Unveiling Michael Fassbender's Swan Song as a Contract Killer
A Controversial Hit or a Boring Borefest?
Taking on the mantle of notorious contract killers, Michael Fassbender plunges into the heart of darkness in "The Killer," the latest offering from renowned director, David Fincher. However, audiences and critics remain divided on the film, some lauding it as a masterpiece, while others dismiss it as tedious.
The Lonely Life of a Contract Killer
The setting is a gloomy, half-finished apartment where a calculated assassin (Fassbender) awaits his next target. Fincher masterfully introduces this enigmatic character through a series of monologues that delve deep into the bleak world of a contract killer – their solitude and the grisly duties they perform.
A Nod to Genre Classics
"The Killer" isn't just an exercise in cinematic brutality but also an ardent homage to genre classics – like the French film, "The Icy Angel," starring the legendary Alain Delon. Some viewers may find comfort in these nods to film history, while others may be turned off by the film's unrelenting cynicism and its exploration of unsympathetic characters and familiar plotlines.
A Fasciation with the Familiar
In the latest episode of "Oscars & Raspberries," the ntv podcast, hosts Ronny Rüsch and Axel Max offer their perspectives on "The Killer," along with other streaming delights such as the crime drama "Lawmen: Bass Reeves," the Spielbergian drama "The Fablemans," and the highly anticipated final season of "The Crown."
Darker Shades of Entertainment
Despite a somewhat divisive reception, "The Killer" on Netflix features gripping monologues that reveal the bleak and lonely life of a contract killer. With its homages to classic films and Fassbender's captivating performance, some may find solace in its relentless cynicism, while others may find the unsympathetic protagonist and familiar plot unbearable.
Director Fincher's Chilling Vision
Fincher's direction resembles a chilling Kubrickian breath, providing the film with unforgettable lighting and framing, making every scene masterfully captured. The slightly chaotic and brutal action sequences are delivered with such precision that audiences find themselves immobilized, unable to look away.
Its Inspirations and Influences
The maniacal brilliance of Fincher's "The Killer" draws heavy inspiration from the hitman subgenre, as famously represented in Jean-Pierre Melville's "Le Samouraï" – a classic film that has left an indelible mark on the crime genre. This film, along with others, keeps the genre fresh and exciting, challenging filmmakers to push the limits and explore new territories.
Fassbender's Emotional Impact
Fassbender's portrayal of the assassin is at once compelling and unsettling. With his everyman performance, he forces us to confront the reality of the underworld of contract killing with grim determination, uncovering the emotional toll this world takes on its inhabitants.
Questionable Momentum and Pacing
Despite its shining moments of triumph, "The Killer" has its weaknesses – particularly its momentum and pacing, often weaving back and forth like a steadily eroding tide. The action movie aficionado may find themselves yearning for more conventionality in the build-up to the climax, which ultimately falls flat and unsatisfying.
Final Verdict
In the end, "The Killer" stands out as a film that separates the wheat from the chaff. For some, the intriguing exploration of the dark world of contracts killers, balanced with its nods to classic films, will be more than enough to warrant multiple viewings. For others, the confronting experience of watching Fassbender's emotionally charged performance may be too much to bear. Whatever your stance, Fincher's latest Netflix offering is sure to leave a lasting impression – in one way or another.
Notes
- To deconstruct how a master wanders into the grisly life of a contract killer, take a look at the film's screenplay by Andrew Kevin Walker. Filled with poetic lines, the writing is nothing short of genius, with a standout scene featuring the following standout line: "I’m not exceptional. I’m just... apart…"
- When seeking inspiration for crafting their dark and twisted masterpiece, directors like Fincher often look to film history for guidance. One such inspiration is Jean Pierre Melville's "Le Samouraï," a classic film that has left its mark on the crime genre with its spare visual style and methodical pacing.
