McConaughey goes from RomCom to graphic warning

Actor Matthew McConaughey shows his tough side as a hit man in the thriller "Killer Joe".

The role is a far cry from his many romantic comedy performances - and McConaughey says he enjoyed the ride.

SOUNDBITE: Matthew McConaughey, Actor, saying (English)

"Jumping into that chasm a little bit where I'm not sure and I'm going to come out the other side and know my man. And that's been a really fun process for me."

The film follows the story of Chris Smith, a Texan drug dealer played by actor Emile Hirsch.

When Chris finds himself in debt he hires Joe to kill his mother so he can collect her life insurance.

Also starring in the movie is Juno Temple as Chris' sister Dottie.

But for many, including Hirsh, the highlight was working with director William Friedkin.

SOUNDBITE: Emile Hirsch, Actor, saying (English)

"I've seen his movies, "Exorcist," "French Connection," some of those legendary movies he's done, and loved them. And, a chance to get to work with someone who has laid down a film like that was a big opportunity."

"Killer Joe" was slapped with America's maximum viewer restriction -- NC-17 -- for its graphic disturbing content.

Audiences in the U.S. can judge for themselves when it hits American theaters on July 27.

Elly Park, Reuters.