Journal of A Contract Killer

Journal of a Contract Killer is a British independent thriller that was released in 2008. The movie is directed by Tony Maylam and stars Justine Powell, Adam Leese, and Jake Canuso in lead roles. The film explores the psyche of a contract killer and the various events in the life that leads to her becoming a ruthless killer-for-hire.

The movie is primarily narrated by Stephanie Komack (Justine Powell), a high-end contract killer whose job is to eliminate a former Serb commander. The story takes us through Stephanie's life as a young girl who was violently abused by her father, her struggle to escape her past and eventually turn to contract killing.

The film starts with Stephanie's latest target, a former Serb commander living in London who is suspected of war crimes. Stephanie's style of assassination is clinical and precise, as we see her methodically plan and execute her target. After completing the job, she returns to her normal life, which consists of a stable relationship with her partner Jamie (Adam Leese) and a seemingly normal job.

As the movie progresses, we see Stephanie taking on more jobs and expanding her clientele, which includes the Russian mafia. Her new job takes her to Amsterdam, where she is tasked with eliminating an influential Dutch businessman. Things start to get complicated as Stephanie's personal and professional life collide when her boyfriend Jamie finds out about her job.

Journal of A Contract Killer is a character-driven movie that delves deep into the protagonist's psyche. We see how Stephanie is haunted by her past and is struggling to cope with the physical and emotional scars left by her abusive father. The movie portrays how these scars manifest themselves in different aspects of her life, including her relationships and job.

One of the most impressive aspects of Journal Of A Contract Killer is how it avoids sensationalizing the violence and instead focuses on the emotional toll it takes on Stephanie. As an audience, we are not made to root for Stephanie's killings, but instead, we are shown the consequences of her actions.

The movie is well directed, with tight pacing and a great James Newton Howard score that perfectly captures the film's mood. The cinematography is excellent, with the nighttime scenes in Amsterdam being particularly impressive.

Acting-wise, Justine Powell is excellent as Stephanie, delivering a nuanced performance that captures the character's vulnerability and ruthlessness. Adam Leese is equally impressive as Jamie, adding a touch of warmth to the movie's otherwise dark tone. The supporting cast, which includes Jake Canuso and Paul Barber, is also solid.

In conclusion, Journal Of A Contract Killer is a well-written and well-executed thriller that explores a fascinating character. The movie avoids clichés and sensationalism, and instead focuses on the character's emotional arc. Overall, it is a gripping movie that is worth watching if you're a fan of independent cinema.