Hitman
A genetically engineered assassin with deadly aim, known only as "Agent 47" eliminates strategic targets for a top-secret organization. But when he's double-crossed, the hunter becomes the prey as 47 finds himself in a life-or-death game of international intrigue.
Despite a mid-range budget of $24.0M, Hitman became a solid performer, earning $101.3M worldwide—a 322% return.
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%)
Hitman (2007) exemplifies precise narrative architecture, characteristic of Xavier Gens's storytelling approach. This structural analysis examines how the film's 12-point plot structure maps to proven narrative frameworks across 1 hour and 29 minutes. With an Arcplot score of 6.8, the film balances conventional beats with creative variation.
Structural Analysis
The Status Quo at 1 minutes (1% through the runtime) establishes Agent 47 completes a meticulously planned assassination in a luxurious estate, demonstrating his cold efficiency and isolation as a contract killer without identity or human connection.. Significantly, this early placement immediately immerses viewers in the story world.
The inciting incident occurs at 10 minutes when Agent 47's assassination of Russian President Belicoff is compromised when a second shooter fires, and 47 realizes he's been set up by his own Organization.. At 11% through the film, this Disruption aligns precisely with traditional story structure. This beat shifts the emotional landscape, launching the protagonist into the central conflict.
The First Threshold at 22 minutes marks the transition into Act II, occurring at 25% of the runtime. This illustrates the protagonist's commitment to Agent 47 chooses to spare Nika and take her with him, defying his training and orders. This active choice to protect a witness marks his entry into unfamiliar emotional territory., moving from reaction to action.
At 44 minutes, the Midpoint arrives at 49% of the runtime—precisely centered, creating perfect narrative symmetry. The analysis reveals that this crucial beat Agent 47 discovers that President Belicoff is still alive - he killed a double. The conspiracy is larger than he thought, and he realizes his Organization has been manipulated by someone with deep access., fundamentally raising what's at risk. The emotional intensity shifts, dividing the narrative into clear before-and-after phases.
The Collapse moment at 66 minutes (74% through) represents the emotional nadir. Here, Agent 47 is captured and faces execution. His handler betrays him completely, confirming the Organization itself is compromised. Nika is taken, and 47 faces the death of his old identity and purpose., reveals the protagonist at their lowest point. This beat's placement in the final quarter sets up the climactic reversal.
The Synthesis at 71 minutes initiates the final act resolution at 80% of the runtime. The finale: 47 infiltrates Belicoff's fortress, eliminates the conspirators, and rescues Nika. He confronts his handler and the corruption within the Organization, executing justice on his own terms., demonstrating the transformation achieved throughout the journey.
Emotional Journey
Hitman's emotional architecture traces a deliberate progression across 12 carefully calibrated beats.
Narrative Framework
This structural analysis employs a 15-point narrative structure framework that maps key story moments. By mapping Hitman against these established plot points, we can identify how Xavier Gens utilizes or subverts traditional narrative conventions. The plot point approach reveals not only adherence to structural principles but also creative choices that distinguish Hitman within the action genre.
Xavier Gens's Structural Approach
Among the 2 Xavier Gens films analyzed on Arcplot, the average structural score is 7.3, reflecting strong command of classical structure. Hitman takes a more unconventional approach compared to the director's typical style. For comparative analysis, explore the complete Xavier Gens filmography.
Comparative Analysis
Additional action films include The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare, The Bad Guys and Lake Placid. For more Xavier Gens analyses, see The Crucifixion.
Plot Points by Act
Act I
SetupStatus Quo
Agent 47 completes a meticulously planned assassination in a luxurious estate, demonstrating his cold efficiency and isolation as a contract killer without identity or human connection.
Theme
Flashback shows young Agent 47 being told by his handler that he was given a chance at life, establishing the theme: identity and free will versus being a manufactured weapon.
Worldbuilding
Establishes Agent 47's world: the Organization, his precision methodology, his isolation, and the various intelligence agencies tracking him. Introduces Interpol agent Mike Whittier and his pursuit of 47.
Disruption
Agent 47's assassination of Russian President Belicoff is compromised when a second shooter fires, and 47 realizes he's been set up by his own Organization.
Resistance
47 evades FSB agents and discovers Nika, a witness who saw him. He debates whether to kill her, struggles to understand who set him up, and receives conflicting orders from his handler. He resists changing his methodology.
Act II
ConfrontationFirst Threshold
Agent 47 chooses to spare Nika and take her with him, defying his training and orders. This active choice to protect a witness marks his entry into unfamiliar emotional territory.
Premise
The premise of a hitman protecting a witness while being hunted. 47 and Nika travel together, he investigates the conspiracy, fights other agents, and begins to experience unfamiliar feelings of protectiveness and connection.
Midpoint
Agent 47 discovers that President Belicoff is still alive - he killed a double. The conspiracy is larger than he thought, and he realizes his Organization has been manipulated by someone with deep access.
Opposition
The FSB, Interpol, and rival assassins close in. 47's growing attachment to Nika becomes a liability. His handler pressures him to complete the real mission. His emotional awakening conflicts with his training.
Collapse
Agent 47 is captured and faces execution. His handler betrays him completely, confirming the Organization itself is compromised. Nika is taken, and 47 faces the death of his old identity and purpose.
Crisis
In his darkest moment facing death, 47 processes the loss of his former certainty. He must reconcile his manufactured identity with his emerging humanity and choose what he will fight for.
Act III
ResolutionSynthesis
The finale: 47 infiltrates Belicoff's fortress, eliminates the conspirators, and rescues Nika. He confronts his handler and the corruption within the Organization, executing justice on his own terms.