Director Richard Linklater has criticized Hollywood for creating sexless characters and superheroes without genitalia. He believes that sex and violence are what cinema excels at, and that Hollywood has strayed from this essential element. Linklater highlights the importance of exploring sexuality in film and how it can drive characters to make drastic decisions.
Linklater’s movie, Hit Man, revolves around the character of Gary Johnson, a professor who poses as a fake hitman for the New Orleans Police Department. His latest target, Maddy, becomes the object of his desire, leading him to risk everything in order to be with her. Linklater emphasizes the role of sex in driving people to take extreme actions and how it can influence relationships and decisions.
True Story Inspiration
Hit Man is based on a true story chronicled by Skip Hollandsworth in a 2001 article in Texas Monthly. Linklater’s adaptation explores the complexities of human desire and how it can lead individuals down unexpected paths. By drawing inspiration from real-life events, Linklater adds depth and authenticity to his narrative.
Merrily We Roll Along Project
In addition to Hit Man, Linklater is also working on a long-term project titled Merrily We Roll Along. This project, based on the 1981 stage musical by Stephen Sondheim and George Furth, showcases Linklater’s commitment to exploring diverse storytelling formats. By casting actors like Paul Mescal, Linklater demonstrates his ability to recognize emerging talent and integrate it into his projects.
Linklater’s critique of Hollywood highlights his unique approach to filmmaking. He prioritizes the exploration of human sexuality and its impact on characters and narratives. By delving into the complexities of desire and relationships, Linklater pushes the boundaries of traditional storytelling and challenges audiences to engage with deeper themes.
Richard Linklater’s criticism of Hollywood’s treatment of sexuality in cinema sheds light on the importance of exploring this fundamental aspect of human experience. Through projects like Hit Man and Merrily We Roll Along, Linklater showcases his commitment to telling diverse and thought-provoking stories that resonate with audiences on a profound level. As he continues to push the boundaries of conventional filmmaking, Linklater’s work serves as a reminder of the power of cinema to reflect and examine the intricacies of human relationships and desires.