Fassbender’s Return
It has been a few years since Michael Fassbender and David Fincher have been involved in movies. Fincher previously directed 2020s Mank from a passion project by his late father, while Fassbender’s last film, 2019’s X-Men: Dark Phoenix, was a dud. With The Killer, they team up to make one of 2023’s best films.
The Killer is based on a French comic book that follows Michael Fassbender in the title role. An unnamed assassin who has no allegiance and is methodical in his execution. Periodically talking to the viewer about his process. He botches a hit, resulting in him trying to stay off the radar. Things get worse, as his home gets broken into, and his girlfriend ends up getting gravely injured. He sets forth to track down those who wronged him while trying to keep to his code and stay professional about the job.
The film is very much a “Fincher film”. His style oozes onto the screen with every scene. The psychological thriller aspect is never missing. It’s a staple of what he’s good at, and it shows. From his framing to the use of colors in the grading. Another perfect example of this is the movie’s pacing. At first, the film seemed to drag, but once the opening sequence ended, the movie never stopped. Viewers might find it disorienting since the characters and plot points move fast, but It works well with the globetrotting. It reminded me, of Fincher’s adaptation of The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo – the cold, oppressive nature of the subject matter married with Fincher’s signature touch.
Viewers might be turned off by the film – not due to the content within, but how it is presented. Fassbender’s character is intentionally cold – after all, he is an assassin. Viewers aren’t meant to root for the character. Instead, The Killer is structured like a sleek character study. This is matched well with Fassbender’s performance. As he is deeply flawed, yet, somehow interesting. But those looking for constant action with a hero to get behind will be sorely disappointed. That’s not to say there isn’t action; there is. One scene in the movie features heavy hand-to-hand combat that’s some of the most intense I’ve ever seen put to screen.
There are also quiet moments that contrast well with the film’s rapid structure. There’s a dinner scene in the third act of the film featuring Fassbender and Tilda Swinton. The scene is solely focused on dialogue, yet it’s so well-acted and directed that I was immersed in what was transpiring that I felt like I was watching a different movie. It goes to show that David Fincher excels in the smaller moments as well. I only wished there was more of this depth to the film, in both character development and plot. Because I was immersed in Fassbender’s adventure – I don’t know what that says about me.
Verdict
The film might not be for everyone, but those looking for a deliberately paced, psychological noir film might find enjoyment in The Killer.
8/10
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