Review of ‘Hit man. Murderer by chance’: an infiltrated hitman

‘Hit man’ is a concept: video games and films about hitmen abound. Richard Linklater’s ‘Hit Man’ is very different, down to earth, with comical touches and ultimately very realistic although the plot allows itself some impossible licences. Written and produced by the director of ‘Boyhood’ together with the actor who plays the protagonist, an effective Glen Powell, the film is a daring and successful cross between a ‘thriller’, a romantic comedy, a black comedy and a reflection on true identity, all stitched together. with the filmmaker’s usual irony.

The protagonist is an initially dull university professor of Psychology and Philosophy; the students doze in their classes, then he will be very different. In his spare time he does undercover work for the New Orleans police. He lives in an area with a historic musical name, Allen Toussaint Boulevard. Street signs are important: at a crucial moment in history we see the intersection between Piedad and Placer streets. He teaches classes on the construction of the self and advocates not having absolute concepts on a moral level. Everything is related to his double life as a false infiltrated hitman who helps detain those who hire him for criminal purposes. A brilliant game of mirrors that absolutely laughs at all conventions.