Hit Man

Spoilers!!

I've long appreciated the films of director Richard Linklater.  Always curious as to his next move.  Such a diverse filmography. DAZED AND CONFUSED.  WAKING LIFE.  SCHOOL OF ROCK.  FAST FOOD NATION. TAPE.  BOYHOOD.  ME AND ORSON WELLES.  So many others.  What connects them all is a strong interest in identity.  How others see someone, and how someone sees themselves.  Often characters comment aloud in those regards.  Uncommonly insightful dialogue happens.  Always a keen social awareness, no matter the scenario.

His latest, HIT MAN, which had a brief theatrical release before debuting on Netflix last week, employs a both clever and derivative device of having its protagonist, university professor Gary Johnson (Glen Powell) teach his psych and philosophy classes, discussing the film's themes.   Prefacing and postscripting his and other characters' behaviors.  Such get complicated in a story where the mild mannered prof. does a side gig for the New Orleans PD as a fake hitman to entrap folks looking to have someone offed.  A role he falls into as Jasper (Austin Amelio), the sketchy undercover cop who normally assumes this job, is suspended for beating up some teenagers.

Gary becomes "Ron", discovering a penchant for alternate personalities and disguises.  Kinda like FLETCH? Is he a frustrated actor? Looking to embrace the id?  Perhaps merely a vacation from his staid, orderly self?  Gary becomes quite good at the job until he meets Madison (Adria Arjona), who seeks to have her abusive husband taken out.  The "hitman" takes pity and becomes a counselor, convincing the attractive young woman to put her murderous deposit money into a new life rather than a ticket to regret (and unbeknownst to her, the big house).

Gary's colleagues on the force question his judgment.  Jasper especially is suspicious.  Things get thorny. "Ron" and Madison begin a steamy relationship.  We will eventually meet Madison's soon-to-be-ex, Ray (Evan Holtzman).  He will end up dead.  I will say no more.

HIT MAN a mild but diverting tale based on a real guy, develops into an entertaining labyrinth of romance and crime.  The director's style recalls some Steven Soderbergh films.   Certain viewers draw parallels to old school screwball romances.  But Linklater's characters are all their own, original creations born out of neuroses and perhaps a bit of superego.  And that pesky id.  There are numerous of those patented Linklater exchanges that enlighten us as to these characters' mindsets.   

If Powell wasn't a star before, this movie clinches it.  So natural and ingratiating.  In all of his alter egos.  He elicits true Movie Star charisma.   His co-star? Sorry to say that while Arjona is undeniably sexy, her performance was weak for me.  I didn't really find her all that interesting.  Someone like say, Aubrey Plaza might've brought more intrigue and effortless sass to the role.  Amelio, particularly during the climax, really seems to be enjoying himself. 

Powell co-authored the script with Linklater and it's mostly aces, if not entirely airtight.  The conclusion didn't entirely work for me.  The denouement, even less so.     But I guess to get your sought after feel good happy ending, sometimes you need to employ a little moral relativism.