Arts & Entertainment

Infamous North Jersey Hitman Comes Alive in 'The Iceman'

Richard Kuklinski, a Dumont man who killed more than 100 people, is the subject of director Ariel Vromen's crime thriller.

A film based on the true life story of one of New Jersey’s most notorious killers is set to hit select theaters this weekend.

"The Iceman" tells the story of Dumont's Richard Kuklinski, from his ordinary family life to his introduction to the mob and his arrest for murder. 

Kuklinski said he killed more than 100 people, many during his time associated with the mafia in the 1970s and 80s.

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In the screenplay co-written by Morgan Land and director Ariel Vromen and based on a book by Anthony Bruno, Kuklinski initially appears to be a devoted family man but is soon found out to be ruthless hit man. 

Michael Shannon — of Boardwalk Empire and “Michael Shannon Reads the Insane Delta Gamma Sorority Letter” fame — portrays The Iceman, who got his nefarious nickname for allegedly freezing one of his victims to throw off investigators. 

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The crime thriller is packed with Hollywood A-and-B-listers including Winona Ryder, Chris Evans, Ray Liotta, David Schwimmer, James Franco, Stephen Dorff.

Those looking to see the flick in limited release are going to have to head out to Manhattan's Lincoln Square 13 or Sunshine Cinema 5.

Kuklinski was arrested in 1986, convicted of murder in 1988 and died in Trenton State Prison in 2006. He was the subject of an intense 45-minute HBO documentary consisting of chilling interviews conducted while serving time in prison.


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