In this episode of the Two Act Podcast, co-hosts Adi and John review Richard Linklater's film "Hitman," a black comedy romance starring Glen Powell and Adria Arjona. Adi and Jon discuss how the film masterfully blends romance, screwball comedy, and an eccentric identity crisis to create one of the most entertaining movies of the year.

We explore the film’s central question: Can someone truly change? Plus, we highlight Glen Powell’s superstar-making performance that brings this unique story to life. Tune in to hear our thoughts on why "Hit Man" is a must-watch and how it stands out in 2024's cinematic landscape. Don’t miss this episode!

Timestamps

The film's background and inspiration (00:00:00) Introduction to the film "Hitman," its plot, and background information about the real-life inspiration for the story.

Discussion about the real-life hitman (00:01:24) Comparison of the film's storyline with the real-life hitman and the revelation of the inspiration behind the character.

The director and film production (00:02:52) Exploration of the film's director, Richard Linklater, the film's budget, grossing, and its successful festival circuit journey.

Exploring the character of Gary (00:05:24) Discussion about the various personas portrayed by the character Gary, his acting range, and the influence of the actor, Glen Powell, on the film.

Gary's character and plot development (00:07:54) Analysis of Gary's character, his dual life as a hitman, and his personal traits and struggles.

Pacing and structural issues (00:13:14) Critique of the film's pacing, structural issues, and the impact of certain scenes on the overall flow of the story.

Introduction of Madison and chemistry with Gary (00:15:27) Exploration of the scene where Madison meets Gary, the chemistry between the characters, and the impact of their initial interactions.

Character dynamics and relationship development (00:18:18) Discussion about the character dynamics, chemistry, and relationship development between Gary and Madison, including the impact of their interactions on the storyline.

Character Development (00:23:43) Analysis of the character development in the second act, focusing on Ron's quick thinking and adaptability.

Introduction of Jasper (00:28:18) Exploration of the character Jasper, his role as a threat, and the tension he brings to the story.

Unresolved Scenes (00:31:30) Discussion of the lack of resolution in certain scenes and the impact on the weight of the story.

Celebration of Murder? (00:40:39) Debate on whether the film celebrates murder and the potential impact on the audience.

Richard Linklater's Views (00:43:05) Examination of Richard Linklater's perspective on the film industry's shift towards safe choices and the impact on original films.

Challenges Faced by Original Films (00:45:29) Discussion about the challenges faced by original films and the impact of movie theaters' struggles on the industry.

The disappointment in the film industry (00:46:21) Discussion about the struggle of proven filmmakers and the negative impact on original storytelling.

Movie review and ratings (00:47:18) Differing opinions on the film, focusing on costume design, classroom scenes, and rating the movie.

Structural issues and characterization (00:48:57) Gripes about structural issues, comparison with another film, and praise for characterization and performances.

Discussion on film ratings (00:52:24) The hesitation to give high ratings, the importance of earning praise, and comparing it to other rom-coms on Netflix.

Conclusion and next podcast teaser (00:56:50) Excitement about watching the recommended anime and a preview of the next podcast episode.