The Importance of Sex and Violence in Cinema

Director Richard Linklater has expressed his dissatisfaction with Hollywood’s trend of creating sexless characters and superheroes without genitalia. He believes that sex and violence are essential elements of cinema, and that the industry has backed off from exploring these themes. Linklater argues that sex has always been a great selling point in movies and questions why Hollywood has moved away from it.

Linklater’s latest film, “Hit Man,” follows the story of Gary Johnson, a professor who doubles as a fake hitman for the New Orleans Police Department. Johnson’s character entices targets into planning hits, only to reveal their intentions to the authorities. The plot takes a twist when Johnson falls for his latest mark, Maddy, played by Adria Arjona. Linklater emphasizes that Maddy is the driving force behind Johnson’s actions, as he is willing to risk everything for the chance to be with her.

“Hit Man” is based on a true story documented by Skip Hollandsworth in a 2001 article in Texas Monthly. Linklater draws inspiration from real-life events to create a compelling narrative that explores the complex motivations behind human behavior. By infusing his storytelling with elements of sex and violence, Linklater aims to delve into the darker aspects of human nature.

In addition to “Hit Man,” Linklater is working on a long-term project titled “Merrily We Roll Along,” based on the 1981 stage musical by Stephen Sondheim and George Furth. The director has enlisted the talents of Oscar nominee Paul Mescal for this ambitious undertaking. Linklater’s dedication to his craft is evident in his meticulous planning, with a goal to complete the project by 2041.

Richard Linklater’s stance on the importance of sex and violence in cinema challenges the prevailing norms in Hollywood. By infusing his films with provocative themes and realistic portrayals of human desires, Linklater aims to create thought-provoking narratives that resonate with audiences. As a filmmaker, Linklater continues to push the boundaries of conventional storytelling, seeking to capture the complexities of human relationships and the raw emotions that drive them.