The Killing Jar and Madness: A Movie Review

Action films that take place in one setting might come off as boring, but not The Killing Jar. The Killing Jar does fall into the action genre, but this Mark Young production keeps the intensity up by unleashing one sinister character after another. In fact, it is hard to tell who is the central villain as each person is badder than the last. However, The Killing Jar is centrally a well timed and well paced film that utilizes one time period with one set to focus on the characters.

One villain is having a really bad, or a crazy day and he takes out his frustrations on the local deputy. The local policeman does not stand a chance against a murderous tough only know as Doe (Michael Madsen). Doe does not stop with the deputy. Soon the kitchen help, customers, and anyone with a pulse goes down to Doe's illogical vengeance. But is Doe the most ruthless villain?

Dixon (Harold Perrineau) is the next to show off his murderous path. Yet, Dixon can only talk of his misdeeds as he is strapped to a chair by Doe. Dixon recalls killing a family of four including children. This character is a contract killer who specializes in the most brutal. Yet, Dixon does not get a chance to show off his murderous deeds. Doe makes certain of this.

There is one killer who lives through this trial of the strongest and this character, while unmentioned here, is ruthless despite a passive exterior. Just like books The Killing Jar cannot be interpreted from the cover, or a first glance. The final climactic battle between three killers gets bloody and the climax stems from random brutality and greed.

The Killing Jar manages to keep things interesting by focusing on a few characters and the intensity is maintained through the use of four square claustrophobia causing walls. The characters that are introduced are given some depth with the use of dialogue and separate motivations. Each character is part of the story because of mischance or through deliberate intention. Also, the focus on one time period and one setting keep the film in the moment for the viewer. The action progresses just as if the viewer was in the show. Using one set and one time period was a device used by Shakespeare to create comedy and drama. These elements work for The Killing Jar as well.

The Killing Jar will be shown in a limited release beginning March 19th, with a DVD to follow. If drama is your thing then check out The Killing Jar, a New Film International release.

A trailer on the film here:

The Killing Jar Here at 28DLA

Sources:

The Killing Jar at Bloody Disgusting

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Posted in: 2010,cast,crew,crime drama,drama,Michael Madsen,movie poster,movie review,thriller