Cast
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Chuck Norris
as Garret / Grogan
Alberta Watson
as Christine De Vera
Michael Parks
as Ronny 'Del' Delaney
Al Waxman
as Marco Luganni
Salim Grant
as Tim Murphy
Ken Pogue
as Chambers
Marcel Sabourin
as Andre Lacombe
Bruno Gerussi
as Nino
Frank Ferrucci
as Shahad
James Purcell
as Sal
Candus Churchill
as Kate
A.C. Peterson
as Lemke
Paris Mileos
as Scolari
Alex Bruhanski
as Scarlini
Stephen Dimopoulos
as Galione
Crew
Director
- Aaron Norris
Writer
- Robert Geoffrion
- Don Carmody
Producer
- Don Carmody
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
This high-octane Action/Crime/Thriller film balances spectacular sequences with character-driven moments. Unlike many films in the genre, The Hitman distinguishes itself through a unique visual style and creative action choreography.
Director Aaron Norris brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to pacing and visual storytelling creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 1991, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of The Hitman took approximately 25 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 95 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 139 minutes long.
- The screenplay went through 14 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
- The costume department created over 212 unique costume pieces for the production.
- The musical score contains over 77 unique compositions.
Historical Context
- In 1991, when this film was released:
- The end of the Cold War was reshaping global politics.
- The internet was beginning to transform communication and information access.
- Independent cinema was growing in influence, challenging the dominance of major studios.
How This Film Stands Out
While The Hitman shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Yaksha: Ruthless Operations, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, The Hitman subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like The Wrath of Vajra and Off-Piste explore similar territory, The Hitman stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its bold artistic choices and willingness to challenge viewer expectations, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: May 1, 1991
- Runtime: 1h 35m
- Revenue: $4,654,288
