday for the upcoming F1—films like this offer audiences a different, more intricate side of his career. For fans seeking Brad Pitt underrated movies that combine serious performances with complex storytelling, this title offers a compelling, if underappreciated, look into the darker corners of the crime genre.
