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Taking place in Dallas, Texas, famed director William Friedkin and writer Tracy Letts were able to create one of the nastiestWesternvillains of all time with the crime-thrillerKiller Joe. But what makes the movie so downright nasty, that it has become a polarizing film both revered and despised? While there are many elements of the movie to discuss,Matthew McConaughey’sperformance as the titular Joe is certainly unforgettable, just not in the right way for some.
We will dive deep intoKiller Joe’sfilth and violence, regardless of how dirty it gets, to examine the film’s strengths and how it crafted one of the nastiest characters ever, rivaling the likes of LT inBad Lieutenantor Denzel Washington’s Alonzo Harris inTraining Day. We will also let you know whether you should check out the film for yourself or avoid it entirely.
Plot and Cast of Killer Joe
Killer Joe
Desperate for money after having drugs stolen and his life threatened, Chris Smith enlists the help of his father, Ansel, to figure out a plan. When Chris informs Ansel that his ex-wife (Chris’s mother) has a life insurance policy gifted to the family’s youngest, the developmentally disabled Dottie,the two decide to hire a contract killer and split the amount four ways, bringing in Ansel’s current wife Sharla into the plans. This is when they meetJoe Cooper (Matthew McConaughey), a corrupt police detective who moonlights as a hitman. Demanding 25k up front that the family is not able to provide, Joe instead settles for a ‘retainer’ and begins a manipulative relationship with Dottie.
“If you insult me again, I will cut your face off and wear it over my own. Do you understand?” Matthew McConaughey as Joe
The Smith family consists of Chris (Emile Hirsch), Ansel (Thomas Haden Church), Dottie (Juno Temple), and Sharla (Gina Gershon). Hirsh is best known for his lead role in 2007’sInto the Wild;Thomas Haden Church, most fans will recognize for his role as Sandman in the Spider-Man franchise. Gina Gershon is a welcome addition for long-time fans of the actor who faced unwarrantedbacklash in her most notable role, the lesbian thrillerBound. Juno Temple went on to great success in TV with notable roles inFargoandTedLasso.
The movie was directed by William Friedkin, best known for the genre-definingcultural phenomenon that wasThe Exorcist, but is also the man behind such seminal classics asTo Live and Die in L.A.andThe French Connection.Killer Joeis William Friedkin’s 16th feature film. Tracy Letts wrote the script forKiller Joe, but most will be more familiar with his work as an actor in such roles as Larry McPherson inLady Birdand Henry Ford the 2nd inFord v Ferrari.
Matthew McConaughey’s Killer Joe Is Downright Dirty
Of course, Matthew McConaughey’s ‘Killer Joe’ takes center stage above the rest of the cast ashe becomes the focus of the movie’s depraved and over-the-top elements. While McConaughey has had ample experience tackling complex characters, the role does show the actor’s diverse skills, opting for a more restrained and introverted performance to create the aura of a calculated killer. Whenspeaking with The Hollywood Reporter, McConaughey had this to say about the nasty killer Joe:
“Every movement is deliberate, minimal. Never really exposing light, not out to really define himself, not out to help you understand who he is, not out to ‘let’s keep this conversation rolling.’ Not out to make friends.” Matthew McConaughey on his character in Killer Joe
It is this need to control the narrative around his own life that makes Joeone of the best movie villains. Hewill go to extreme lengths when his authority shows any sign of waning. This is especially notable in the film’s climax, where a family dinner is turned into such a grizzly spectacle it has to be experienced for oneself; the friend chicken depicted on some of the movie’s posters offers a disturbing tease regarding the pivotal scene.The last scene is difficult to stomach, and the first time the audience sees the already intimidating Joe go completely unhinged is shocking and unnerving.
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The other, slightly more complex issue that makes McConaughey’s Joe a challenging character is his relationship with Dottie, whose mental limitations create an uncomfortable power dynamic.Joe thrives on having control, and he approaches Dottie as someone he can manipulateand mold into the person he needs. Their relationship, while transactional, is anything but that for Dottie, who falls in love with the killer. Their relationship offers a little semblance of Joe’s lingering humanity, even if it is just a facade and a means to an end. His exploitation of Dottie is a significant factor in making Joe an uncomfortable character.
Should You Watch Killer Joe?
Killer Joe is an expertly crafted gritty crime thrillerby acclaimed director William Friedkin. It has a phenomenal cast and anunforgettable performance from Matthew McConaughey. That said, the film won’t hold universal appeal, and audiences will need to approach it with caution if they are upset by sensitive subject matter, especially violence towards women. Moreover, the movie exists in that space where none of the characters are redeemable, and the film wallows in their misery and misfortune.
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While not directly comparable in plot and style, think about movies likeNightcrawler,There Will Be Blood,orA Clockwork Orangein generalbleakness and lack of redemptive characters. As far as the extremes that Joe himself goes through, while he is a more controlled corrupt cop, his unhinged moments and nasty elements resonate with those of Harvey Keitel inBad Lieutenant.All this is to say thatyou must embrace extreme elementsand a readiness to welcome a movie with despicable characters.Killer Joeis currently available to stream on Prime and Plex.
