Directed by:
Ariel VromenCinematography:
Bobby BukowskiComposer:
Haim MazarCast:
Michael Shannon, Winona Ryder, Ray Liotta, Chris Evans, Stephen Dorff, James Franco, Megan Sherrill, David Schwimmer, McKaley Miller, Christa Campbell (more)VOD (4)
Plots(1)
Ariel Vromen directs this gritty biopic tracing the career of New York contract killer Richard Kuklinski (Michael Shannon). After convincing his Catholic wife Deborah Pellicotti (Winona Ryder) that he works for Disney when he in fact produces porn videos, Polish-American Kuklinski soon finds himself on the payroll of local mobster Roy Demeo (Ray Liotta) as an 'enforcer'. As he warms to his new role amidst the New Jersey underworld, despatching 'contracts' with clinical precision, a striking contrast begins to build between that of the outwardly devoted family man and the ruthlessly efficient, emotionless killer. (Lionsgate Home Entertainment)
(more)Reviews (1)
This film had long eluded me, and I was surprised why that was the case. The story of a notorious hitman with a truly balanced cast... It had many attributes that could have led to an above-average film capable of standing up to its most refined competition. However, it was not without its flaws. Casting Michael Shannon as Richard Kuklinski was, in my opinion, a masterstroke; his impeccably mesmerizing gaze was simply the cherry on top (he proved this here and in other films, and he's a brilliant actor). But the rest of the cast disappointed me. Winona Ryder unnecessarily overacted in tense dialogues, and Ray Liotta was given ample screen time, but his storyline was left unfinished and abruptly cut off. While Liotta appeared quite often, Chris Evans faced the opposite problem as an interesting character who was woefully underutilized. The film does have its brutal moments, but The Iceman lacked a greater drive and push. The second half dragged on, and suddenly the final arrest came. The filmmakers had set things up so well, but in the second hour, it felt like something shifted, and the film dropped a level. It’s a pity. I give it 63%.
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