The Killing: The Essential Retro Heist
Posted by Jared
MGM
1956
Don’t let the name of the movie throw you off. It’s not about murder. It’s a heist film taking its title from the phrase “making a killing.” And that’s exactly what’s at stake, in this glorious black and white tough guy thriller. As a Christian who loves action movies, I find it hard to find a film that doesn’t overwhelm me with senseless violence or sex, but The Killing is a unique breed of tasteful action. Released in 1956, like most movies from this era, it’s filled with wit and a retro-razorblade style of slick talking lingo that’ll make any mutt give you the stink eye. They call it film noir, but this film certainly stands above the rest and is generously welcome in a generation of post-modern style cinema that is still very popular today. It also reminds us that crime actually does pay … just not very well.
Based on the novel Clean Break by Lionel White, it all centers around an ex-con named Johnny Clay. He recruits the best crew that only a knowledge of the underbelly of crime can get you. Everyone wants a piece of the action when his plan of stealing $2 million in a racetrack robbery is put into play. Like any other heist, no matter how meticulous, it never goes quite as planned. I won’t tell you much more of the plot other than that, but I can assure you it include a double-cross, a femme fatal, a dirty cop, guns, and of course the money. Even if you don’t like old movies, give this one a shot. The edgy feel of the characters in their suits with skinny ties just ooze cool. It has a surprisingly modern feel to it for being so old. Many action nuances seem to have been borrowed from this film such as the practice of hiding a shotgun in a box of roses like in Terminator 2: Judgment Day. You will recognize them whe you see them. Just try to remember that they are criminals.
One of the most surprising features of this film is the tightly structured scenes. This is part of what makes this oldie but goodie refreshingly original. Many of the scenes are not in chronological order. It moves around like a Tarantino script. It plays out like you are actually part of the robbery and have to pay close attention to the clock and what role each person of the team must play in order for the plan to succeed. At the time this was a revolutionary storytelling technique and paved the way for this raw type of storytelling that you see in other crime thrillers like Snatch or Boondock Saints. As much fowl language and violence that those have, The Killing uses a pure machismo attitude that keeps all the rated R stuff just under the breath of the action making it that much more believable. You don’t have to compromise your faith while watching this movie. However, The Killing is certainly not as upbeat as a heist like Oceans 11 or its remake, but it does take you back to a time that no longer exists with subtle humor. It plays out in real time, although not in order, like an episode of 24 where only a little “clowning” around is allowed. It’s gritty, but amusing to follow the action.
The Killing is directed by Stanley Kubrick, a reclusive oddball at best. Either you love or hate his work. Some have accused his movies of being too slow and boring, while others have thought him to settle for weird sexuality or violence instead of a good story. I accuse him of both. But, if you see one movie from this director, see Spartacus. And if you see two, see The Killing. It was his breakout movie at the time. Even if over the years it hasn’t become his most popular, this caper is certainly the one with the most kick.
If you love it when a plan comes together, then put this little gem of a film at the top of your queue. It’s the best 89 minutes you’ll spend with an unfamiliar Netflix or Blockbuster DVD in six months.
The heat around the corner.
