The Killer: In David Fincher’s latest film, “The Killer,” Michael Fassbender takes on the role of a hitman navigating a world of violence and chaos. While Fincher’s signature visual style is present, the movie struggles to rise above its genre clichés and deliver a truly engaging narrative.
Fincher, known for his exploration of dark themes in films like “Seven” and “Gone Girl,” brings us another solitary and bleak world. “The Killer” follows the story of a nameless hitman who, despite his job’s inherent excitement, is oddly dull. The film, based on a French comic book by Alexis Nolent (Matz) and Luc Jacamon, attempts to capture the contrast between the mundane protagonist and Jacamon’s vivid illustrations.
However, Fincher’s visual approach, while competent, lacks the richness seen in the original comic’s cinematic illustrations. The muted color palette and dimly lit sequences, though visually striking, sometimes border on the edge of visibility.
Penned by Andrew Kevin Walker, the movie streamlines the comic’s verbose observations and injects pop-culture humor. Fassbender’s character maintains a constant stream of voice-over dialogue, often repetitive and occasionally bordering on self-affirmation. The film’s attempt to balance historical references, political entanglements, and the Killer’s anti-humanist rants leaves it lacking a substantial narrative beyond Fincher’s directorial finesse and Fassbender’s restrained charisma.
One notable flaw is the absence of a well-defined personality or code for the Killer. Unlike characters in films by Jean-Pierre Melville and his admirers, the Killer lacks depth, serving more as a vessel for Fincher’s visual prowess than a compelling, multifaceted character.
As the Killer becomes a target after a botched job, the film introduces tension and mystery. Fassbender’s performance holds the center, displaying lissome physicality and a near-unmodulated voice. Despite the character’s lack of depth, Fassbender’s skill, combined with Fincher’s captivating visuals, manages to keep the audience engaged.
In the end, “The Killer” falls short of its potential, offering a stylish but ultimately unremarkable thriller that relies heavily on its director’s visual flair and lead actor’s screen presence.