Richard Linklater he is one of those directors who are able to surprise every time, always leave pleasant memories, even in his simplicity. Hitmanpresented out of competition at Venice 80 is a great gift that the director Apollo 10 and a half AND What happened to Bernadette? gives the Venetian public: a comedy perfect in rhythm and originality, in effect and sympathy, one of those films that are good for cinemas in every sense. The protagonist is the usually clumsy and shy Gary Johnson (Glen Powell), a professor of psychology at the University of New Orleans who, when he can, assists the police in covert operations by which frame those who are willing to pay for the murder of their wife, husband, neighbor or colleague, in short, anyone who is looking for a professional killer. However, one morning, Gary is forced to play a fake hitman. He discovers he has the sensational talent of a fast-paced entertainer and soon sacks one arrest after another. But when he runs into the beautiful MadisonAdria Arjona), his resolve fades, saves her from arrest, and begins dating her, clearly posing as Ron, a winsome killer with a heart of gold. But it will be a decision with unpredictable results, to say the least.
Gary Johnson really existed, Linklater discovered his incredible story by reading a magazine article. Texas Monthly at the beginning of the millennium. Of course, the Texas filmmaker, as usual, shuffles the cards, combines fantasy and reality, because reality is just a fuse that can ignite an explosion of cinephilia. homage to the seventies and eightieskillers who in those years allowed Charles Bronson or Steve McQueen become a legend for a whole generation. Glen Powell devotes himself to all this, surprising with his charisma and expressiveness, subverting the opinion of those who still always considered him just another handsome man with a perfect smile. Powell demonstrates self-irony, amazing facial expressions and expressive abilities that make him Hitman a kind of heir to many heroes of crazy and parody comic cinema. Beside him, the voluptuous, fickle Archona pays homage, sticking to the femme fatale cliché. Sharon Stone, Ava GardnerIn short, the great divas of an erotic thriller only to then turn around and, between one laugh and another, talk to us about gender violence, male chauvinism, violence in society and in history. Linklater creates a narrative construction that becomes noir, crime, thriller, psychological film from time to time.
Hitman he feeds on misunderstandings and snarky jokes, he’s a true and real cinephile, he pays homage and at the same time deconstructs the image of a cinematic killer, the same one that David Fincher extolled here in Venice with a series of simply brilliant films. variations on a theme. Powell is opposed to the evil and banal humanity, although he considers himself to be such, he would always like to be Ron, not Gary. In this respect, the film also becomes an analysis of our identity, how much we want to be different and where this desire to change ourselves comes from. From the media, from the movies – the obvious answer is Richard Linklater, who, however, always argues lightly, funny, without taking himself seriously. There is not a moment of boredom in it. Hitman, just slowing down really, the further you go on the more you laugh, you find yourself involved in this guy who is usually in his comfort zone between cats and jeans and instead finds what outside he can open up to himself a new side of his character. A truly excellent film, such a comedy about society and its hypocrisy, which is no longer being made today, which would serve as water in the desert. But, by the way, Linklater knew this very well.
I was born in Padua in 1985 and have always been a big fan of sports, cinema and art. After twelve years as a coach and professional scout in the volleyball world, I decided to pursue a career in journalism.
Since 2016, I have been contributing to various print and online magazines, acting as a critic and correspondent at festivals such as Venice, Rome and Science Fiction in Trieste.
I published with Viola Editris. “Cinema in times of terror”, an analysis of cinema after 9/11. At Esquire, I am involved in film, television and sports, in particular I am a big fan of football, boxing, volleyball and tennis.
Because of this passion, I also maintain a personal detailed Facebook page called L’Attimo Vincente.
I believe in the power of words, in irony, in always remaining true to my opinion when I write, and never thinking about my infallibility.