Man on Film: Killer Joe

It is strange that it has taken me this long to write this up because Killer Joe was one of my favorite movies of the year. I really do not want to say too much about it as to let the film speak for itself and avoid setting any expectations at all for the first-time viewer.

William Friedkin's latest adaptation of a Tracy Letts play (the two also collaborated on Bug) is insane. It's darkly and mercilessly funny, blessed with a brilliant cast and highlighted with perhaps the greatest performance of Matthew McConaughey's career. Having just spoken of how we're in the throes of the McConaussance (hat-tip to Jeremy again) when talking of his wonderful performance as District Attorney Danny Buck in Bernie, he takes on the role of Killer Joe Cooper with an elan so rarely seen committed to celluloid (or more likely digital video, but I digress). McConaughey is fucking brilliant in Killer Joe.

When complimented so well and fully by the rest of the cast--particularly Thomas Haden Church and Gina Gershon but Emile Hirsch and Juno Temple more than hold their own--it's hard not to marvel at the deliciously batshit crazy movie that the 77-year-old director churned out.

And if you needed any more reason to see this flick other than the fact that it's balls-to-the-wall insanity, this gem is featured prominently in the film. Clarence Carter, Clarence Carter, Clarence Carter, Clarence Carter, oooo shit, Clarence Carter.



Not unlike last night's Man on Film entry, Killer Joe is available on DVD and Blu-ray essentially right now. It gets released on December 21st. I cannot recommend it enough, though it is not for the faint of heart. And whatever you do, do not read anything more about this film. Hell, I wouldn't even watch the trailer if I were you. I'm not embedding it here just to try to discourage you from knowing anything about the film going into it.