“Hit Man”: A Neo-Noir Masterpiece in Exploring Identity and Morality

Director: Richard Linklater
Rating: 8.5/10

Known for his distinct storytelling style and vision, director Richard Linklater has returned once again with his latest film, “Hit Man”, a neo-noir genre that highlighted Linklater’s keen observations on human nature. The film stars Glen Powell as Gary Johnson, a seemingly strait-laced professor who leads a double life as a fake hitman for the New Orleans Police Department with a mission to capture these frustrated murderers. Gary’s unique talent for adopting various guises and personalities enables him to trap those who wish to eliminate someone. However, his professional and ethical boundaries came to blur when he was contacted by Madison, played by Adria Arjona, to hire him to kill her husband. As Madison falls for one of Gary’s personas---the sexy Ron---their steamy relationship ignites a series of play-acting, deception, and escalating stakes.

The most effective aspect of the movie lies in the moral and psychological dilemma faced by the protagonist, Gary. As a professor, he teaches ethical principles promotes clear-cut notions of right and wrong, and identifies yourself. Yet, his secret activities forced him to navigate a morally ambiguous persona, creating a stark contrast between his personal and professional undercover work. This contradiction sets the stage for profoundly exploring his identity and ego. Gary’s struggle to separate his true self from the various personas he adopts adds another layer to his characterization. This internal conflict is vividly shown, making viewers think about what really shapes our identity and how it changes based on the different roles we play in life and the different people we interact with.

The main concept of the movie is the five-factor model of personality--- extraversion, neuroticism, openness to experience, agreeableness, and conscientiousness. This framework created another layer to the main character’s emotional depth. Throughout the film, Gary has presented different types of personas and it begs the question as to where amongst the five factors does his personality change belong. This idea isn't just interesting but also makes the story deeper, offering a lot to think about for anyone curious about psychology and how characters develop. It makes you wonder about how flexible our identities can be and how outside events shape who we are, adding a unique psychological twist to the movie.

The screenplay is also one of the movie’s greatest strengths. Co-written by Richard Linklater and Powell, the movie serves as a masterclass in the simplicity and ingenuity of the script. In general, movies don’t have to rely heavily on grand and over-the-top dramatic twists, and this is where “Hit Man” excels. The screenplay focuses on the nuanced character development and clever plot turns that allow the audience to be continually engaged. The writing in this movie is very tight, witty, and full of subtle surprises, despite having some pacing issues in the first two acts, the movie’s clever script and engaging dialogues make it compelling and fun to watch. Powell’s involvement in the screenplay is a pleasant surprise for me as well, this showcases his versatility beyond acting and proving his capability as a writer.

Glen Powell’s performance is nothing short of a revelation. To be honest, one of my worries in this movie is Glen Powell, I fear that he might just be another boy next door, potentially making his performance less convincing. However, Powell dispels these doubts with his multifaceted portrayal of Gary and his various personas. His ability to seamlessly transition from one character to another, each with its own unique charm and complexity, is genuinely impressive. The chemistry between Powell and Arjona adds another layer of intensity and sensuality to the film. Their dynamic as actors embodies a dark and romantic comedy vibe that fits well within the neo-noir genre which allows the narrative to be very enriching and emotionally deep.

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Despite its strength, the movie is far from perfect. The pacing in the first and second acts can feel sluggish, as the narrative takes its time to build up Gary’s undercover exploits. This slow and gradual build-up can be very overwhelming to some viewers, making you question the direction of the story and where it's heading. The film spends a considerable amount of time establishing Gary’s various personas, and in the 2nd half, the relationship buildup between Gary and Madison is overtly done. However, as the movie progresses and once we’ve reached the 3rd act, the movie brings clarity and resolution, tying together the movie’s themes and character arcs in a satisfying conclusion. At 1 hour and 50 minutes, the movie could have benefited from tighter editing to maintain a more consistent pace and keep the audience more engaged throughout.

Overall, “Hit Man” has all the elements of a perfect film—smart writing, good performances, and an unusual Bonnie and Clyde love story. The writing is clever, simple, and with the right amount of twists that work seamlessly with the material. It stands out as a crowd-pleasing addition to the neo-noir genre and is a testament to Richard Linklater’s skillful storytelling. Despite its pacing issues, the film ultimately delivers a compelling narrative that resonates with audiences. Glen Powell’s performance and the clever exploration of identity make “Hit Man” a memorable and thought-provoking cinematic experience. The film’s visual style is another standout feature, with Linklater’s keen eye for detail creating a world that feels both grounded and surreal. The New Orleans setting provides a rich, atmospheric backdrop that complements the film’s themes of deception and identity. The cinematography captures the city’s moody, noir-esque ambiance, adding another layer of depth to the narrative.

In true Richard Linklater fashion, “Hit Man” is a home run, solidifying its place in his impressive filmography. The film’s unique blend of psychological depth, moral ambiguity, and romantic intrigue makes it a standout in the neo-noir genre, offering a narrative that is both intellectually stimulating and emotionally engaging.

In conclusion, “Hit Man” is a film that succeeds on multiple levels. It is a smart, engaging, and thought-provoking addition to the genre, with strong performances, a compelling narrative, and a unique exploration of identity and morality. Richard Linklater and Glen Powell have created a film that is both entertaining and intellectually stimulating, proving that the neo-noir genre still has plenty of room for innovation. Whether you’re a fan of Linklater’s previous work or new to his filmography, “Hit Man” is a film that is sure to leave a lasting impression.