Killer Joe is the newest film from director William Friedkin. It is disgusting, brutally violent and totally offensive. It is also by far the best film I have seen in my years of movie going. This is not to say that it is my favorite film of all time...I'll have to think that one over first. Friedkin brilliant transforms this film into a masterpiece by creating a film where every character is repugnant to the audience.
The film starts with Chris (Emile Hirsch)..a down on his luck young man who owes money to many dangerous people. He suggests to his father, Ansel (Thomas Haden Church) that they kill his mother. Chris's sister, Dottie (Juno Temple) quickly latches onto the idea. In comes Joe Cooper (Matthew McConaughey)...an assassin for hire who might just be more than he appears to be.
Killer Joe should be shown in film classes all over the world as an example of how to make a movie and also as an example of how brutality is actually a great addition to a film sometimes. Everyone's great here...Hirsch, Temple, Church, Gina Gershon as Sharla..Chris's step mom. It is McConaughey, however who steals every scene in this film. He is so good it's mind blowing. I never could have imagined that one person could be so terrific in a single performance..especially not the guy who's known for never having his shirt on. He makes Joe into both a disgusting and unpredictable character..giving him no likable qualities..which is what makes him so great.
The film's last half hour is the prime example of how a movie should conclude. It is more violent than Reservoir Dogs, Pulp Fiction, Natural Born Killers and Saving Private Ryan combined and much more disturbing. However..it is also unpredictable and features an ending that will keep everyone (whether they like the film or not) talking for weeks.
Killer Joe is all around a total success. From its eerie moments to its surprisingly funny ones..it works as both a beautifully ugly thriller and an unbelievably dark comedy. There is not a dull moment in the film. In fact...there is never a not great second in Killer Joe.
(5 out of 5 Stars, The film is rated NC-17 for graphic disturbing content involving violence and sexuality and a scene of brutality)
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