The Iceman tells the true story of the infamous hit man Richard Kuklinski who lived a dual life as a loving
family man and ruthless contract killer. The movie, directed by Ariel Vromen,
doesn’t cover any new thematic or stylistic territory in the well-worn crime
genre, but it does tell a gripping story, and enables a tour-de-force
performance by Michael Shannon. There is no other actor working today that
could make a character like Kuklinski so engaging. This cold-blooded murderer
of over 100 people is certainly not presented sympathetically, but the film
succeeds in exploring his personality and his motivations, and asks many
interesting questions along the way. Vromen and Shannon attempt to get at the
heart and soul of a man who may well have no heart and soul, and that is
fascinating to watch.