The Iceman, a superviolent new film based on the true story of a mafia contract killer who became one of the most prolific murderers in history, had its world premiere Aug. 30 in Venice and its North American premiere Sept. 2 at Telluride. The project features an awards-worthy performance by Oscar nominee Michael Shannon, albeit in a film that is about as far outside of the Academy’s wheelhouse as one can get, which leads me to believe it probably will go unrecognized.

The Iceman, which is still seeking a U.S. distributor, was directed by Israeli filmmaker Ariel Vromen, who also co-wrote the project with Morgan Land. Vroman’s first feature in six years and third overall, it was produced by his countryman Ehud Bleiberg, who has had four films at Telluride in the past five years, including the terrific The Band’s Visit and Precious Life. The film recounts — often in shockingly graphic ways — the three decades during which Richard Kuklinski, a guy from Jersey City with a dark personality, meets his wife (Oscar nominee Winona Ryder in a nice role and looking as good as ever) and gets pulled into and then comes to depend on a life of crime. Continue reading “The Iceman” on Telluride festival