The Iceman *** ( R) Here’s a fascinating film if you’re one of the few people likely to find the gruesome, somewhat fact-based story of a cold-blooded mob hit man worthy of your attention. Michael Shannon is quite compelling as sociopath Richard Kuklinski, who supposedly whacked about 100 targets in and around New Jersey in the 1970s-80s before his arrest in 1986. He apparently lacked anything resembling human emotions except for his wife (Winona Ryder) and daughters, who knew nothing of his career until the end. Even self-preservation seemed relatively unimportant, other than as it related to fulfilling his roles as husband and father.
A strong supporting cast includes Ray Liotta and Robert Davi (mid-level crime boss and his superior...right in their wheelhouses); and David Schwimmer, Chris Evans and James Franco (all in stretches from their norms). The proceedings are grisly and graphic. We’re shown the gritty microcosm of a functionary killer’s life, without the scale or relative glamor of mob sagas like The Godfather trilogy or a Goodfellas. The Iceman earned his name doubly - the lack of affect or underlying feelings while thinning the herd of local lowlifes; and how he minimized his risk of detection by disposing of the bodies. Sordid, but good sordid, as such films go. (5/17/13)