Review! Killer Joe
Killer Joe (2011) Directed by William Friedkin. Starring: Matthew McConaughey, Emile Hirsch and Juno Temple. IMDB says: ”When a debt puts a young man’s life in danger, he turns to putting a hit out on his evil mother in order to collect the insurance.
Dark comedies can be rough. Comedy in general is the most subjective genre around but add in a cup of sex and violence and little more than a dash of disgust and the film can have a real issue finding an audience. It’s safe to say that Killer Joe and it’s NC-17 rating doesn’t give a fuck if you like it or not. The movie is a filthy masterpiece, an Oscar-worthy John Waters film (if something like that were to exist.) It’s a drumstick breaded with uncomfortable laughs, deep fried in unflinching violence, and drenched with phenomenal performances. And if by chance you’ve been searching for ways to drop that fried chicken habit, look no further than a viewing of Killer Joe.
The film’s story is straightforward enough, a guy needs money so he hires a hit man to kill his mother in order to collect on her life insurance policy. There are other details of who hires who and what’s at stake but it’s a lot more fun to have that explained by the film instead of it being spoiled in a review. I assure you though, the plot may be simple but the devil’s in the details. While not exactly full of plot twist and turns, the movie is bursting with unsuspecting moments. Part of the intrigue comes from the film making style. The scenes are set with unflinching wide shots, as well as close ups on particular items that draw the viewers attention away from the madness at perfectly planned times. The film’s events are also punctuated by the character’s actions. When the crazy starts to pile, it’s pretty hard to guess just what is next around the corner. The dichotomy between the mysterious Joe and the brainless family members is played for laughs mostly, but also gives way to the film’s most heinous scenes.
Along with interesting characters and confident film making, the movie’s biggest applause should be saved for it’s performances. I can single out every member of the cast and give them props. For me Emile Hirsch and Juno Temple are a perfect fit in their roles, turning in completely committed and surefooted performances. I also loved seeing Gina Gershon again, someone who hasn’t graced my viewing screens in a while, really knocking her role outta the park. But as you might have already put together, Matthew McConaughey is the star of this rodeo. His performance as the suave but malign title character is one for the books and is with out a shadow of a doubt one of his best performances ever put to film. As jarring as a lot of the film’s content is, you never once think “I can’t believe Matthew McConaughey is doing this!” He does such a good job in the film that he completely becomes the character.
It goes without saying that this movie won’t be for everyone or really for most. I overheard a lady leaving the theater saying it was “the worst movie I’ve seen in a very long time.” But if you are intrigued by the premise, the performances of the fact that WILLIAM FRIEDKIN directed this, try Killer Joe on for size.
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