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The Hitman

Name: The Hitman
Director: Aaron Norris
Released: 1991
Duration: 95 min

Representation Score

1.0/10

Minimal

1991

Director

Aaron Norris

Runtime

95 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

The Hitman is a quintessential example of early 1990s genre filmmaking. It prioritizes traditional masculine ability to act and linear vengeance narratives over social commentary. The film reinforces standard action-thriller clichés rather than challenging established cultural norms. The narrative structure emphasizes individualist heroism within a traditional framework. It lacks depth in reflecting multiple aspects of identity, opting instead for a homogeneous depiction of its setting and character archetypes. Ultimately, the film operates within a conventional social hierarchy. It does not attempt to provide diverse perspectives or challenge systemic structures typical of the crime genre.

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Category Breakdown

Does The Hitman have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film follows a standard action-thriller structure focused on a male protagonist's quest for revenge. There are no characters with non-binary gender identities or narratives that question the assumption that everyone is straight or cisgender.

How does The Hitman portray gender?

Limited

Cliff Garrett drives the plot through individualistic action and physical involvement. Female characters tend to serve as catalysts for the male lead's motivations, functioning within traditional genre roles.

How racially and ethnically diverse is The Hitman?

Limited

The narrative follows a conventional urban crime story without a diverse cast of characters. The setting highlights a homogeneous depiction of the criminal underworld.

How does The Hitman represent religion and culture?

Limited

The story centers on a narrative of vigilantism through personal retribution. It adheres to traditional morality without offering a systemic critique of Western institutions or authority.

Does The Hitman include disability representation?

Minimal

There are no characters with visible or invisible disabilities. Neurodivergence or chronic illness are not used as narrative devices in this work.

Present on Screen

The film offers a clear, linear vengeance narrative typical of its genre.

Limited or Absent

The film lacks depth in reflecting multiple aspects of identity and diverse ensemble casts.
Female characters primarily serve as catalysts for the male lead rather than independent agents.
There is no representation for LGBTQ+ identities or disabilities.
The narrative reinforces traditional social hierarchies rather than critiquing them.

Official Synopsis

After surviving an attempt on his life by his former partner, officer Cliff Garrett (Norris) exacts revenge on those who wronged him by going undercover as a hit man. He works to gain the reputation and trust needed in order to be accepted by the burgeoning Seattle-area criminal underworld, but it is all done in order to take it down from within.

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