22 years ago, Skip Hollandsworth penned an article for Texas Monthly that would eventually inspire a hit movie. The article told the story of Gary Johnson, a school teacher who had a unique side gig as a hit man who didn’t actually kill anyone. It’s a story that’s taken a long time to reach the silver screen, so long in fact that Gary himself passed away before the film’s world premiere at the Venice Film Festival tonight. But thanks to the unwavering dedication of Glen Powell and Richard Linklater, the story is finally being told, albeit with some creative liberties taken. These added details only enhance the hilarity of the film, making it one of Linklater’s most commercially appealing movies since School of Rock. The film also shares a quirky true crime element with Linklater’s previous work, Bernie, which starred Jack Black. It seems that Linklater is drawn to these offbeat tales that have a hint of truth to them.
In the film, Powell takes on the role of Gary Johnson, a part-time fake hit man for the New Orleans Police Department. With his team, Gary sets up unsuspecting targets by pretending to agree to kill someone they want gone. Once they mention the magic words, they’re promptly arrested. The first half hour of the film showcases Powell’s incredible talent for disguise as he traps various targets who have no idea what they’re getting into. In real life, Gary managed to catch about 70 people seeking his services.
However, the film takes a different turn when Gary, using his alias Ron, becomes enamored with a beautiful woman named Madison (played by Adria Arjona). Madison wants to hire Gary to kill her abusive husband, but he convinces her that it’s not worth the risk. This act of humanity doesn’t sit well with his colleagues, who were listening in on the conversation. Despite their disapproval, Gary secretly starts dating Madison under his Ron persona, all while maintaining his professional facade.
One of Gary’s colleagues, Jasper (played by Austin Amelio), becomes suspicious of Gary and is determined to expose him. If he succeeds, it could mean the end of Gary’s career. Things become even more complicated when Madison’s husband confronts them on a date, and shortly after, the NOPD team receives a new customer: Ray, Madison’s husband. Now, Gary must take on the job of killing his own wife’s abuser, who later turns up dead under mysterious circumstances. The film suddenly transforms into a noirish mystery, reminiscent of classics like Double Indemnity.
Linklater expertly juggles the complexities of this story about a hit man who wasn’t really a hit man but could potentially become one for love. Glen Powell shines in the leading role, effortlessly navigating through the various disguises and changing circumstances. Arjona brings beauty and chemistry to her role, playing off Powell’s character perfectly. Amelio delivers a standout performance as the jealous colleague we love to hate. Retta as Claudette and Sanjay Rao as Phil round out the cast, creating a seamless ensemble.
With producers Mike Blizzard, Linklater, Powell, Jason Bateman, and Michael Costigan on board, the film is generating buzz and is sure to be a hit at the Toronto Film Festival. “Hit Man” is a sleeper hit and a crowd pleaser that shouldn’t be missed.
Title: Hit Man
Festival: Venice Film Festival (Out of Competition)
Director: Richard Linklater
Screenwriters: Glen Powell and Richard Linklater
Cast: Glen Powell, Adria Arjona, Austin Amelio, Retta, Sanjay Rao, Molly Bernard, Evan Holtzman
Running time: 1 hr 53 min
Sales agents: AGC Studios (world); Cinetic Media/CAA (North America)
