Killing Them Softly (2012) Characters, Setting & Themes Explained

The film is set in the criminal underworld of America, specifically in gritty urban environments associated with underground gambling. It portrays a world where organized crime operates as a parallel economy, with desperate individuals navigating the treacherous terrain of illegal poker games and hired violence.

• america
• urban
• gambling
• criminal underworld
• crime world

The movie is set in 2008 during the American financial crisis and the presidential election campaign. This period is significant because the widespread economic instability and political tension created an environment ripe for crime and desperation, directly reflecting the characters' motivations and the film's bleak tone.

• 2008
• financial crisis
• economic downturn
• election
• america

Greed is a central theme driving characters to make dangerous decisions in pursuit of money. The characters engage in morally questionable actions for financial gain, reflecting the harsh realities of a society where success is often measured by wealth. Their desperation showcases the lengths individuals will go to when driven by greed.

• greed
• money
• wealth
• financial gain
• ambition

Violence pervades the narrative, illustrating the brutal consequences of life in the criminal underworld. The film depicts both physical confrontations and the psychological toll of violence on its characters, emphasizing that in this world, violence is often the primary means of resolving disputes.

• violence
• brutal
• crime
• underworld
• confrontation

The theme of despair runs throughout the film, showcasing the characters' struggles against their circumstances. Set against the backdrop of an economic downturn, characters find themselves trapped in a cycle of crime and desperation. Their choices reflect a society where survival takes precedence over morality.

• desperation
• despair
• economic downturn
• survival
• society

Jackie Cogan is a seasoned hitman known for his calm demeanor and pragmatic approach to violence. He assesses situations with cool detachment, embodying the business-like nature of his profession. His cold efficiency contrasts sharply with the emotional chaos surrounding him, highlighting a singular focus on survival.

• jackie cogan
• hitman
• enforcer
• violence
• calm

Johnny 'Squirrel' Amato is the mastermind behind the poker heist, driven by ambitious dreams despite his reckless planning. His relationship with Russell is fraught with tension, reflecting his perceived weaknesses in contrast to Russell's desperate bravado. His actions reveal the complexity of ambition in the midst of societal collapse.

• johnny squirrel amato
• mastermind
• heist
• ambition
• planner

Russell is a heroin-addicted Australian expatriate who resorts to stealing dogs to fund his drug habits. His character oscillates between ambition and recklessness, showcasing the struggles of addiction intertwined with dreams of greater aspirations. His interactions with Johnny underscore the frailty of loyalty in a desperate world.

• russell
• addiction
• heroin
• australian
• stealing dogs

Markie Trattman is a poker game operator with a dubious past, making him the prime target for the heist. His character embodies irony, as he becomes a victim despite allegedly staging his own robberies. Markie's attempts to deflect blame reveal the treacherous nature of trust in the criminal underbelly.

• markie trattman
• poker
• operator
• target
• trust

The film presents a cynical view of America as a ruthless business, using the 2008 financial crisis as a backdrop to examine how economic desperation strips away morality. The parallel narrative of the presidential election underscores the film's theme that American society operates on cold, calculating transactions rather than justice or redemption.

• america
• business
• justice
• economic
• society