I Hired a Contract Killer Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

Man’s so bad at life, he needs to outsource his own death, then regrets it because love is cheaper than hiring a professional, probably.

🍿 I Hired a Contract Killer: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Losing Everything

Henri Boulanger, a Frenchman living a monotonous life in London, is unexpectedly fired from his job after 15 years. Feeling lost and without purpose, he attempts suicide but fails. Desperate, he decides to hire a contract killer to end his life for him.

An Unexpected Romance

Shortly after hiring the killer, Henri meets Margaret, a flower seller, and falls in love. Suddenly, life has meaning, and he wants to cancel the contract. However, the bar where he made the arrangement has been demolished, leaving him unable to contact the hitman.

Hunted

Now in love, Henri and Margaret must evade the persistent contract killer, who is still determined to fulfill his assignment. The film follows their attempts to stay one step ahead while Henri desperately seeks a way to call off the hit.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Henri Boulanger (Jean-Pierre Léaud): A newly unemployed man who hires a contract killer to end his life, only to regret it when he finds love.
• Margaret (Margi Clarke): A flower seller who brings joy and a reason to live back into Henri’s life.
• Killer (Kenneth Colley): The professional contract killer hired by Henri to end his life, complicating things when Henri changes his mind.
• Pete (Nicky Tesco): Local gangster who takes Henri’s money and hires the professional killer.
• Joe Strummer (Joe Strummer): A guitarist who plays music in the bar, appearing as a cameo in the movie.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Margaret: “The working class has no fatherland.” – Margaret says this to Henri, reflecting her disillusionment and lack of belonging.

💰Box Office

• Budget: £1,000,000 (estimated)
• Domestic Gross: N/A
• Worldwide Gross: N/A

💥 I Hired a Contract Killer Reviews

Personal Review

I found “I Hired a Contract Killer” to be a darkly funny film. The deadpan humor really works and the performances are perfect. It is so interesting to see the main character try to navigate life after he decides he wants to live. It has a very unique charm that stays with you.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of Aki Kaurismäki”
  • “Lovers of dark comedy”
  • “Viewers interested in European art house cinema”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Brief depictions of suicidal ideation”
  • “Violence”
  • “Alcohol consumption”

Professional Reviews

• IMDb: “Kaurismäki’s film is a perfect example of minimal dialogue for this very dark and realistic film about loneliness and depression. This is a great example of his philosophy, spare use of dialogue, anyone who has seen Leningrad Cowboys Go America, this is a very film to I hired a Contract Killer. Personally, I loved this film and would highly recommend it to anyone with an appreciation for fine art house cinema.
• IMDb: “Kaurismäki is a genius, and he is funny too. Based on the story by Jules Verne Les Tribulations d’un chinois en Chine, Kaurismaki surprise us again with his strange humorous style. A story about feelings in an inexpressive way; don’t mind how blue you can feel, there’s always a place for love and hope. People and their contradictions; a man who don’t want to live, contracts a killer who don’t want to die.
• IMDb: “Despite that This is the most Hitchcockian Kaurismäki has ever gotten, but it’s an amusing and suspenseful plot device. Henri and Margaret spend the rest of the movie one step ahead of the hit-man, much like the characters in Jarmush’s Down by Law, Henri becomes an innocent man with just about everybody against him, making all his characters endearing and subtly humorous, parody, truly, a movie with heart.

Audience Reactions

The deadpan delivery and dark humor resonated deeply with audiences.: Viewers appreciated the film’s unique blend of comedy and existential themes, describing it as thought-provoking and oddly heartwarming.

Overall Consensus: A cult classic appreciated for its quirky humor, unique style, and the blending of comedy and existential themes.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Aki Kaurismäki makes a cameo appearance in the film as the man who sells sunglasses to Henri.”
• “The film is dedicated to Michael Powell, a British filmmaker known for his visually striking and unconventional movies.”
• “Joe Strummer, the lead singer of The Clash, makes a cameo as a guitarist in the film, showcasing Kaurismäki’s love for rock music.”

🖥️ How to Watch I Hired a Contract Killer?

As a more obscure film, ‘I Hired a Contract Killer’ may not be readily available on major streaming platforms like Netflix or Hulu. However, check platforms like Criterion Channel, MUBI, or smaller independent film streaming services for rental or subscription options. Digital purchase options may be available on Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and Google Play Movies.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed I Hired a Contract Killer, you might like these similar films:

• Grosse Pointe Blank (1997): A hitman returns to his hometown, similar to the contract killer aspect, blending dark humor with existential themes.
• Le Samouraï (1967): Features a cool, detached contract killer, similar to the tone and style of crime presented in I Hired a Contract Killer.
• Stranger Than Paradise (1984): Shares the same deadpan humor and minimalist style typical of Kaurismäki’s films, focusing on the mundane aspects of life.

🛒 I Hired a Contract Killer Related Products

• Aki Kaurismäki Collection (Criterion): Stream a collection of Aki Kaurismäki’s films, including digitally remastered versions and exclusive behind-the-scenes content, allowing fans to dive deeper into his unique cinematic world.
• Vintage London Movie Poster: A high-quality print capturing the bleak and grimy London depicted in the film, evoking the atmosphere and nostalgia of the movie.
• Aki Kaurismaki: Interviews (Conversations with Filmmakers Series): Explore the director’s mind and process in this collection of interviews.

🎧 Soundtrack

I Hired a Contract Killer features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Time On My Hands” – performed by Billie Holiday
• “Unknown Guitar Music” – performed by Joe Strummer

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Joe Strummer – Burning Lights (I Hired a Contract Killer)

Ever wondered about that catchy tune from the movie? Check out the official music video for ‘Burning Lights’ by Joe Strummer – it perfectly captures the film’s quirky vibe!

✨ Rate