Direction: David Fincher
Country: USA
The Killer, David Fincher's 12th feature film, further solidifies the director's reputation for delivering exceptional thrillers. Known for his masterful work in films such as Se7en (1995), Zodiac (2007), Gone Girl (2014), and Fight Club (1999), Fincher explores the world of a cold-blooded hitman. Michael Fassbender, in his first collaboration with Fincher, takes on the role of the meticulous and perfectionist assassin, delivering a performance that matches the film's somber mood. Adapted from the French comic book Le Tueur and co-written by Fincher and Andrew Kevin Walker, the storyline follows the hitman's journey from Paris to the Dominican Republic, New Orleans, Florida, and finally, Chicago.
The film skillfully explores the dehumanization and vulnerabilities of the assassin, who adheres to a strict credo, repeating it in his head to suppress any emotion or empathy. The supporting cast, including Charles Parnell, Sala Baker, Tilda Swinton, and Arliss Howard, adds depth to the narrative, with each character playing a crucial role in this mysterious man's obsessive mission. The voyeurism of the first part is hypnotic and entices the viewers for what comes next in a simple tale enhanced by the music of the English rock band The Smiths.
It feels like Fincher, with his slyly calibrated moves, wants to deconstruct Hollywood clichés. He makes a shift in the way he returns to the genre, keeping the audiences suspicious and attentive to every possibly relevant detail. Even if they take us nowhere, one still enjoys this restless feeling and unbending tension throughout. In turn, Fassbender’s stoic and icy performance conveys the protagonist’s patience and determination but also his rigidness and mercilessness. While some may expect more from this dark revenge thriller, the result doesn't disappoint.
