Life and Art from FT Weekend Filmmaker Richard Linklater on Hit Man and whether people can change
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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.
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Can People Change?
- Richard Linklater explores the idea of fixed personalities vs. the potential for change.
- He finds freedom in the notion that change is possible, challenging his previous beliefs.
Hit Man's Identity Play
- In Hit Man, Gary, a philosophy professor, moonlights as a fake hitman.
- He transforms into 'Ron' for a client, blurring the lines between his real and assumed identities.
Self-Discovery as a Process of Elimination
- Linklater reflects on the human tendency to try on different identities.
- He suggests that self-discovery involves carving away what you're not to find your true self.