David Fincher is one of those directors who is always looking for something different. In “The Killer,” the filmmaker known for works like “Fight Club” (1999) and “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button” (2008) takes on the challenge of making a great film based on the simplest of scripts based on his career and makes it look easy.
Not everyone would take the tired narrative of the cold, vengeful killer that has been told since time immemorial and give it enough style and beauty to truly make this tired subgenre their own.
With a protagonist who seems tailormade for the halfsnobbish, halfdangerous charm of Michael Fassbender (“XMen: Dark Phoenix”), the film opens in Brazilian cinemas this Thursday (26th) on 10. on Netflix proves you believe in the slogan your posters illustrate:
Watch the trailer for “The Killer.”
Written by Andrew Kevin Walker (who worked with Fincher on “Seven”), “The Killer” screenplay is based on the French comic of the same name by Matz and Luc Jacamon and chooses a path so obvious that it is uneven It is possible to think about customization.
Both works are about professional assassins who are used to the isolation of their careers and have to deal with their own contractors after a failed job.
It’s a shame that the film’s delicious opening doesn’t live up to the expectations it sets. The first part devotes long minutes to the inner dialogues of the protagonist (Fassbender) as he waits for days for a goal.
Some may turn up their noses at the obvious narrative. Many believe that the feature should almost be banned. But the Irish actor’s detached interpretation, accompanied by the director’s beautiful images and easy rhythm, put the audience in his head.
There’s even hope for an entire film featuring the character’s opinions and personal ethics, so far removed from the cruelty of his actions. Unfortunately, the optimism doesn’t last except for a few glimpses into the murderer’s distorted vision.
Shortly thereafter, the story adopts the old formula of the man who kills to protect a woman under attack (the Brazilian Sophie Charlotte, in a quick but competent participation) that’s a cliché that should be murdered and buried.
And what follows never gets more original.
2 of 4 Michael Fassbender in a scene from “The Killer” Photo: Disclosure Michael Fassbender in a scene from “The Killer” Photo: Disclosure
This presents Fincher and Fassbender with the challenge of maintaining the interest of the public, who can see from afar what is about to happen. But in this case, execution is everything.
The director maintains tension even in a predictable plot by relying on silence and expectations deferred as much as possible, almost crossing the line. A lesson in rhythm and control from one of the best in the game.
To be fair, everything gets easier with the soundtrack featuring songs from the Smiths, a band that must be the character’s favorite band, but Fincher goes even further.
After the director became known for the surprising plots of “Seven” (1995) and his 1999 masterpiece (let’s ignore “Alien 3”), he even devoted himself to more realistic stories like “The Social Network” (2010) or “Mank “. (2020), but nothing as common as “The Killer.”
It’s as if at some point he decided to prove that in the right hands everything can be good. And prove it.
3 of 4 Michael Fassbender in a scene from “The Killer” Photo: Disclosure Michael Fassbender in a scene from “The Killer” Photo: Disclosure
In front of the camera, the Irishman maintains the appeal he’s known for a coincidental nod to the mutant villain from Marvel Comics across four films.
Before we proceed, however, it is worth making a small side consideration. As much as he is celebrated by many as a great actor, and indeed he is, what a dark phase Fassbender went through in his career until 2023.
Dark Phoenix (2019) was terrible. “Snowman,” Horror (2017). “Alien: Covenant” (2017), very weak. “From Song to Song” (2017), below average for director Terrence Malick. Assassin’s Creed (2016), one of the worst game adaptations of all time.
Hopefully working with two great filmmakers his next film, The Doer Wins, will be directed by Taika Waititi will get him back on track.
4 of 4 Tilda Swinton in a scene from “The Killer” Photo: Disclosure Tilda Swinton in a scene from “The Killer” Photo: Disclosure
In “The Killer” he is given a role that seems tailormade and is considered the only constant in a series of performances such as that of the always excellent Tilda Swinton (“Asteroid City”).
Since starring as an infiltrated British soldier in “Inglourious Basterds” (2009), the actor has built a reputation for playing eccentric characters or those with questionable morals (Oscar nominations for “Steve Jobs” and “12 Years a Slave” attest to this). ). ).
With Fincher he manages to combine the two things and add a bit of his trademark charm, a snobbish nature that always keeps him a little above average people.
A good script is often the foundation of a great film. In “The Killer” the actors and director prove that rules have exceptions and that the implementation can be anything.