What ifRobert Bressondirected a hitman movie in the vein ofJean-Pierre Melville’sLe SamouraiorDavid Fincher’sThe Killer?
That’s the best and most complimentary shorthand description ofMurder by Contract.
The film captures Bresson’s minimalist and streamlined style and the procedural coolness of future contract killer stories.
Custom Image by Nimesh Niyomal
Similar toDashiell Hammett’s character construction, we know very little about Claude’s interiority.
At 81 minutes,Murder by Contractis an exceptional demonstration of spare style.
Scenes depicting Travis working out and fine-tuning his physical appearance are highly evocative of Lerner’s film as well.
Image via Columbia Pictures
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