Killer Joe - BLURAY

William Friedkin's `Killer Joe' is one of the most shocking, vile, disgusting, sick and twisted piece of white-trash film noir that I have ever seen. I think it's also one of the best films of the year. The film revolves around 21 year old Chris Smith (played with hyperactive intensity by Emile Hirsch) who attempts to clear himself of a mountain of debt by hiring a hit-man to kill his estranged mother, in order to collect $50,000 of insurance money. With a gang of loan sharks threatening to take his life, time is an issue. Chris runs the idea by his father, Ansel, at the local strip joint, and while the dim-witted Ansel is hesitant at first, he ultimately agrees that it would be a great idea. The next day, Chris hires "Killer" Joe Cooper (Matthew McConaughey) to do the job for him. Joe is an detective by day, as well as a hit man on the side. He asks for an advance payment of $25,000, but Chris is unable to pay. As a result, Joe takes Chris' twenty year old sister, Dottie, as a "retainer" until he receives his money. Ansel's wife Sharla (Gina Gershon) is hesitant at first, as she doesn't trust Chris because of his tendency to be unreliable; however, she plays along regardless. In the meantime, Joe and Dottie enter into a sexual relationship and become quite fond of one another. This agitates Chris to no end, and before the credits roll, everything goes straight to hell in a blood-soaked, much talked about finale. Make no mistake - this film earns the NC-17 rating and then some. It is not for the faint of heart or the easily offended. The notorious "chicken leg" scene is just as abhorrent and disturbing as you've probably heard, and is the sole reason for the NC-17 rating. William Friedkin is on top of his game here and pulls no punches. The sordid lives of these disgusting characters are graphically brought to the screen, written for the screen by Tracey Letts' in an adaptation of his stage play. This Southern-gothic noir is beautifully shot by Caleb Deschanel, and the score by Tyler Bates is appropriately twangy and unsettling. The performances are uniformly amazing. McConaughey is at the top of his game here. This is an Oscar worthy performance, unlike anything that the actor has every accomplished before. Gina Gershon is incredible in her role as the double-crossing Sharla. Juno Temple is in full-on Lolita-mode as Dottie, creating a complex character with many unpredictable quirks. Thomas Hayden Church plays against type as the stupid, southern-fried redneck, Ansel. Finally, Emile Hirsch is fantastic as Chris, delivering his best performance since his underrated contribution to `Milk'. `Killer Joe' is a fantastic film, but once again, it is only for the brave. The faint hearted and easily offended are advised to steer clear. `Killer Joe' is 1 hour and 45 minutes, rated NC-17 for "graphic disturbing content involving violence and sexuality, and a scene of brutality", released by Lionsgate. Available on Blu-ray and DVD. Read more

very different kind of movie but extremely good. Read more

William Friedkin is a director people either love or hate. Interestingly, ambiguity in human nature is the theme most often explored in his films. This film is populated with few, if any likeable characters. Though they are interesting! Much has been said about Matthew McConaughey's performance, and indeed it is noteworthy. Much better than his overrated Magic Mike. I particularly like Emile Hirsch as the dim wit that hatches a convoluted plan to kill his mother. There are also good performances from the rest of the cast. There's a certain surrealism to Killer Joe. You watch most of the movie in disbelief. Is this for real? The seedy locale-supposedly Dallas (the movie was shot in New Orleans) is perfect. I dare say they couldn't have picked more suitable locations to support the dilapidated world these people live. Shot beautifully, and edited with a pace that reminds you that Friedkin is the same man that gave us two near perfect films (The French Connection. and The Exorcist) Both still stand after 40 years. I don't think this effort reaches that level of excellence, but it is apparent that you are watching the work of one of the most underestimated directors ever. Friedkin has never gotten his due. Killer Joe proves he is still able to deliver a visceral, exciting, and original movie experience. Check out some of his other films: To Live and Die in LA, Rampage, Cruising, Sorcerer, Bug, and of course the aforementioned French Connection and Exorcist. All explore the duality of man and make for compelling viewing. As a viewer of a Friedkin film you are never quite sure where the characters stand, or how you feel about them, and there are no tidy answers. You are usually left with more questions. Not typical hollywood fluff. When he came to prominence as a filmmaker, movies that provoked thought were popular. He hasn't waivered as a filmmaker-the taste of the audience has! Killer joe definitely provokes,and jolts-like a double shot of red bull. Warning: this film has some scenes of intense violence. I had to look away twice, but wasn't distracted. It seemed relevant, and indicative of just how depraved a world these characters live. The film is funny and repellent at the same time. Definitely worth a watch! Read more