BTN News: In his latest film, Hit Man (released in Spanish as Cómplices del engaño), acclaimed director and screenwriter Richard Linklater takes creative liberties to bring to life the fascinating true story of Gary Johnson, a Texas psychology professor who lived a double life as an undercover hitman for the police. The film, which has just hit theaters, dives into the world of deception and identity, blending crime with comedy in a unique portrayal of Johnson’s incredible transformation from a mild-mannered academic to a master of disguise. This cinematic adaptation, co-written by Linklater and lead actor Glen Powell, draws inspiration from the real-life events first chronicled in Skip Hollandsworth’s 2001 article “Hit Man” for Texas Monthly, offering a fresh take on themes of transformation and the blurred lines between reality and performance.
Gary Johnson’s journey into the underworld began in the late 1980s. A professor with a background in military police, Johnson also pursued a career in law enforcement. His deep understanding of human psychology, coupled with an uncanny ability to manipulate others’ perceptions, made him an invaluable asset in undercover operations. His assignments required him to assume the role of a hitman, adopting various identities to meet the expectations of those who sought his services. This ability to shapeshift and play different personas became the cornerstone of his undercover work, creating a tension between his real identity and the roles he played.
Linklater’s film, Hit Man, is not just a straightforward retelling of Johnson’s story. Instead, it leans into the comedic potential of a man leading such a contradictory life. Glen Powell, who portrays Johnson, also played a crucial role in shaping the narrative, co-writing the screenplay with Linklater. The film paints Johnson as a seemingly ordinary professor whose life takes an unexpected turn when he is called to replace a suspended undercover agent. What follows is a whirlwind of deception, as Johnson discovers his knack for impersonation, slipping seamlessly into the skin of a hitman who captures criminals by adopting a myriad of personas.
The plot thickens when Johnson, under the alias Ron, encounters Maddy, played by Adria Arjona, a woman desperate to escape her abusive husband. The relationship between Gary and Maddy introduces a complex layer of emotional involvement, complicating Johnson’s mission and further blurring the lines between his true self and the characters he portrays. This romantic subplot, a significant departure from the real events, adds depth and drama to the film, exploring how deception can weave into personal lives in unexpected ways.
Powell, in discussing the film, likened his character’s journey to that of the protagonist in Tootsie—a man who, through the act of pretending, discovers a new, more empathetic side of himself. Powell’s portrayal of Johnson is not just about the performance but about the internal transformation that occurs when someone is forced to inhabit multiple personas. Through the lens of comedy, Hit Man tackles the profound question of whether people can truly change or if they are simply playing roles dictated by circumstances.
The chemistry between Powell and Arjona is a critical element in making Johnson’s transformation believable and engaging. Their dynamic on screen reflects the larger theme of the movie: the fluidity of identity and the ways in which personal connections can complicate a life built on deception. Even as the film maintains a light, comedic tone, it doesn’t shy away from exploring darker themes, including the moral ambiguities of Johnson’s work and the ethical dilemmas he faces.
Linklater, known for his ability to infuse humor into serious subjects, sees the absurdity in Johnson’s story—a man posing as a killer for the greater good. This dark comedy is in line with Linklater’s signature style, as seen in his previous successes like School of Rock, Boyhood, and the Before trilogy. He finds the humor in the macabre, presenting Johnson’s tale as both a gripping crime story and a commentary on the absurdities of modern life, where the line between reality and fiction is often blurred.
The film also touches on the broader theme of how people present themselves in a world increasingly flooded with misinformation and fabricated personas. Linklater explores this concept by diving into the absurdities of our times, where identity is often more fluid and performative than ever before. The movie, while rooted in a true story, reflects on how easily people can lose themselves in the roles they play, whether in everyday life or in more extreme circumstances like Johnson’s.
For Powell, taking on the role of Johnson was as challenging as it was rewarding. Writing a character that he would later have to portray on screen was a unique experience, one that required a deep dive into the psyche of a man living multiple lives. Powell’s journey from writer to actor in this film underscores the theme of transformation that runs throughout Hit Man—a story about a man who becomes something he never expected, only to discover new facets of himself along the way.
Hit Man is a film that successfully balances humor and crime, drawing audiences into a world where deception is both a tool and a trap. With strong performances, particularly from Powell and Arjona, and a narrative that is as entertaining as it is thought-provoking, the movie stands out as a compelling exploration of identity, morality, and the often absurd nature of human life. As the lines between Gary Johnson’s real and fake personas blur, Hit Man leaves viewers questioning the very nature of identity and the possibility of genuine transformation in a world full of artifice.
