Essential Killing

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Cast & Crew

Vincent Gallo
Mohammed

Emmanuelle Seigner
Margaret

Zach Cohen
American Contractor 1

Iftach Ophir
American Contractor 2

Nicolai Cleve Broch
Helicopter Pilot 1

Stig Frode Henriksen
Helicopter Pilot 2

David L. Price
Interrogation Officer

Tracy Spencer Shipp
Young Soldier in SUV

Phillip Goss
Military Doctor

Jerzy Skolimowski
Director

Jerzy Skolimowski
Writer

Ewa Piaskowska
Writer

Ewa Piaskowska
Producer

Jerzy Skolimowski
Producer

Andrew Lowe
Executive Producer

Jeremy Thomas
Executive Producer

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Critic Reviews for Essential Killing

Audience Reviews for Essential Killing

• Jan 10, 2013

  The meditative, subversive and provocative thriller, "Essential Killing," is about the hunt for a suspected terrorist(Vincent Gallo), told almost entirely from his point of view. Except like in real life and the movie, things are not so simple. We first see him in a cave, trembling before killing two American contractors(Zach Cohen & Iftach Ophir) and their escort, who are there off-book and quite possibly involved in drug smuggling, in order to escape. Soon after this, he is captured and processed at an airbase and cleaned up. He is shouted at by an American officer(David Price) and might answer if not for all the ringing in his ears from the explosion. All of which resembles a production line more than anything else.(This is not the only time the movie references "Brave New World" by the way.) Since the waterboarding produces no results, he is shipped with others to Poland. In any case, this makes for a poor first impression. His escape into the snowy wilderness occurs when the army convoy comes across a literal pack of road hogs, causing the truck he is in to go over the side of the road and overturning. At which point, the conflict becomes less man vs. man than man vs. nature, as the former prisoner makes a bid to live off the land like the hunters and fishermen he sees with one extreme example thrown in for good measure.(Considering how much he seems to know about the flora, it would probably come as no surprise that he has done some hunting himself.) At the same time, we get glimpses of a past, happier existence.
  Walter M Super Reviewer
• Aug 11, 2012

  Sometimes visually striking, virtually dialogue free piece with some memorable moments and a committed, if over-egged, performance from Vincent Gallo. The symbolism becomes wearying however, and Jerry Skolimowski doesn't have the even hand of Gus Van Sant's "Gerry" or Terrence Malick's "The Thin Red Line", which explore similar themes.
  Daniel P Super Reviewer
• Mar 16, 2012

  An endurance test, for both the main character and the audience. I didn't care for this film exercise without any real plot, hardly any dialogue, and often glacial pacing. Vincent Gallo deserves recognition for putting himself through the wringer, but I watched this because of Emmanuelle Seigner's prominent placement in the credits, so imagine my disappointment when she doesn't show up until the thing is almost over - and she's a deaf/mute!
  Doctor S Super Reviewer
• Nov 29, 2011

  While not immediately involving or interesting, "Essential Killing" is taut and well-directed, and Vincent Gallo is brilliant in his wordless role. The deliberate pace may prove agonizing for some, but I enjoyed "Essential Killing." Sure, it's nothing to write home about, but there are some well-made moments. It's got enough entertainment value to earn my recommendation.
  Stephen E Super Reviewer

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