David Fincher, renowned for directing films like “Seven,” “Fight Club,” and “Gone Girl,” has unveiled his latest project, “The Killer,” sparking significant interest. In this 8th installment of the series “The Music Selection Creates the Movie,” music director and critic Yuji Shibasaki explores the film’s use of tracks from The Smiths, a band synonymous with 1980s Britain.
*Caution: This article contains depictions of the film’s content. Please be mindful before reading further.
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Harmony of Tension and Witty Brilliance
Released globally on November 10th, exclusively on Netflix, David Fincher’s newest film, “The Killer,” draws inspiration from the French graphic novel of the same name. This noir masterpiece, true to its title, revolves around an assassin. Known for crafting numerous masterpieces centered on the theme of murder, Fincher’s latest work is eagerly awaited and has already garnered acclaim from diverse sources.
After a three-year hiatus from the film industry, Michael Fassbender returns, portraying the titular assassin, known as “The Killer.” Fassbender adeptly embodies the role of a reserved criminal, leveraging his natural expressive abilities. Penned by Andrew Kevin Walker, known for his exceptional work on Fincher’s films, the screenplay weaves a captivating narrative, blending tension with a substantial dose of humor. Utilizing monologues, the film breathes life into the assassin’s distinctive character.
True to Fincher’s reputation as a perfectionist, the film boasts exceptional visual and compositional beauty in its intricate details. The vivid depiction of violence, coupled with expert direction, cinematography, and editing, subtly engages and unsettles the viewer’s psyche. The film’s restrained tone exudes dignity, evoking memories of crime films crafted by French master filmmaker Jean-Pierre Melville, particularly those starring Alain Delon.
The music deserves special mention, with Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross, longstanding collaborators with Fincher, delivering an exceptional score for the film. Their ability to elicit, soothe, and occasionally purify the suspense is truly virtuosic. Adding to the film’s distinctiveness is its incorporation of pop music, which may wield such influence over the audience that it can be deemed a “quasi-leading role.”
As previously revealed, the film features a substantial number (as many as 11!) of songs by The Smiths, a legendary British rock band from the 1980s, adding a “funny” dimension to the soundtrack.
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The Smiths: A “Laughable” Soundtrack Twist
Assassins practice yoga, listen to The Smiths to prep for sniping or maintain focus during the act. Some turn to The Smiths for relaxation while on the move, while others use their music to immediately calm their minds post-murder. Regardless, The Smiths accompany him for all occasions, each situation having its designated favorite “The Smiths playlist” for work.
The Smiths, renowned for their dark murder noir and fluid guitar sounds, might seem an unusual choice at first glance. Fincher addressed this during a press conference at the 80th Venice International Film Festival, where the film premiered.
The Smiths were a post-production addition because I knew I wanted to use ‘How Soon is Now?’ and I love the idea of that song specifically as a tool for assuaging his anxiety, I liked it as a meditation tape, I thought it was amusing and funny.
I don’t think that there’s a library of music by recording artists that have as much sardonic nature and wit simultaneously [as the Smiths],” Fincher continued. “And we don’t get an awful lot of access to who this guy is. I thought through his mixtape it would be amusing, that that would be our window into him.
Source: from https://www.stereogum.com/2235024/david-fincher-the-killer-smiths-songs/
Also, according to an interview with the director at the Cinémathèque Française in October, various tracks by Dusty Springfield, Mozart, Siouxsie And The Banshees, Joy Division, and others were initially According to the film’s director of photography, Eric Meyer, the film was shot in the United States. Eric Messerschmidt, the director of photography, suggested The Smiths’ song as a candidate, and with Reznor’s strong support, they decided to use the song.
Importantly, as noted in the same interview, Fincher apparently did not intend to use The Smiths’ music merely as cool background music, but rather for the “funny” feeling it creates when layered on top of the images.
