The Iceman - DVD

Film: New Jersey, mid-1960s: The secretive Richard (Michael Shannon) meets with the attractive Deborah (Winona Ryder) his very great love. Together with her, he dreams of building an idyllic family life. In fact, he seems to succeed in doing just that in the years that follow. But no one suspects what is actually hidden behind the façade of the ideal family head. For Richard is a stone-cold killer who has put his talent in the service of the gangster boss Roy Demeo (Ray Liotta). But when he is sidelined by Demeo, Richard not only loses his important source of income. His desire to kill is also no longer provided. And he can't take that lying down...

The Iceman is actually based on true events. Richard Kuklinski is said to have murdered up to 200 people by the time of his arrest in 1986, allegedly starting killing at the age of 13. He earned his nickname The Iceman because he froze his victims to disguise the exact time of death. Director Ariel Vromen's dramaturgical treatment of the events focuses on the nearly twenty years in Kuklinski's life during which he built up his façade as a devoted family man. That some aspects are only touched in passing and the whole thing can seem a little superficial, brings a story told in just under 100 minutes, which covers such a long period, almost inevitably with it.

But although there are some big time jumps and resulting dramaturgical weaknesses, The Iceman has become an absolutely successful and rousing thriller, which can convince with gloomy images, a coherent set and especially with great actors. Right down to the smallest supporting roles, such as a mini-appearance by James Franco, the film is convincingly cast, with Friends star David Schwimmer with a nasty 70s moustache and Captain America Chris Evans in particular leaving a lasting impression. But above them all is lead actor Michael Shannon (Man of Steel, Boardwalk Empire), who embodies the dark side of Iceman in particular with tremendous intensity.

When it comes to the portrayal of abysmal characters, be it tragic figures (Take Shelter), overdrawn villains (Premium Rush) or just very dark, emotionally cold protagonists like Richard Kuklinski, Michael Shannon is currently without a doubt one of the strongest and most convincing actors Hollywood has to offer. And he more than lives up to that reputation in The Iceman, something the film can benefit greatly from even in its weaker moments. For the production has a few minor dramaturgical hangs here and there that prevent the film from joining the ranks of serial killer classics.

Which is not to say that The Iceman isn't a very good gangster thriller that has some very intense moments to show for it. Great acting, engaging visuals, and tension throughout despite the rather unexciting narrative make this home movie premiere a must-see for all genre fans. Therefore, the bottom line is also despite minor flaws a very clear: Absolutely recommendable!

Picture + Sound: The picture gives the viewer in many scenes with its warm brown tones the false harmony, of which also Richard's wife has been blinded. Otherwise, the visuals are pleasing with decent image sharpness and well-adjusted contrasts. The sound is rather restrained in most moments, but occasionally smaller sound effects such as gunshots, as well as atmospherically implemented ambient noises ensure that the surround channels are audibly challenged. Good!

Extras: As a bonus, the DVD has a short making of (about 8 min.) and a few uncommented B-Roll shots (about 3 min.) to offer. That's not much - but it's better than nothing!

Conclusion: The Iceman is a thrilling look behind the facade of a seemingly well-behaved family man who has led a second life as a ruthless killer. Based on true events, director Ariel Vromen has crafted a gritty thriller whose top-notch ensemble of actors is led by a frighteningly good Michael Shannon. It's Shannon's strong performance that makes you easily overlook minor flaws in the production. A good film, which presents itself on the DVD in good picture and sound quality, but which would have deserved a little more bonus material - for example on the true background. Nevertheless, the bottom line is clearly enough for one: Absolutely recommendable!

An article by Frankfurt-Tipp