Richard Linklater’s latest film, Hit Man, starring Glen Powell, has made its debut on Netflix. This romantic action comedy, co-written by Powell, is generating buzz for its unique premise: Powell portrays Gary Johnson, a psychology professor turned fake contract killer who works undercover for the Houston police. The film’s quirky plot, which combines elements of romance, action, and comedy, has left many viewers curious about its basis in reality.
Yes, Hit Man is loosely based on the true story of Gary Johnson. Johnson was a college professor who, in the late 1980s and 1990s, worked as a fake hitman for the Houston police. His story was first detailed in a 2001 article in Texas Monthly by Skip Hollandsworth. Johnson’s unique role as an undercover operative involved posing as a contract killer to help law enforcement catch criminals attempting to hire someone for murder.
Gary Johnson moved to Houston in 1981, aiming to join the University of Houston’s doctoral program in psychology. When that plan fell through, he became an investigator for the district attorney’s office. His unique role as a fake hitman began in 1989 when he posed as a contract killer to help the police catch criminals. Johnson’s undercover work led to over sixty arrests. He was known for his ability to convincingly portray different characters, which was crucial in getting suspects to trust him enough to solicit his “services.”
The real Gary Johnson was a fascinating figure. Described as a “great performer” and a “perfect chameleon,” he had an extraordinary talent for deception, which made him invaluable to the police. Johnson’s ability to adopt various personas allowed him to infiltrate the lives of those looking to hire a hitman, gather evidence, and then bring them to justice. This skill set, combined with his background in psychology, made him uniquely suited to this dangerous and unusual line of work.
However, the movie takes several creative liberties with Johnson’s story. One significant embellishment is Johnson’s use of disguises. In reality, while he did use minor disguises to alter his appearance slightly, he did not employ the elaborate costumes and theatrical performances depicted in the film. The real Johnson’s transformations were more subtle, relying on his psychological insights and acting abilities rather than overtly dramatic changes.
Another major difference between the film and real life is the romantic subplot. In Hit Man, Johnson becomes romantically involved with Madison, a woman who hires him to kill her husband. This relationship adds a layer of complexity and emotional conflict to the story, as Johnson must navigate his feelings while maintaining his undercover role. In reality, while Johnson did assist an abuse victim who was being mistreated by her boyfriend, there is no evidence of a romantic relationship between them. The movie’s romantic element is a fictional addition designed to enhance the drama and engage the audience.
Johnson’s personal life, as depicted in the film, is also more sensationalized. The real Johnson was married three times and was described by his second wife as a loner who enjoyed solitude. He was able to maintain a friendly demeanor at social events, but his ability to “turn on” different personalities for his undercover work was a stark contrast to his private nature. This duality is partially captured in the film but is amplified for cinematic effect.
Despite these differences, Hit Man remains a compelling film that highlights the extraordinary aspects of Johnson’s career. The film’s blend of humor, action, and romance makes for an entertaining experience, even if it diverges from the factual account of Johnson’s life. Richard Linklater and Glen Powell have crafted a story that, while not entirely true to life, captures the essence of Johnson’s remarkable ability to deceive and his complex nature.
Hit Man offers a captivating narrative that blends reality with fiction. While based on the intriguing real-life story of Gary Johnson, the film takes creative liberties to enhance the storytelling. This mix of fact and fiction makes for an engaging viewing experience, highlighting Linklater’s and Powell’s ability to bring a fascinating story to life with humor, drama, and romance. The movie’s exploration of identity, deception, and the consequences of living a double life resonates with audiences, making it a standout addition to Netflix’s catalog.
