David Fincher, the acclaimed director known for his dark and suspenseful films like “Fight Club” and “Gone Girl,” is back with a new action thriller that promises to leave viewers on edge, especially during their next visit to Home Depot.
“The Killer,” which premiered at the Venice Film Festival, features Michael Fassbender as the enigmatic and methodical assassin known simply as “The Killer.” During a press conference at the festival, Fincher explained his approach to the character, emphasizing that sympathy was the last thing on his mind. Instead, he aimed to capture the unsettling notion of the “banality of evil.”
READ MORE: Exploring Multiverses: The Theory of Everything – A Mind-Bending Homage to Hitchcock
Fincher stated, “He didn’t need to be frightening. You know, the banality of evil. My hope is that someone will see this film and get very nervous about the person behind them in line at Home Depot.”
In “The Killer,” viewers are given a glimpse into the mind of Fassbender’s character. He engages in yoga, consumes McGriddles without the bun, and listens to the music of the Smiths as he prepares for his deadly assignments. Fincher shared his thoughts on using the Smiths’ music in the film, particularly the song “How Soon Is Now,” which serves as a tool for assuaging the killer’s anxieties. He found the combination of sardonic nature and wit in the Smiths’ music fitting for the character.
The film’s narrative structure invites audiences to navigate three distinct timelines, each revealing facets of The Killer’s life. The character remains enigmatic and unsettling throughout, ensuring that viewers stay immersed in the suspense.
Beyond discussing “The Killer,” Fincher addressed the ongoing actors’ and writers’ strikes in the narrativeHeartstopper Season 2: A Heartfelt and Joyous Queer Narrative. He expressed understanding for both sides of the dispute and reflected on his experiences making movies during the pandemic. Fincher emphasized the importance of encouraging dialogue to resolve these issues, as he has experienced the challenges of interrupted filmmaking firsthand.
With its promise to keep viewers on edge and its exploration of the “banality of evil,” “The Killer” is poised to be another signature David Fincher thriller that leaves a lasting impact on audiences, both in and out of Home Depot.