the.[ED]ition

I don’t know how I managed to miss this since I’m as much of a fan of the Hitman series as I am a fan of, say, democracy…but some production stills of the new Hitman movie surfaced last week. Also, the trailer (found here) was released today, although I haven’t been able to locate a high-res version yet. In case you didn’t know, the Hitman series follows Agent 47, a genetically engineered clone built to be the perfect assassin, which, if you think about it, is a little strange since most people would notice a lanky bald man with a barcode on the back of his head. Through four games, 47 has been responsible for “accidents” claiming terrorists, mob bosses, corporate executives and even the fictional vice president of the United States in a bit of a political twist in Blood Money.

The movie will be produced by Luc Besson, the man behind the greatest assassin flick of all time, Leon the Professional, which was a great relief to fans who heard that the worst director in history, Uwe Boll, was originally attached to the project. Xavier Gens is actually directing the movie. Equally fortunate was the replacement of Vin Diesel in the title role by Timothy Olyphant of Deadwood. I was a tad skeptical when I heard Olyphant would play 47 since the actual guy 47 is based off, David Bateson, is an actor and does all the voices in all the games.

After seeing the trailer, I think I was right. Olyphant looks a bit…soft without a five o’clock shadow and doesn’t have the sharp features we’re used to seeing on 47. Actually, with the bald head, he looks sort of like Billy Zane. He is, however, a good actor so let’s hope for the best. He needs to scowl more to be closer to 47.

I do have a few other concerns after watching the trailer. I mean, that had better not be a love interest. 47 doesn’t have love interests…please don’t soften him up for mainstream America. That would piss me off right there. I also noticed tons of explosions and such. I know this is a Hollywood movie but that’s not 47’s style. Playing through Blood Money again this week, I think I fired a totally of five shots through the first ten levels. He’s a professional killer…no one should notice he’s even there. He’s not supposed to go in guns blazing like a John Woo movie. They should treat this movie like the developers treat the game…more art house than summer blockbuster.

The style of the movie, however, is nearly spot on down to 47’s signature Silverballer pistols. The music was actually the exact track from the initial funeral screen in Blood Money. That part is perfect but everything else…well, let’s just say I’m more worried now that I’ve seen the trailer.

(Sources: Kotaku, Bereitgesehen and Toutlecine.com)

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This entry was posted on Tuesday, June 26th, 2007 at 5:41 am and is filed under Entertainment. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.