Life and Art from FT Weekend
Filmmaker Richard Linklater on Hit Man and whether people can change
Dec 2, 2024
Richard Linklater, the renowned filmmaker behind classics like School of Rock and Boyhood, discusses his latest thriller, Hit Man. He dives into the film's exploration of identity and masculinity, highlighting a philosophy professor’s transformation into a faux hitman. Linklater also reflects on how personal experiences, including the pandemic, shape one's sense of self and authenticity. Additionally, he shares insights into the evolution of filmmaking amidst digital changes and the importance of genuine human connections in today's world.
21:16
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Quick takeaways
- Richard Linklater's film Hit Man explores the complexities of identity and transformation through its protagonist's duality as a philosophy professor and an undercover hitman.
- The podcast highlights Linklater's ongoing examination of masculinity, emphasizing societal pressures and personal experiences that shape male identity throughout different life stages.
Deep dives
Exploration of Identity and Change
The film centers around the character of Gary, a philosophy professor who adopts various personas while working as an undercover hitman. This narrative raises significant questions about identity, particularly the extent to which individuals can evolve and change throughout their lives. Gary's transformation as he embodies the 'sexy' character of Ron, in contrast to his mundane reality, serves as a catalyst for exploring these themes. The film presents an engaging examination of whether self-actualization is a matter of choice or a fixed aspect of one’s personality.
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