Glen Powell has been a powerhouse in the acting industry for the past two decades, consistently turning heads with his stellar performances in both films and series. Now, finally, it’s time for him to take center stage in a lead role that fully exploits his versatile acting chops. In Richard Linklater’s “Hit Man,” the actor gets a meaty part that lets him embody a gamut of characteristics from nerdy to sexy to amusing, while always exuding an irresistible charm.
Powell’s screen presence in “Hit Man” isn’t the only thing that will make you swoon. His creative genius is evident in the project, too – he co-authored this delightfully quirky blend of multiple genres and tones with Linklater. There’s only one perplexing aspect of this picture – its decision to premiere out of competition at the Venice Film Festival instead of vying for the Golden Lion.
In “Hit Man,” the actor plays Gary Johnson, a New Orleans university psychology professor who is absolutely engrossed in unraveling the unfathomable mysteries of human consciousness and behavior. His love goes beyond academic research – he uses his expertise to assist the local police in sting operations, setting up electronic survelliance to record would-be criminals who seek to hire hitmen.
The narrative is not a figment of plot invention – it’s carved out of reality. The real-life Gary Johnson’s compelling story, up until his passing in 2022, was the basis for the film. The script draws from journalist Skip Hollandsworth’s October 2001 Texas Monthly article, which introduced the world to Johnson’s uncommon professional trajectory.
From seeing Gary transform into a menacing hired killer to witnessing his charm work on a young woman who wants to be rid of her abusive husband – “Hit Man” packs a punch with its mix of unique character study, crime, comedy, and romance.
The film doesn’t shy away from leveraging the complex relationship between reality and fantasy, to build layered characters and engaging narratives. Its core strength lies in the exploration of identity – how easily it can shape-shift, how encompassing a lie can become, and where the line blurs between the act and the reality.
Audiences at the first press screening of “Hit Man” at the Venice Film Festival couldn’t help but applaud the exemplary performances and intricate storytelling. With its monstrously gifted cast, ingeniously plotted narrative and Linklater’s unsurpassed directing prowess – “Hit Man” is an undeniable stand-out at the Venice Film Festival this year.
