The notes’ subtlety flows with nuance as Kuklinski descends further into madness killing more grisly than the last. Music within Anthony Bruno’s adaptation is an integral role in this production. His stone cold sociopathic behaviour is blood curdling and bone chilling consistently from one dirty deed done dirt cheap to the next. Michael Shannon portrays the lead of Richard Kuklinski in an Oscar worthy performance. His performance would easily rival any actor on the Sorpanos roster proving there’s more to this actor than constant prattling on as Ross Gellar, “But we were on a break!” Fully donned in seventies p*rn star mustache and greasy pony tail with satin track suit he acts out and asks questions later. Perhaps the true dark horse in this production is one David Schwimmer in the role of Josh Rosenthal. Just past the initial credits she courts Kuklinski most reluctantly making her character much more human somehow. We invest into her character and empathize instantly despite the outrageous circumstances.
Winona Ryder plays an oblivious wife and mother. We instantly buy into his relentless organized crime façade, accentuating our ability to believe in the plot. Arguably Liotta is somewhat typecast but one cannot argue his bona fide ability to depict such a role being a staple in any wise guy film.
This production was cast brilliantly with an immensely talented ensemble.
Starring: Michael Shannon, Winona Ryder, Chris Evans, Ray Liotta, David SchwimmerĪriel Vromen’s portrayal of the serial killer Richard Kuklinski is dark, gritty and at times an animalistic look at the sociopath’s struggle to balance his vocational disposition and concealing his sinister choices from his family. Following the true life story of Richard Kuklinski a contract killer struggling to balance family life and his cold blooded vocation that made him a legend in 1970’s New Jersey organized crime world.