Hit Man
A mild-mannered professor moonlighting as a fake hit man in police stings ignites a chain reaction of trouble when he falls for a potential client.
The film disappointed at the box office against its modest budget of $8.8M, earning $5.1M globally (-42% loss). While initial box office returns were modest, the film has gained appreciation for its distinctive approach within the comedy genre.
Plot Structure
Story beats plotted across runtime
Narrative Arc
Emotional journey through the story's key moments
Story Circle
Blueprint 15-beat structure
Arcplot Score Breakdown
Weighted: Precision (70%) + Arc (15%) + Theme (15%)
Hit Man (2024) reveals carefully calibrated story structure, characteristic of Richard Linklater's storytelling approach. This structural analysis examines how the film's 10-point plot structure maps to proven narrative frameworks across 1 hour and 56 minutes. With an Arcplot score of 6.6, the film balances conventional beats with creative variation.
Structural Analysis
The Status Quo at 1 minutes (1% through the runtime) establishes Gary Johnson teaches philosophy at UNO, living a mundane, solitary life with his cats. He lectures on the construct of identity - we are what we pretend to be.. The analysis reveals that this early placement immediately immerses viewers in the story world.
At 58 minutes, the Midpoint arrives at 50% of the runtime—precisely centered, creating perfect narrative symmetry. Of particular interest, this crucial beat Madison's husband Ray confronts "Ron," recognizing him from around Madison. The stakes raise - Gary's false identity is threatened. The fun and games are over. Ray becomes suspicious and dangerous., fundamentally raising what's at risk. The emotional intensity shifts, dividing the narrative into clear before-and-after phases.
The Collapse moment at 87 minutes (75% through) represents the emotional nadir. Here, Ray is found dead. Gary realizes Madison killed him. His philosophical game about identity has led to actual murder. The "whiff of death" - literal death, and the death of his innocent fantasy about who he and Madison are., demonstrates the protagonist at their lowest point. This beat's placement in the final quarter sets up the climactic reversal.
The Synthesis at 92 minutes initiates the final act resolution at 80% of the runtime. Gary executes his plan perfectly. He manipulates evidence, uses his knowledge of police procedure, and gets Jasper arrested. He and Madison move forward together, having literally gotten away with murder. The finale ties up all loose ends., demonstrating the transformation achieved throughout the journey.
Emotional Journey
Hit Man's emotional architecture traces a deliberate progression across 10 carefully calibrated beats.
Narrative Framework
This structural analysis employs structural analysis methodology used to understand storytelling architecture. By mapping Hit Man against these established plot points, we can identify how Richard Linklater utilizes or subverts traditional narrative conventions. The plot point approach reveals not only adherence to structural principles but also creative choices that distinguish Hit Man within the comedy genre.
Richard Linklater's Structural Approach
Among the 10 Richard Linklater films analyzed on Arcplot, the average structural score is 6.0, demonstrating varied approaches to story architecture. Hit Man represents one of the director's most structurally precise works. For comparative analysis, explore the complete Richard Linklater filmography.
Comparative Analysis
Additional comedy films include The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare, The Bad Guys and Lake Placid. For more Richard Linklater analyses, see Boyhood, Before Sunset and Before Sunrise.
Plot Points by Act
Act I
SetupStatus Quo
Gary Johnson teaches philosophy at UNO, living a mundane, solitary life with his cats. He lectures on the construct of identity - we are what we pretend to be.
Theme
Gary teaches his students: "We are what we pretend to be, so we must be careful about what we pretend to be." The theme of constructed identity is stated.
Worldbuilding
Gary's dual life established: boring professor by day, tech guy for police sting operations by night. He helps catch people trying to hire hitmen, but only does surveillance. His orderly, passionless existence is carefully built.
Resistance
Gary discovers he's a natural at playing different hitman personas. He creates elaborate characters, uses method acting techniques. Each sting shows him becoming more confident and alive. He debates whether to continue.
Act II
ConfrontationPremise
Gary lives a double life: boring professor Gary and exciting hitman Ron. The premise delivers - he explores what it means to become someone else. His relationship with Madison deepens. He's never felt more alive, but the lie grows more dangerous.
Midpoint
Madison's husband Ray confronts "Ron," recognizing him from around Madison. The stakes raise - Gary's false identity is threatened. The fun and games are over. Ray becomes suspicious and dangerous.
Opposition
Ray escalates his threats. Jasper, the suspended cop, discovers Gary's relationship with Madison and tries to blackmail him. The walls close in from multiple directions. Gary's constructed identities begin to collapse under pressure.
Collapse
Ray is found dead. Gary realizes Madison killed him. His philosophical game about identity has led to actual murder. The "whiff of death" - literal death, and the death of his innocent fantasy about who he and Madison are.
Crisis
Gary grapples with the dark truth. He must decide who he really is - the mild professor who follows rules, or someone willing to cross lines for love. He sits with the moral weight of what they've done.
Act III
ResolutionSynthesis
Gary executes his plan perfectly. He manipulates evidence, uses his knowledge of police procedure, and gets Jasper arrested. He and Madison move forward together, having literally gotten away with murder. The finale ties up all loose ends.