Richard Linklater's career has been marked by his ability to create innovative and powerful stories from banal beginnings. 'Hit Man' somehow achieves the opposite - it's a fluffy confection inspired by the real-life exploits of a psychology professor who masquerades as a hit man in order to entrap would-be murderers.
The film's introductory sequences show Gary Johnson duping several potential killers that he's a hardened criminal specializing in the liquidation business. These encounters are recorded by the police, and the conspirators are arrested after clearly stating their intent and handing over a down-payment. Linklater's narrative departs from reality when Gary meets a beautiful Latina who wants her abusive husband terminated. To the confusion of his handlers, the fake assassin suggests she initiate divorce proceedings instead of contracting a homicide, refuses her payment and secretly starts an affair while maintaining his pretense as a hit man. Needless to say, complications ensue.
'Hit Man' could have followed in the footsteps of modern classics like 'Body Heat', but Linklater chooses to play it for light comedy rather than drama. Tension is lost as the proceedings become increasingly frivolous and unlikely. The acting performances and amusing screenplay just about hold one's interest, but the end-result feels like an insubstantial appetizer which could have been a memorable main course with a different approach.
The film's introductory sequences show Gary Johnson duping several potential killers that he's a hardened criminal specializing in the liquidation business. These encounters are recorded by the police, and the conspirators are arrested after clearly stating their intent and handing over a down-payment. Linklater's narrative departs from reality when Gary meets a beautiful Latina who wants her abusive husband terminated. To the confusion of his handlers, the fake assassin suggests she initiate divorce proceedings instead of contracting a homicide, refuses her payment and secretly starts an affair while maintaining his pretense as a hit man. Needless to say, complications ensue.
'Hit Man' could have followed in the footsteps of modern classics like 'Body Heat', but Linklater chooses to play it for light comedy rather than drama. Tension is lost as the proceedings become increasingly frivolous and unlikely. The acting performances and amusing screenplay just about hold one's interest, but the end-result feels like an insubstantial appetizer which could have been a memorable main course with a different approach.
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