Hollywood’s Fascination with Assassin Films
The Evolution of Hollywood: Embracing the Hitman Hero
Hollywood’s landscape is undergoing a dramatic transformation. The era of raunchy comedies has dimmed, with productions like “Ricky Stanicky” finding a quiet niche on Amazon Prime. Meanwhile, traditional rom-coms are becoming a thing of the past, although “Anyone But You” surprisingly captivates a romance-hungry audience.
The Hit(wo)man Trend
But within Hollywood’s new production ethos, stories about hitmen and hitwomen are hiting their stride, unfazed by the industry’s evolving moral fabric.
Hollywood’s latest batch of films invites us to connect with the most unlikely protagonists: cold, calculating assassins who navigate through narratives brimming with intrigue and danger.
A Roll Call of Hollywood’s Lethal Characters
- Brad Pitt’s stylish executioner in “Bullet Train” brings levity to the grim trade.
- The relentless action of the “John Wick” series, expanding with “The Continental” and soon, “Ballerina” featuring Ana de Armas.
- Michael Fassbender’s anticipated turn in “The Killer”.
- The comedic encounters of “The Hitman’s Bodyguard” franchise.
- Mary Elizabeth Winstead and Jessica Chastain’s powerful female leads in “Kate” and “Ava”, respectively.
- The sleek and fatal elegance of “Anna” and “The Protégé”.
- Upcoming action with Glen Powell’s “Hit Man” and Taraji P. Henson’s “Proud Mary”.
- The enduring presence of Denzel Washington in the “Equalizer” saga.
Often these films offer more than thrills; they weave narratives that encourage audiences to cheer for the antiheroes who exhibit intelligence, cunning, and a mastery of their deadly arts.
Michael Keaton: From “Birdman” to Hitman
This month, Michael Keaton takes both the director’s chair and the lead role in “Knox Goes Away” – a thought-provoking tale about a hitman’s confrontation with his mortality and family legacy.
It isn’t the first time Keaton grapples with such a complex character; his debut directorial work “The Merry Gentleman” also features him as an assassin with unusual depths.
Understanding the Hitman Genre’s Appeal
Why this obsession with hitmen? It’s tied to the allure of the antihero. Thanks to iconic characters like Tony Soprano and Walter White, audiences are drawn to the personal battles of morally ambiguous figures.
The genre satisfies a craving for redemption, a hunger for protagonists who seek atonement. As Keaton’s John Knox tries to right wrongs in “Knox Goes Away”, we’re reminded that even the coldest killers can yearn for absolution. These narratives often challenge us to consider the question of justice in a world that feels increasingly lawless.
And then there’s the action – arresting, explosive scenes and sequences that promise to perform well globally. It’s the perfect blend of adrenaline and drama that keeps viewers hooked.
The Woke Revolution’s Blind Spot
Still, there’s an odd silence from the woke movement regarding the hitman genre. R-rated comedies that dare to defy the progressive mold are quickly chastised, but stories of vigilantism elicit no such outcry.
Perhaps the complexity of the characters, or the empowering depiction of female assassins, appeases potential criticism. It seems Hollywood will continue to capitalize on this theme, tapping into a societal pulse that resonates deeply with audiences today.
In an era of confusion and contradiction, the rogue justice of characters like John Wick offers a thrilling, if not controversial, sense of order. Hollywood’s moral compass may be spinning, but the hitman hero remains steadfast at its core.
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Christian Toto, movie critic and editor of HollywoodInToto.com, shines a light on Hollywood trends. You can follow his insights at @HollywoodInToto. The views herein belong solely to the author.
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