David Fincher Returns to Film Noir with 'The Killer' and a Hitman in Trouble

Michael Fassbender, transformed into a hitman, discovers his limits in the twelfth film by David Fincher, which is the surprise feature to be presented at this year's San Sebastian International Film Festival on its closing day, Saturday, September 30th.

"The Killer (El asesino)" is an original Netflix production set to premiere worldwide on the platform on November 10th.

There's always one last job, and for the protagonist of this story, simply known as "the killer," that day arrives after an unfortunate accident on a Parisian night. Just moments earlier, he was preparing to carry out one of his assignments as a contract killer, following his strict protocols to ensure everything went smoothly. However, things take an unexpected turn, and he must flee without getting too involved in what happened, without getting emotional. The problem is that the person who hired him now wants him eliminated. Determined to protect his privacy, he will do whatever it takes to preserve the hard-earned peace he has achieved.

Fincher reunites with the screenwriter of "Seven" (1995) for the adaptation of this story inspired by the French graphic novel of the same title, written by Matz and illustrated by Luc Jacamon in 1998. The cinematic version, according to the production, explores the boundaries of revenge films, following a sardonic and initially methodical character who, as he embarks on his journey to save himself, begins to bend his own rules.

What drew the director of other great titles like "Fight Club," "Zodiac," and "The Social Network" to the story when he read an English translation in 2007 was the blend of sharp humor and justice. The graphic novel, which continues to be published, is extensive and covers various political issues. This version aimed to simplify the plot and delve into the thoughts of a professional killer. "I love the idea of a code among assassins, but from a storytelling point of view, what elevated it was thinking about what we should do with that, specifically thinking about subjectivity, those things inside this man's head," says Fincher.

The comic drew inspiration from the classic film noir "Le Samouraï" (1967), directed by Jean-Pierre Melville and starring Alain Delon. This film follows a similar path, with Fassbender, like Delon, sporting hats and trench coats in his own style. The character was envisioned for Fassbender from the outset, and without him, the film would not have existed, as the director shared during the press conference after the film's premiere at the Venice Film Festival.

@sandracinevista DAVID FINCHER estrena #TheKiller, basada en el #comic francés de Alexis "Matz" Nolent. Fincher habla aquí de la elección como única opción de #MichaelFassbender y de sus conocidas virtudes en el papel protagónico de un asesino envuelto en una persecución, luego que uno de los encargos no saliera como lo esperado. La película se estrenará en #Netflix el 10 de noviembre. Por cierto, la gran #TildaSwinton también aparece en esta adaptación. #DavidFincher #Directores #CineTikTok #PróximosEstrenos ♬ Epic, cinematic, motivated - Kirill Kharchenko

Just as the lead role had only one possible choice in this actor, another change in Fincher's filmography for this production was the creation of a character exclusively for actress Tilda Swinton, with whom he had previously worked on "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button" (2008). The role he reserved for her is that of "the expert," someone whom "the killer" seeks out after his peaceful private life is threatened.

At the San Sebastian Film Festival, the film will be presented by cinematographer Erik Messerschmidt. On Saturday, the 30th, the feature film will have three screenings, with only one of them featuring the presentation by the Oscar-winning cinematographer for his work on "Mank" (2020).

Image credits: Courtesy of Netflix.

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