Netflix - The killer - The film adaptation of a cult comic-book series

By Mulder, 27 october 2023

The year 2023 saw the long-awaited arrival of The Killer, directed by master filmmaker David Fincher. This film adaptation is based on the best-selling comic book series The Killer, written by Matz and illustrated by Luc Jacamon. Previewed at the Venice Film Festival 2023 prior to its release on Netflix, the film has generated considerable interest among comic book fans and moviegoers alike.

The synopsis of The Killer plunges us into the dark world of the main character, a cold, methodical hitman who executes his victims without the slightest scruple or remorse. However, a traumatic event forces him to question his own existence. The film explores the notion of loyalty, staging a global manhunt in which the protagonist enigmatically assures us that nothing is personal.

This film adaptation has been meticulously crafted, with a talented team that includes Oscar-winning screenwriter Andrew Kevin Walker, who adapted the comic book series for the big screen. The film's atmosphere is enhanced by the haunting music of Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross, while the art direction of Matthew Gatlin and Elvis Mariñez brings The Killer's visual universe to life. Donald Graham Burt's sets and Cate Adams' costumes help create a captivating cinematic world. Erik Messerschmidt's cinematography and Kirk Baxter's editing reinforce the film's visual impact, guaranteeing an immersive cinematic experience.

The cast of The Killer is equally impressive, with Michael Fassbender in the role of the killer, a choice that promises to capture the complexity of this enigmatic character to perfection. Tilda Swinton, Charles Parnell, Sophie Charlotte, Arliss Howard, Kerry O'Malley, Sala Baker, Kellan Rhude, Monika Gossmann and Thiago Palma complete the cast, adding their talents to an already fascinating story.

The story of the film adaptation of The Killer goes back to November 2007, when David Fincher was announced as the project's director, with Allesandro Camon in charge of writing the screenplay. The film was originally intended to be produced by Brad Pitt's company, Plan B Entertainment, and distributed by Paramount Pictures. However, the project took a long time to materialize, and in the meantime David Fincher and Matz collaborated on the comic book The Black Dahlia, published in 2013.

In February 2021, David Fincher took over the project in partnership with Netflix, and the script was revised by Andrew Kevin Walker. Michael Fassbender was announced in the lead role, confirming the director's commitment to creating a memorable film adaptation. Filming began in November 2021 in Paris, and the film has been shot in several other locations, including New Orleans, the Dominican Republic and St. Charles, Illinois.

The arrival of The Killer at the Venice Film Festival 2023, in official competition, underlines the artistic and cinematic impact of this adaptation. The feverish anticipation of The Killer and David Fincher's fan community has been rewarded with an adaptation that promises to capture the dark and complex essence of the original comic book series. The Killer not only honors its source material, but also opens an exciting new chapter in the history of comic book film adaptation, demonstrating the possibility of translating the intensity of the printed pages to the big screen.

Overall, The Killer is an example of the power of visual storytelling and the enduring impact of comics as a source of cinematic inspiration. This successful adaptation reminds us that the art of comics can transcend the pages and become a powerful storytelling engine in the world of cinema. The limited theatrical release in the U.S. on October 27, 2023, followed by its worldwide release on Netflix on November 10, 2023, will mark the culmination of this unique cinematic journey, undoubtedly sparking in-depth discussion and analysis among the cinephile community and comic book enthusiasts alike.

Synopsis:
After a near-miss, an assassin battles his employers and himself in an international manhunt that he insists is nothing personal.

The Killer
Directed by David Fincher
Screenplay by Andrew Kevin Walker
Based on The Killer by Alexis "Matz" Nolent, Luc Jacamon
Produced by Ceán Chaffin
Starring Michael Fassbender, Arliss Howard, Charles Parnell, Kerry O'Malley, Sala Baker, Sophie Charlotte, Tilda Swinton
Cinematography : Erik Messerschmidt
Edited by Kirk Baxter
Music by Trent Reznor, Atticus Ross
Production companies : Plan B, Boom! Studios, Panic Pictures
Distributed by Netflix
Release dates : September 3, 2023 (Venice), October 27, 2023 (United States), November 10, 2023 (Netflix)
Running time : 118 minutes