Precision has always defined David Fincher projects. Fastidious, exacting, and relentless is a fair assessment of his expectations. The Killer embraces that maxim to the extreme, delivering a clinical cinematic experience few people could mistake for anyone else. Free from any narrative fat, this thriller contains one of the most magnetic performances from Michael Fassbender in recent memory. Obsessed with routine, shaped by discipline, and free from emotional ties. Empathy, understanding, and personal connections have no place in his world. A killer by design, who never looks around to acknowledge the existence of others, this film deals with the repercussions of what happens when this finally happens.
All the hallmarks of Fincher are in full effect. Atticus Ross and Trent Reznor are on composition duties, helping to crank up tensions, and mold this movie into its own animal. Making sure to inject atmosphere into the visual vacuum that this film maker has created with his own exacting standards. Ninety percent of the performance that Michael Fassbender commits to film comes through voice over, giving audiences an insight into how this killer works. With shades of American Psycho in his matter-of-fact attitude to killing, that focuses on preparation as much as execution, The Killer comes with a certain amount of emotional detachment thrown in.
Split up into chapters, this episodic approach only lends itself to that sense of indifference, even when he finds his world under threat. Adapted from the graphic novel by Alexis ‘Matz’ Nolent, The Killer may possess many of Fincher’s distinctive traits but falls short of being truly satisfying. Whether that is the intention or not, the detachment and indifference which goes hand in glove with his methodical assassin, robs The Killer of something essential. Outside of fleeting cameos from Charles Parnell and Tilda Swinton, this film also features very few supporting players. Leaving audiences with philosophical musings to fall back on, that subtly remind them that this man is like everyone else. His self-delusion might be self-evident, but you have a suspicion that he may just have a point.
The Killer is available to stream on Netflix now.