If you want
to see acting, I mean real acting of Brando-like proportions; you need to see
Michael Shannon, in anything. Well maybe
not “Kangaroo Jack” or “Jonah Hex”. But
let’s focus on the positive. Since his
stellar performance in 2003’s “Bug”, he has been on everyone’s radar. And whether it’s a supporting player (Revolutionary
Road) or the lead (Take Shelter) the man always puts his entire self into a
role.
This crime
drama based on actual events called “The Iceman” is no different. Shannon portrays Richard Kuklinski a Polish
working man who gets pulled into the mob and lets out his inner ruthlessness by
killing at least 100 people. Not just
because it pays well and it takes care of his family, but because he needs
to. The film starts off pretty great
setting up his relationship with his future wife played by Winona Ryder and
also gives us a glimpse of his temper and willingness to kill almost
anyone. Except women and children as is
the hitman code, even in the 70’s. After
Richard is recruited by Ray Liotta the movie fast forwards through dozens of
murders and the rise to upper middle class for Richard and his family.
What holds
the film back from being in the same class as “The Godfather” and “Goodfellas”
is the writing and directing. Ariel
Vromen and Morgan Land are new to the game and while they capture the feel of
the era and even the tone of a good crime drama, they just can’t quite cross
that hurdle. There are some tense moments
that they hold on to, but others just not long enough. They did well by surrounding themselves with
some class acts like James Franco, and Chris Evans who seemed to be the only
one not beholden to the script. Everyone
else appeared to be going through the gang-movie-101 motions. And I’m really sorry, as much as I loved, I
mean really loved “Friends” I can’t see David Schwimmer as anyone but
Ross. Here he’s Ross with a pony-tail,
track-suit, and a gun. But still Ross. Anyway the reason that this is worth a watch
again is Shannon, he just commands the screen and captivates you with his
performance, which is a feat in of itself as he speaks very little in the film. So while “The Iceman” isn’t as cool as its
title, it’s worth a view until “Man of Steel” is released on video and you can
see the other side of Michael Shannon.
--Robert L.
Castillo
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