Off the top of my head — Initial thoughts on David Fincher’s “The Killer"

Don't want to unlove a Fincher film.

It's easier to find faults, to criticize a film or a book. But I'm trying really hard not to.

I tried hard to find the good thing that will elevate this movie that somehow I'm missing out on. How can David Fincher put up a run-of-the-mill, countless times-done-already contract killer story who missteps and in consequence, his personal life takes the blow and now he is on a revenge spree? Certainly there has to be more to it. There must be something else Fincher wants to convey through this calculative contract killer with a monotone monologue. There must be. But it's not reaching the audience. Fincher wouldn't leave his audience with an okayish product now, would he?

The cinematography is beautiful. Humour is subtle, witty. Wish it was more often.You can't question the acting prowess of the cast. They're giving their best, but their characters have little legroom to work with, especially the main character. Michael Fassbender's character, The Killer has inner thoughts, which become the main narrative of the film but he remains non-communicative for the entire movie, showing little to no emotions. He contradicts himself time and again. There's irregular rhythm in what he says and what he does.

The film has one of the best fight sequences. Its raw and brutal. Fresh. The monologue doesn't stick with you long enough. Unlike 'Fight Club', it isn't memorable. The storytelling reminds you of the 2017 neo-noir psychological thriller "You Were Never Really Here" but that one was more nuanced.

With a revenge thriller, the one prominent question is 'Where will it end?' Revenge? That's it? It cannot be 'that's it' ?

There is an underlying statement on how the one on top get away with everything. It's evident that the masses gobble up an assassin movie. There's an ongoing trend of serial killer documentaries and adaptations flooding the OTTs and audience is just looking out for the next one (including me). In his concluding statement the killer says, "Maybe you're not one of the few. Maybe you're just like me.... one of the many" clearly implying he's one of us. But there's a disconnect like a plexiglass between us and him and his story. It doesn't resonate anything. The commentary on socio, political, capitalist structure doesn't sink in.

Everything is shown in a realistic light and the mature intellectual audience is supposed to praise it, which they will, but ultimately does it nudge you for a second viewing? Does it give you a sense of pondering? No. And that's where Fincher lost me with this one.

There's no pay off. There's no catharsis. Zodiac made for a satisfactory watch.

Should've known that if it was an ace in the making, Fincher would've gone to theatres. It has its moments. It has its humour. The problem is it leaves you desiring for more. The "less is more" strategy didn't work here. My favourite genre by one of the favourite directors but this one missed a step. A few infact. Compared to Fincher's filmography, this one doesn't even level up.