In a recent interview, Richard Linklater, the visionary behind Hit Man, candidly revealed his perspective on the current state of Hollywood. The acclaimed director, known for his iconic works like Boyhood and Before Midnight, discussed his latest venture which revisits classic film noir themes.
The Evolution of Femme Fatales
The concept of the femme fatale has been a staple in cinema since films like Double Indemnity. Here, Barbara Stanwyck’s Phyllis Dietrichson epitomized the seductive and scheming villainess. In contrast, Linklater’s Hit Man presents Maddy Masters (Adria Arjona) as a more conflicted character. Speaking on this shift, Linklater said, We’re moving away from one-dimensional portrayals of women in noir; Maddy is just a person with bad options contemplating bad decisions.
Glen Powell Takes the Lead
Glen Powell stars as Gary Johnson, a philosophy teacher who moonlights as an undercover hitman. Powell’s performance has been widely praised for its depth and nuance. Referring to his role, Powell noted, This character is on a journey of discovering who he truly is through his interactions with Maddy.
The chemistry between Powell and Arjona has been highlighted as one of the film’s strengths.
Linklater’s Commentary on Modern Cinema
Despite the evolving narratives around characters like femme fatales, Linklater believes that grown-up films are increasingly rare in Hollywood. Reflecting on this trend, he stated, There seems to be less room for complex, adult stories in today’s cinematic landscape.
The move away from such films leaves directors like Linklater concerned about the future of adult storytelling in mainstream media. However, with efforts like Hit Man, there’s hope that nuanced films may still carve out their niche among audiences willing to engage with thoughtful cinema.
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