Love, Lies, And Liquidation: ‘Hit Man’ Is A Genre-Bending Romp!

INTRODUCTION

The real-life Gary Johnson tragically passed away early in the production and never got to witness the film inspired by his life. Richard Linklater, who only spoke to Johnson over the phone and never met him in person, brings this story to the screen with “Hit Man,” a 2024 romantic black comedy.

Produced and directed by Linklater, who co-wrote the screenplay with Glen Powell, the film is based on Skip Hollandsworth’s 2001 Texas Monthly article.

In “Hit Man,” Glen Powell stars alongside Adria Arjona, Austin Amelio, and Retta, portraying an undercover New Orleans police contractor masquerading as a hitman.

Fans of the movie noticed that at 00:06:45, you can catch a glimpse of the camera and cameraman reflected in Jasper’s sunglasses during a car scene.

“Hit Man” premiered to much anticipation at the 80th Venice International Film Festival on September 5, 2023. It then hit select theaters in the U.S. on May 24, 2024, before making its streaming debut on Netflix on June 7.

It runs for 1 hour 55 minutes and is rated R for language throughout, sexual content, and some violence.

WHAT IS HITMAN ABOUT?

Gary Johnson is a professor of psychology and philosophy at the University of New Orleans and secretly works with the New Orleans Police Department in undercover sting operations. When his colleague Jasper, who pretends to be a hitman to gather murder-for-hire confessions and payments, is suspended, Gary reluctantly takes over. He excels at the role, even researching suspects and creating unique personas for each one.

Gary takes on the identity of “Ron” to entrap Madison, a dissatisfied wife seeking to kill her controlling husband. During their interactions, Gary develops sympathy and attraction towards Madison, ultimately refusing her payment and advising her to use the money to start a new life, disappointing his colleagues Claudette and Phil.

Gary starts a relationship with Madison while continuing to pose as “Ron.” Madison discloses she owns a gun, and Gary teaches her how to use it, advising her to aim for the heart if she must kill. After a tense encounter with Ray, Madison’s ex-husband, where Gary pulls a gun on Ray, they run into Jasper, who grows suspicious of their relationship.

Ray, unaware of Gary’s true identity, tries to hire him to kill Madison. Without prior research, Gary improvises by having their conversation with their backs turned but eventually reveals himself. Ray vows to kill Madison himself. Gary attempts to relocate Madison, but she doubts Ray’s resolve.

Gary is later shocked to learn of Ray’s murder, shot in the heart with bullets matching Madison’s gun. He deduces Madison is the killer, though his coworkers suspect either her or a botched drug deal.

Gary Johnson is the most sought-after hitman in New Orleans, perceived by clients as a mysterious professional assassin. However, those who hire him to eliminate a cheating spouse or abusive boss are unaware that he is working for the police. When he bends the rules to help a woman escape her abusive husband, he finds himself drawn into one of his false personas, falling for the woman and dangerously close to crossing the line into criminality. What then will happen? Will he proceed with his feelings, will he reveal his identity? So many questions left unanswered.

MY THOUGHTS ON HITMAN

Just like The Fall Guy (2024), this movie is a breath of fresh air.

It breaks away from the predictable Hollywood formula and delivers a quirky, genre-bending story that will keep you guessing. It’s funny, sexy, and surprisingly thought-provoking, all thanks to Richard Linklater’s masterful direction and a cast that brings their A-game.

CHARACTER PERFORMANCES

Powell takes center stage as Gary Johnson, the unassuming professor with a secret life as “Ron,” the undercover hitman. His performance is a masterclass in transformation. We see him seamlessly shift between his mild-mannered academic persona and the confident, charismatic Ron. Each new undercover persona he adopts is distinct and hilarious, showcasing Powell’s incredible range.

But it’s not just about the accents and disguises. Powell brings a vulnerability and depth to Gary that makes him incredibly relatable. We see his internal conflict as he navigates the ethical tightrope of his undercover work.

His charm and charisma are undeniable, making us root for him even when he’s teetering on the edge.

Adria Arjona is equally captivating as Maddy, the femme fatale who throws a wrench into Gary’s carefully constructed world. Arjona perfectly captures the character’s nature. Maddy is both appealing and dangerous, keeping us guessing about her motives throughout the film. There’s a vulnerability beneath her confident exterior that Arjona portrays beautifully, making us empathize with Maddy even as we question her actions.

The supporting cast deserves a shout-out as well. From the hilarious banter between Gary’s police colleagues (played by Retta and Sanjay Rao) to the complexities of his academic life, the supporting characters add depth and humor to the film. They provide a grounding force amidst the wackiness of Gary’s undercover world, reminding us of the “normal” life he’s trying to protect.

The chemistry between Powell and Arjona is the heart and soul of Hitman. Their on-screen relationship crackles with tension, making their scenes together both funny and emotionally charged.

VISUAL DESIGN AND CINEMATOGRAPHY

The film flourishes in the rich atmosphere of New Orleans. The vibrant colors of the French Quarter, the lush greenery of the bayou, and the elegance of old buildings all contribute to a sense of place.

The cinematography cleverly utilizes contrasting visuals to reflect Gary’s dual life.  As the mild-mannered professor, the camera lingers on warm tones and comfortable settings in his home and classroom.  However, when he transforms into “Ron,” the undercover hitman, the lighting becomes sharper and cooler, reflecting the morally ambiguous world he enters.

The cinematography also plays a role in the film’s humor.  Wide shots capture the absurdity of some situations like Gary fumbling with his disguises or the awkwardness of undercover stings.  This use of framing adds a visual layer to the film’s comedic timing.

WRITING STYLE AND STORY

The script is sharp and witty, with dialogue that sparkles and jokes that land perfectly. The story takes some unexpected turns, but it never loses sight of its core characters or its central themes.

It’s a testament to Linklater’s talent that he can weave together a complex narrative with such a light touch.

THEMES

Don’t be fooled by the laughs – Hitman has a deeper message. It explores the idea of identity and how easily we can become the masks we wear. It also delves into the complexities of human relationships and the thin line between love and deception.

AUDIENCE COMMENTS.

CONCLUSION

Hitman is a film for everyone who loves a good story with a twist. It’s a movie that will make you laugh, think, and maybe even question your sense of self. Don’t miss this hidden gem – whether you’re a fan of Richard Linklater, romantic comedies, or quirky films in general, Hitman is a must-watch.

P.S.  Catch it on Netflix before the algorithm buries it! This is a film that deserves to be seen.

People also watch – Bandit (2022).

Images or videos used in this work belongs to the respective movie and its copyright holders. We do not claim any legal rights or ownership over this image, and we appreciate the movie’s creators for sharing such a captivating visual.

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