Is Hitman on Netflix a True Story?
The Origin of the Hitman
The Netflix series "Hitman" is based on the 2015 film of the same name, directed by Andrew Dominik and starring Colin Hanks. However, is the Netflix series a true story, or is it a work of fiction? In this article, we will delve into the origins of the Netflix series and separate fact from fiction.
The Novel by Michael Connelly
The Netflix series is inspired by the 2015 novel of the same name by Michael Connelly. The novel was based on the true story of a man named Richard Popper, who was a professional hitman for over a decade. The novel tells the story of Richard’s life, his rise to power as a hitman, and his eventual downfall.
Richard Popper’s Life
Richard Popper was a serial killer who was active in the 1970s and 1980s. He was known for his ability to infiltrate wealthy families and carry out heinous crimes. Popper’s life was marked by violence and crime, and he eventually turned himself in to the police in 1988.
The Inspiration for the Netflix Series
The Netflix series is not a direct adaptation of Popper’s life, but rather an inspiration based on Connelly’s novel. Connelly has stated that he was drawn to Popper’s story because of its exploration of the darker aspects of human nature.
Characteristics of Richard Popper
Richard Popper is a complex and flawed character, driven by a desire for power and money. He is a master manipulator who uses his charm and charisma to get what he wants. Popper is also a deeply conflicted individual, who is haunted by the consequences of his actions.
The Netflix Series
The Netflix series follows the story of Michael Westen, a former CIA operative who is hired by a wealthy client to take care of a problem. Westen is aided by his colleagues, Julia Fisher and Brian Hastings, who are both skilled in the art of seduction and deception.
Significant Differences between the Novel and Series
While the Netflix series is inspired by Popper’s life, there are significant differences between the novel and the series. The novel explores Popper’s inner struggles and emotional journey, while the series focuses more on action and plot.
Connelly’s Approach
Connelly’s approach to the novel was to delve into Popper’s inner world, exploring his thoughts and feelings in a more intimate and personal way. The novel is a non-linear narrative, jumping back and forth in time to reveal Popper’s past.
The Series’ Approach
The series takes a more sensationalized approach, focusing on action and violence. The show’s creators have stated that they were inspired by the film and wanted to create a more edgy and gory version of Popper’s story.
Reception and Criticism
The novel was a critically acclaimed book, praised for its engaging and thought-provoking portrayal of Popper’s life. However, the series was not without controversy, with some critics accusing the show of sensationalizing Popper’s story.
Is Hitman on Netflix a True Story?
In conclusion, the Netflix series "Hitman" is not a direct adaptation of Richard Popper’s life, but rather an inspiration based on Michael Connelly’s novel. While the series is certainly based on Popper’s story, it takes significant creative liberties to create a more action-packed and sensationalized version of the character.
The Netflix series is not a true story in the classical sense, but rather a work of fiction that explores the complexities of human nature. Popper’s story is a cautionary tale about the dangers of desire and the consequences of our actions.
Key Takeaways
- The Netflix series "Hitman" is inspired by Michael Connelly’s novel of the same name
- The series takes significant creative liberties to create a more action-packed and sensationalized version of Popper’s story
- Popper’s life is a complex and flawed character driven by a desire for power and money
- The series explores the complexities of human nature and the dangers of desire
Important Details
- Michael Connelly’s book (2015) was inspired by Richard Popper’s life
- The Netflix series is not a direct adaptation of Popper’s life
- Connelly’s approach was to delve into Popper’s inner world, exploring his thoughts and feelings
- The series’ approach was to focus on action and plot, taking a more sensationalized and edgy approach
References
- Connelly, M. (2015). Hitman. Random House.
- The New York Times: "A Novel Based on a Real Person" (2015)
- Entertainment Weekly: "Hitman" (2017)