Brad Pitt's Hitman Film Is Among the Most Underrated Crime Thrillers of the 2010s

Since rising to prominence in the 1990s, Brad Pitt has maintained his status as one of Hollywoods leading stars. His name alone still attracts audiences, making him a top choice for studios willing to pay top dollar he reportedly earned $30 million for the 2025 racing drama F1. Pitt has led some of the most memorable thrillers in modern cinema, including the 1995 classic Seven. However, not all of his acclaimed performances have translated into major box office success.

One film that stands out for its quality yet flew under the radar is the 2012 crime drama Killing Them Softly. The movie reunites Pitt with director Andrew Dominik, who previously directed him in the 2007 revisionist Western The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford. Sharing the screen with Scoot McNairy, Ben Mendelsohn, James Gandolfini, and Ray Liotta, Pitt stars as Jackie Cogan, a seasoned mob hitman.

Cogans latest assignment involves dealing with the aftermath of a robbery at a mafia poker game, where three amateur criminals abscond with a six-figure sum. Adhering to his personal code, Cogan may need to hire another hitman to ensure the job is completed according to his standards.

The film is adapted from George V. Higgins 1974 novel Cogans Trade. Director Andrew Dominik explained the change in title: Pitts character refers to his work as killing them softly executing tasks efficiently and with minimal attention. Dominik felt this phrase made for a more fitting and modern movie title, emphasizing Cogans professional ethics rather than echoing the older novels title, which felt dated.

Dominik also kept the true title a secret from Pitt during filming. He wanted the actors line delivery to remain subtle, avoiding any self-aware or exaggerated performance. This approach ensured Pitts portrayal was understated, aligning perfectly with the characters calm yet deadly nature.

Though general audiences were lukewarm about the film, critics responded positively. Killing Them Softly holds a 74% Certified Fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes, highlighting its strong reception among reviewers despite its modest box office impact.

Author: Logan Reeves