Renowned director Richard Linklater is stirring up controversy in Hollywood with his bold critique of the industry’s portrayal of sex and superheroes. In a recent interview, the mastermind behind cinematic gems like the Before trilogy and Boyhood lamented the trend of creating "sexless characters" and "superheroes without genitalia."
Linklater's latest project, Netflix's Hit Man, stands as a stark departure from this norm. Described as a "sexy crime thriller meets screwball comedy," the film revolves around Glen Powell's character, Gary Johnson, a professor who leads a double life as a fake hitman. When he encounters Adria Arjona's character, Maddy, she becomes his latest target – until love complicates everything.
In an impassioned statement, Linklater emphasized the importance of sex and violence in cinema, asserting that they are what the medium excels at. He criticized Hollywood for shying away from explicit depictions of sexuality, noting that even superheroes are portrayed as devoid of sexual desires.
"Sex and violence is what cinema is great at. Sex was always the great seller; I don’t know why they backed off from that," Linklater remarked. "Most fights, most male aggression, is sexual."
For Linklater, Hit Man is a departure from Hollywood's sanitized approach. Drawing inspiration from a true story chronicled in a 2001 Texas Monthly article, the film delves into the complexities of desire and deception. Maddy becomes the catalyst for Gary's moral reckoning, highlighting the power of sexual attraction in driving human behavior.
The director's criticism extends beyond Hit Man, reaching into his ongoing passion project, Merrily We Roll Along. Adapted from the 1981 stage musical, Linklater's ambitious undertaking spans decades, with plans to complete the film in 2041. His dedication to authenticity and depth underscores his commitment to pushing the boundaries of storytelling.
As Linklater challenges Hollywood's status quo, his words serve as a rallying cry for a return to cinematic honesty. In an industry increasingly dominated by formulaic blockbusters, his insistence on exploring the complexities of human experience offers a refreshing alternative. Whether Hollywood heeds his call remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: Richard Linklater is not afraid to speak his mind and challenge the status quo.
0 Comments