David Fincher’s film, “The Killer,” not only appears to employ a narrative technique reminiscent of “Fight Club” but also refines and enhances it. Adapted from a graphic novel series, “The Killer” unfolds as a revenge thriller, wherein an assassin embarks on a mission to eliminate his contractor after the job jeopardizes his family. Despite its seemingly straightforward plot, “The Killer” achieves profound narrative depth through the inner monologues of its main character and subtle details within its mise-en-scène.
Aligning with the distinctive features of a typical David Fincher production, “The Killer” encompasses creative motion tracking camera shots and meticulously choreographed action scenes. Consequently, it is not unexpected that the film shares thematic elements with Fincher’s earlier works. What proves intriguing, however, is how “The Killer” innovatively manipulates a theme from “Fight Club,” adapting it to its own overarching narrative.
Similar to “Fight Club,” “The Killer” critiques consumerism and corporate branding. In the opening arc of “Fight Club,” the narrator reflects on the myriad commodities lost in his burnt-down house, emphasizing how possessions shaped his identity. The introduction of Tyler Durden, a character opposing the narrator’s consumer-driven characterization, underscores the message that “the things you own end up owning you.” Durden rejects the pursuit of material possessions and instigates a rebellion against corporate control, exposing the deceptive nature of advertising that reduces individuals to mere consumers.
Employing Tyler Durden as a narrative device, “Fight Club” critiques the dehumanizing impact of deceptive advertising and corporate dominance. In a parallel vein, David Fincher’s “The Killer” incorporates logos from prominent brands, including WeWork, McDonald’s, and Amazon, to comment on how the protagonist, played by Michael Fassbender, possesses a heightened awareness of the corrosive influence of corporate branding and material fixation, akin to Tyler Durden. However, despite these thematic parallels, “The Killer’s” exploration of consumerism proves more intriguing within the context of its overarching storyline than “Fight Club’s,” adding depth and complexity to its narrative discourse.
A Comparative Analysis: The Nuanced Consumerism Subtext in “The Killer” Surpassing that of “Fight Club”
Abstract: This analysis delves into the portrayal of consumerism and its dehumanizing ramifications in “The Killer,” positing that it exhibits a more sophisticated and subtle approach compared to “Fight Club.” In the film’s initial narrative arc, the protagonist, portrayed by Michael Fassbender, functions as a commodity purchased by an organization to fulfill its self-serving objectives. Unquestioningly following directives from higher-ups and desensitizing himself to the emotional toll of his actions, The Killer’s central assassin seamlessly executes targets, all the while concealing his identity through routine activities like dining at McDonald’s, establishing his “office” in a WeWork space, and procuring equipment from Amazon.
Initially naive to the true nature of his job, the Michael Fassbender character, much like Fight Club’s narrator, recognizes his commodification when he fails to complete an assassination, leading to attempts on his life by the organization’s leadership. In a parallel to Tyler Durden, he embarks on a path of rejecting the capitalist organization by dismantling its foundations. However, unlike Tyler, he adopts a pragmatic approach, utilizing consumerism not as a force to rebel against but as a tool to navigate through the hierarchical structure to reach the higher-ups.
His possession of multiple passports and lack of a fixed identity initially render him a disposable commodity, yet he transforms these traits into assets, evading capture and seamlessly transitioning across nations after committing crimes. In the final narrative arc of “The Killer,” the character effortlessly infiltrates Claybourne’s high-security building, exploiting the routine delivery presence of a Postmates worker. This underscores the vulnerability of even a corporate elite like Claybourne to the adverse effects of consumerism, affirming that, despite parallels with “Fight Club,” “The Killer” presents a more rational and nuanced social commentary.