 The movie is a homage to 60s British cinema, particularly  Michael Caine (I) (qv) movies of that period. The lead character  of the assassin calls himself "Matthew Palmer", after Harry Palmer  of _Ipcress File, The (1965)_ (qv), and his band is called "The  Ipcress Files". The lead assassin who confronts Palmer at the films  climax is called "Mr Carter", in reference to  _Get Carter (1971)_ (qv). And in the interview bar scene between  Palmer and Lance, a painting of Michael Caine is seen in the  background.