The Killer

What happens when a hired killer makes a mistake?

After a twenty minute introduction, something finally happens, and you're left with a film that's beautifully shot, well acted, with a somewhat interesting story.

The trouble is, if this film were a song, it would be something by The Smiths, there's definitely a fan base, but for some of us, it's all just too slow, too dull, and ultimately a depressing affair.

The voiceovers become a little irritating after an hour or so, and that constant first person narration slows the film down to a snail's pace.

Neo noir style, nice to look at, and I did like Michael Fassbinder's performance, but ultimately I couldn't stop myself from yawning for the full two hours.

5/10.

Was really looking forward to this movie as i like Michael Fassbender and David Fincher and they never showed it at any cinemas near me during its limited release. Maybe i've just built it up too much in my head but i can't help but be disappointed in it.

It has alot of cool style and it as dark as you'd expect from Fincher. Who as you'd imagine, does a good job of directing. But its a very straightforward story and i couldn't help but say "Would a professional hitman really do that?" at certain points of it.

The constant commentary of the movie won't be for everyone and there's only so much dramatic acting Fassbender can do as a stealthy killer. So all in all. Pretty average.

Nothing new here that's the disappointing part, great directors often give us high expectations given their former work but not all their movies are masterpieces and I guess that's all right.. Some are more consistent than others of course, but long story short this is a regular hitman movie, with great cinematography and direction and a great lead.

It's not that the movie is bad, everything looks good, I didn't mind the approach to the story, the fact that it is a monologue from the main character and you navigate the story he tells is all right - it's well acted and directed which is what kept me interested but other than that is average at best... The dialogue seems a bit forced, while trying to convey these pseudo life lessons it feels like I am looking at quotes on Facebook and the plot couldn't be more basic...

Overall it's an okay movie, its style and production are great and Fassbender delivers as expected, but it's not enough to make it memorable or compelling.

It seems after all these years Netflix keeps its formula of enlisting a famous actor for a an average movie to keep their subscriptions going.

Fassbender and Fincher have crafted a cold and very slick thriller. It's incredibly unique and in many ways, brilliant. It will certainly not be for everyone and it should not be categorised as an action film.

David Fincher's directing is as crisp and precise as always. The cinematography is great and the film looks incredible. It's technically sound and visually stunning with its cold contrasted shots. Fassbender is as brilliant as always and commands the scenes.

BUT, my brain cannot seem to accept the simplicity of the story. I expected something completely different from this and i really believe that the synopsis provided is misleading. It does not feel like there are any stakes in this film nor character development and under no point is there serious danger. We get a brief (cliche) incident to get us started and then it is monotone the rest of the way, much like the protagonist. Maybe there's a hidden, beautiful parallel to that, i dont know.

I feel like i need to watch this again with a different mindset because it's not what i expected or what was advertised.

Despite my complaints, i liked this movie. I just wish the story and action sequences had been expanded a lot more. It's worth a watch, just not the watch you're expecting.

"Execution is everything"

is the tagline of The Killer and makes for a perfect meta-commentary that connects the essence of the film with the life's work of its director.

David Fincher is as meticulous in his filmmaking craft here as his main character is in his professional craft. The Killer could become the new handbook for "how to make a perfect looking film". A picture put on canvas, so thoroughly thought out and taken care of, I couldn't help myself while sitting in the theater but marvel over its execution and attention to detail. I literally had Goosebumps half the time because I was so gripped by the atmosphere and beauty that unfolded in front of me. Perhaps Finchers most meditative piece. Fincher delivers his dark and gritty tendencies in familiar fashion, but this time slightly more reserved and introspective. With scalpel-like accuracy he carefully constructs a gripping character study that tackles the addictive nature of a personal vendetta as well as the mental sanity and emotional control needed to remain successful and alive in this line of work. A constant heartbeat within the sound design, the effortlessly rythmic editing and the hauntingly calm narration from Michael Fassbender, who acts as methodically meticulous as David Fincher directs. A man who will so easy take a life, and the unpredictable and tense nature of this subject matter make for a shockingly effective and nerve-racking experience.

What a streak of cinema, my favorite directors all come out with new work, my film heart is full.