Movie poster designs often fall victim to vagueness or lack of inspiration, and so far this year’s crop is no exception. That’s why it’s especially rewarding when one manages to rise above the mediocrity while still successfully hinting at a film’s plot.

With that said, a second poster for Killer Joe popped up on JoBlo.com’s Facebook page, and it’s a nice creative departure from the first one that was released back in September. Instead of  featuring stars Matthew McConaughey and Emile Hirsch, it showcases the more humorous side of the crime dramedy with a blood-splattered piece of fried chicken shaped like the state of Texas. Whereas the last poster told us nothing about the film, at least this one winks at the possibility of something twistedly funny for this NC-17 film.

Based on a play by Tracy Letts (who also wrote the screenplay), the TIFF and SXSW selection follows Chris (Hirsch), a drug dealer who hires a hitman (McConaughey) to kill his mother so he can collect a life insurance policy needed to cover his hefty debt. The film is directed by William Friedkin (The ExorcistThe French Connection) and also stars Juno Temple, Thomas Haden Church and Gina Gershon. No official release date has been set, but check back for our interviews for the film at SXSW 2012.

Does Killer Joe‘s status as a comedy make you want to see it more? 

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