Before anyone wonders, this is not an article concerning the wrestling superstar, Bret Hart, but the role of the contract killer has become a hot topic with the recent in-flux of hitmen becoming stylish in major nineties and recent films, in particular "Lock, Stock, and Two Smoking Barrels"
However, with numerous films jumping on the bandwagon and following the idea that the portrayal of a hitman begins with Samuel L. Jackson and ends with Vinny Jones, it was this writer's feeling that it was necessary toredress this opinion and offer some alternative, if somewhat unorthodox portrayals of the current vogue. In recent times, the hitman has needed to either have the desire to leave the life (Pulp Fiction, Lock Stock) or play the silent but violent type, with a massive frame and look more like a bouncer than a hitman (hollywood's present view of the hitman, and possibly, Lock stock's follow-up, "Lenny").
This has not always been the case. Characters like Leon (Jean Reno) don't have so much as a conscience, as more a work ethic, 'no women, no kids'; or characters like Chevy in Delusion (Kyle Secor) have crazy, neurotic tendencies, but carry out their job in such a professional manner, that they would kill their mentor(s), if contracted to do so. This professionalism has also been illustrated in Jef Costello (Alain Delon), the stone-faced, smouldering, silent star of "Le Samourai", who allows the sound of his movements to grip you, rather than his dialogue. Even Steve Buscemi (TTDIDWYD) who is not regarded as butch in build, yet has the ability to carry off the ability to be violent, albeit in a very goofy way.
Arguably, one of the most memorable performances of a hitman was Lee Marvin of "Point Blank" (recreated by Mel Gibson in Payback), who just simply looked the part, without having to emphasise any part of his character. The physical stature of these individuals proves that an actor does not have to look like a bouncer to play a hitman. There is no need to have a solid frame. You do not need to look consistently menacing. You do not necessarily need to have a heart, however.
But it just goes to show, as there is more than one way to kill a person, therefore there is more than one way to act whilst doing it.
Craig Aston.
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