It’s one of the oldest plot devices in the book: Two folks from drastically different walks of life accidentally get their bags crossed. Yet, when was the last time you saw this happen to a pissed-off-at-the-world clown and a worn out hitman?
Jennifer Elise Cox is the crabby clown who hates her life almost as much as she despises the obnoxious little brats she’s hired to entertain at birthday parties. Jay Johnston is the dour hitman who’s tired of leaving his mark in the form of bullet wounds to the head or chest. Both fleeing from their last jobs, they collide and, in the confusion, accidentally grab the other’s duffel bag containing the tools of their respective trades. They make contact with one another and arrange to return the bags to their proper owner. Before they do, however, the former hitman realizes he likes entertaining little kids while the former clown realizes she likes rubbing out bad guys. Then when they finally do meet, they both realize that they like each other.
Eager to get fresh starts on their lives with their true callings, it doesn’t take long before their respective pasts begin to suck them back in. And while it’s true that opposites attract, both the hitman and the clown must first discover which one of them is really naughty and which one is nice.
This is a devilishly fun film from Chris Mancini. Shot in beautiful black and white, “Hitclown” has the look of a classic Noir thriller from the 1940’s. Mancini adds to this illusion by making this a silent film, with the exception of music, sound effects, and one insignificant word — probably a product placement.
An oddball love story mixed with a study of self-exploration, “Hitclown” is a zany variation on the ol’ switcheroo. Check it out.
