This maybe me feeling older, but I no longer equate identity with something I need to ‘do’. I feel that need for identity is driven by the ego and designed for transience. I am beginning to believe that my identity is irrelevant. What matters is that I try and be compassionate and kind to people.
Bigger question: I FUCKING ADORE Mamet's House of Games. THAT is my ultimate crime movie (well, I bet I could find others, but I go back to that time and time again and it's brilliantly written and directed by Mamet)...so, you've seen House of Games, right? How would Hit Man stack up with that? No comparison? Different bag of chips? Funnier? Darker? Weirder?
I'd also add House of Games is TOTALLY about identity. Think about how Lindsay Crouse's Margaret Ford morphs into a lighter-stealing bad girl after meeting Mike. It's genius. I love it.
Linklater: ALL IN. Have all the Sunrise, Before, Sunset movies, as well as Dazed and Confused and loved Boyhood too. So yeah, he's fine wine.
My identity is ... what anyone imagines it to be. It's...strange.
It’s hard to compare Mamet and Linklater. It’s like comparing apples to asteroids. I can’t say if you like House of Games, you’ll like Hit Man. That just does not compute. But I can say that if you like Linklater you’ll like Hit Man, even though the film has a more straight ahead rom-com aspect to it that isn’t a pitch I thought was in Linklater’s repertoire. All it of this being said, I do think that if you make some popcorn and do a Hit Man House of Games double feature you’re gonna have a good night.
Loved Hit Man. Sure there were a few low points, but overall it was fast and entertaining and agreed, Powell is worth giving a shot in anything. Have you read much/any of Robert B. Parker's Spenser novels?
It's probably worth your time to do the Spenser novels in chronological order. From what I know of you through your writing, I think you would really enjoy them.
You've never steered me wrong! I love Joe Ide. I devoured the IQ series. Have you read Ide's Marlowe novels? I haven't yet. Sorta mixed feelings there. On the one hand, more Marlowe is good. But on the other hand, I'd love to read more original work from Ide.
I love that half-heartedly clicking your “netflix recommendation” led to a much deeper philosophical identity discussion. Its reverse click bait happiness in the best sense. a beautiful piece thank you. I haven’t seen it but I will watch now.
I usually lean toward fictional. That's my go-to. But true crime has its place. I'm especially fond of true crime capers.... thinking of the HBO doc about the scheme to fix the McDonald's Monopoly game.
I know nothing of Hit Man or your friend Mr. Powell or his associate Linklater. But I am enjoying your book very much. Will likely binge the last quarter of it tonight.
4. I recently referred to myself as a "wild card" on my Substack. I wish to be a "wild card." Or a femme fatale. May have aged out of that bracket though.
P.S. I knew I booked you on my podcast for a reason. Will probably grab some quotes from this piece to chat about. :-)
I'm looking forward to chatting with you. I don't think you aged out of femme fatale... as long as you're a femme and you're killing, you're a femme fatale. Also, most femme fatales are wild cards, that's how they keep you on your toes.
I'd probably skip the killing part. Maybe I'll just be a femme whatever the French word for "that guy's a little messed up now because of my wild card MO" is.
I've seen Hit Man and quite enjoyed it! I think Powell is the "it" actor of the moment. Will he be a "star" forever? Maybe. He's certainly got the acting chops and looks. However, we've also seen many other names come and go. This might just be his time. As far as Linklater, yes, I'm a huge fan! I even taught a course on his films. Favorites: Boyhood, Before Midnight, Before Sunrise.
Yes! I think a lot of them took it because they were already fans. I taught the course the same year Boyhood was being released. They got to be some of the first people in the Chicago area to see the film!
We enjoyed this movie a lot! - (not directly related to how good it was, but we made it into a “TV series” by watching it over several nights and it worked really well that way, the scenes seemed perfectly designed for that - but then it made me sad there wasn’t a Season 2!)
I think this was the first Glenn Powell movie I’ve seen. I liked it and I liked him! Not sure I’d go see a bad movie just to watch his performance, but I’m more likely to go see a good movie with him in the cast.
If you enjoyed Dazed and Confused, you should check out Everybody Wants Some!! Glen Powell is excellent in that movie. It's about 8 years old, so that was when Powell was just another actor looking for a breakout roll.
I loved Heat 2. I didn't think I would. A book sequel to a movie feels weird. But it worked for me. I need to revisit the book (and the movie) before I write about it more.
I was very skeptical but then remembered you said you loved it. I think I really liked it but I'm not yet sure if I loved it. The prose was excellent, the pace was breakneck, and the character development was strong, but I think they might have played the hits a little often, and some of the plot mechanics hued a little close to the movie IMHO.
All that said, looking forward to reading your analysis in a future post.
“There are two kinds of film fans: people who believe Glen Powell is the greatest movie star of his generation, and people who will come to believe that statement soon enough.” - I’m in the second group.
This reminds me of the weekend in the mid-90s when a friend said the same thing about Johnny Depp, then planted me in front of her VCR until I conceded that she was right. This was before the Caribbean pirate thingy, and his films were all wildly different from each other. He was not then such a celebrity that anyone cared about his personal life.
So I’m willing to believe you, when you put it like that.
I see. Okay, I’ll get to the movies. What’s the worst that could happen? I end up home watching Montgomery Clift in Red River? There’s no losing scenario here.
Sheesh. A bit fawning for my taste—but hey I like the guy. He was great in all the ones you mentioned—and I love a guy who’s earned his chops and is finally getting his due.
I didn't love Hit Man as much as Everybody Wants Some!! but it was still A Great Time At The Movies and totally agree our guy Glen is the best part of the former.
I liked Everybody Wants Some!! more too. But I fall deeper in love with that film every time I see it. I'm going to give Hit Man another watch in a few years. Linklater movies are like fine wines, better with age.
Great topic!! - What identity are you seizing? I think we can all relate. I'm excited to watch Hit Man now. I recently re-watched Hidden Figures and Glen Powell's role was small but memorable, now I'm eager to watch more of his work.
Nope, I don't get it. Vanilla, he's almost invisible, I wouldn't recognize him if I passed him in the street, he blends into the scenery. That's not a movie star quality. And yet, legions of people are trying SO hard to make Powell happen. That's nice for him.
This maybe me feeling older, but I no longer equate identity with something I need to ‘do’. I feel that need for identity is driven by the ego and designed for transience. I am beginning to believe that my identity is irrelevant. What matters is that I try and be compassionate and kind to people.
Answer to first question, no but PLAN TO SOON.
Bigger question: I FUCKING ADORE Mamet's House of Games. THAT is my ultimate crime movie (well, I bet I could find others, but I go back to that time and time again and it's brilliantly written and directed by Mamet)...so, you've seen House of Games, right? How would Hit Man stack up with that? No comparison? Different bag of chips? Funnier? Darker? Weirder?
I'd also add House of Games is TOTALLY about identity. Think about how Lindsay Crouse's Margaret Ford morphs into a lighter-stealing bad girl after meeting Mike. It's genius. I love it.
Linklater: ALL IN. Have all the Sunrise, Before, Sunset movies, as well as Dazed and Confused and loved Boyhood too. So yeah, he's fine wine.
My identity is ... what anyone imagines it to be. It's...strange.
It’s hard to compare Mamet and Linklater. It’s like comparing apples to asteroids. I can’t say if you like House of Games, you’ll like Hit Man. That just does not compute. But I can say that if you like Linklater you’ll like Hit Man, even though the film has a more straight ahead rom-com aspect to it that isn’t a pitch I thought was in Linklater’s repertoire. All it of this being said, I do think that if you make some popcorn and do a Hit Man House of Games double feature you’re gonna have a good night.
on it.
1 - now on “to watch” list
2/3 - who?
4 - I have to be me…everybody else was already taken
What Freeq said.
Loved Hit Man. Sure there were a few low points, but overall it was fast and entertaining and agreed, Powell is worth giving a shot in anything. Have you read much/any of Robert B. Parker's Spenser novels?
I haven’t read any Parker yet, but he’s on the list.
It's probably worth your time to do the Spenser novels in chronological order. From what I know of you through your writing, I think you would really enjoy them.
Thanks! Good reason to move those books up on my TBR
Agree with Tim Burns. And then read some Joe Ide. Have I ever steered you wrong?
You've never steered me wrong! I love Joe Ide. I devoured the IQ series. Have you read Ide's Marlowe novels? I haven't yet. Sorta mixed feelings there. On the one hand, more Marlowe is good. But on the other hand, I'd love to read more original work from Ide.
I read The Goodbye Coast. It was good, but it was no Farewell, My Lovely. The IQ books are swell!
I love that half-heartedly clicking your “netflix recommendation” led to a much deeper philosophical identity discussion. Its reverse click bait happiness in the best sense. a beautiful piece thank you. I haven’t seen it but I will watch now.
"reverse click bait happiness" is a great phrase. enjoy the movie!
I enjoyed Hit Man and like the Linklater films.
The question for you.... Do you prefer fictional crime or true crime stories?
I usually lean toward fictional. That's my go-to. But true crime has its place. I'm especially fond of true crime capers.... thinking of the HBO doc about the scheme to fix the McDonald's Monopoly game.
I know nothing of Hit Man or your friend Mr. Powell or his associate Linklater. But I am enjoying your book very much. Will likely binge the last quarter of it tonight.
4. I recently referred to myself as a "wild card" on my Substack. I wish to be a "wild card." Or a femme fatale. May have aged out of that bracket though.
P.S. I knew I booked you on my podcast for a reason. Will probably grab some quotes from this piece to chat about. :-)
I'm looking forward to chatting with you. I don't think you aged out of femme fatale... as long as you're a femme and you're killing, you're a femme fatale. Also, most femme fatales are wild cards, that's how they keep you on your toes.
I'd probably skip the killing part. Maybe I'll just be a femme whatever the French word for "that guy's a little messed up now because of my wild card MO" is.
This is why I need help with branding. 😂
I've seen Hit Man and quite enjoyed it! I think Powell is the "it" actor of the moment. Will he be a "star" forever? Maybe. He's certainly got the acting chops and looks. However, we've also seen many other names come and go. This might just be his time. As far as Linklater, yes, I'm a huge fan! I even taught a course on his films. Favorites: Boyhood, Before Midnight, Before Sunrise.
A course on Linklater sounds like a lot of fun. Did your students enjoy his films?
Yes! I think a lot of them took it because they were already fans. I taught the course the same year Boyhood was being released. They got to be some of the first people in the Chicago area to see the film!
Very cool!
We enjoyed this movie a lot! - (not directly related to how good it was, but we made it into a “TV series” by watching it over several nights and it worked really well that way, the scenes seemed perfectly designed for that - but then it made me sad there wasn’t a Season 2!)
Maybe there will be a sequel for season 2.
I think this was the first Glenn Powell movie I’ve seen. I liked it and I liked him! Not sure I’d go see a bad movie just to watch his performance, but I’m more likely to go see a good movie with him in the cast.
If you enjoyed Dazed and Confused, you should check out Everybody Wants Some!! Glen Powell is excellent in that movie. It's about 8 years old, so that was when Powell was just another actor looking for a breakout roll.
1. Not yet. Being true to myself means doing everything a month late.
2. I’m willing to let them all settle this by tournament. Though that’s my inner martial-arts fanboy trying to sneak my favorites the win.
3. My experience of the “Before” trilogy does not befit my degrees.
4. The first line of the Pokémon theme song.
Apropos of nothing in this post, I read Heat 2 over the last few days and want to hear your take in Doing Crimes.
I loved Heat 2. I didn't think I would. A book sequel to a movie feels weird. But it worked for me. I need to revisit the book (and the movie) before I write about it more.
I was very skeptical but then remembered you said you loved it. I think I really liked it but I'm not yet sure if I loved it. The prose was excellent, the pace was breakneck, and the character development was strong, but I think they might have played the hits a little often, and some of the plot mechanics hued a little close to the movie IMHO.
All that said, looking forward to reading your analysis in a future post.
“There are two kinds of film fans: people who believe Glen Powell is the greatest movie star of his generation, and people who will come to believe that statement soon enough.” - I’m in the second group.
This reminds me of the weekend in the mid-90s when a friend said the same thing about Johnny Depp, then planted me in front of her VCR until I conceded that she was right. This was before the Caribbean pirate thingy, and his films were all wildly different from each other. He was not then such a celebrity that anyone cared about his personal life.
So I’m willing to believe you, when you put it like that.
This might push you over into the first camp, Tara. https://open.substack.com/pub/annehelen/p/a-unified-theory-of-glen-powell?r=1fqhx&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web
I see. Okay, I’ll get to the movies. What’s the worst that could happen? I end up home watching Montgomery Clift in Red River? There’s no losing scenario here.
Exactly. No way to lose.
Sheesh. A bit fawning for my taste—but hey I like the guy. He was great in all the ones you mentioned—and I love a guy who’s earned his chops and is finally getting his due.
I didn't love Hit Man as much as Everybody Wants Some!! but it was still A Great Time At The Movies and totally agree our guy Glen is the best part of the former.
I liked Everybody Wants Some!! more too. But I fall deeper in love with that film every time I see it. I'm going to give Hit Man another watch in a few years. Linklater movies are like fine wines, better with age.
So true
Great topic!! - What identity are you seizing? I think we can all relate. I'm excited to watch Hit Man now. I recently re-watched Hidden Figures and Glen Powell's role was small but memorable, now I'm eager to watch more of his work.
Nope, I don't get it. Vanilla, he's almost invisible, I wouldn't recognize him if I passed him in the street, he blends into the scenery. That's not a movie star quality. And yet, legions of people are trying SO hard to make Powell happen. That's nice for him.
Have you seen any of his movies?
Yep, and Hit Man.