CINEMA
Professional Assassin
TVCine Top, 21h30
Professor Gary Johnson (Glenn Powell) leads a peaceful life between classes and his two cats. At the same time, he stands as a hit man, with a natural talent for playing multiple characters, to convince his clients that he is a serious and reliable professional. What these clients don’t know is that he is, in fact, a secret agent working with the authorities and is there to fight crime. Everything is going well for him until he is hired to kill the husband of Madison (Adria Arjona), a beautiful and mysterious woman who tells him that she is a victim of domestic violence. Just when he thinks he has everything under control, she seduces him, turns his life upside down and lands him in serious trouble with the law. A film this year by Richard Linklater, inspired by a true story.
Wild Gardens
RTP2, 22h57
Year 2002. Irish Mary Reynolds is young designer a landscaper who wants to do the most dangerous gardening projects. After many difficulties, he is accepted in the competition at the Chelsea Flower Show (England). The main attractions of the event are the gardens and flower arrangements. To prove her worth in this competition and gain the respect and credibility of the most important people in the field, Mary decides to start creating the She’s a sanctuary – A Celtic Sanctuarya garden where wild nature is associated with Irish mythology. A true story directed and written by Vivienne De Courcy.
They killed the pianist
maximum, streaming
Debut. Directed by Fernando Trueba and Javier Mariscal – who have already worked together in production Chico and Rita –, this year’s animated film follows Jeff Harris, a music journalist from New York, who decides to investigate the disappearance of Brazilian pianist Tenório Cerqueira Júnior. One of the big names in samba-jazz, Tenório was last seen in Buenos Aires (Argentina), on a musical tour with Vinicius de Moraes and Toquinho, a few days before the military coup that would take place on March 24 , 1976. With the voices of Jeff Goldblum, Abel Ayala, Roberta Wallach and Tony Ramos.
SERIES
Game Operation Dark Tide
RTP1, 00h17
After its debut a few months ago, the RTP is broadcasting again the third and final season of this co-production between Portugal and Spain, a partnership that includes Prime Video Amazon and Televisión de Galicia. Created by Asier Guerricaechebarría and Javier Echániz, it is based on a true story, that of the first narcotic to be caught in Europe, crossing the Atlantic Ocean, which happened in 2019. With Nerea Barros, Jorge López, Soraia Chaves, Óscar Jaenada, Pêpê Rapazote, Bruno Gagliasso and Lúcia Moniz.
KITCHEN
Harry Potter: Wizards of Baking
maximum, streaming
Debut. Over the decade, between 2001 and 2011, the twins James and Oliver Phelps played Fred and George Weasley, the twin characters in the film version of the saga. Harry Potter. Now, to commemorate that legacy, they are hosting this cooking competition. In it, pairs of professional pastry chefs make cakes referencing this universe in locations where the films were filmed. It arrives in Portugal before it even debates in the UK.
CHILDREN
Story (almost Christmas)
Disney+, streaming
Debut. Alfonso Cuarón, who has made two other short films for Disney+ in recent years, one directed by Alice Rohrwacher and the other by Iain Softley, is a producer and co-wrote the story of this animated short with David Lowery, which focuses on an owl that finds itself. in a Christmas tree destined for Rockefeller Center, in New York. That’s when he has to return home, with the help of a girl he meets along the way. Featuring the voices of Cary Christopher, Estella Madrigal, Natasha Lyonne, John C. Reilly, Alex Ross Perry and Phil Rosenthal.
SPORT
Football: League of Nations: Portugal x Poland
RTP1, 19h36
Directly. Portugal play at home in this Nations League group stage match. Our country is the leader of group A, and already beat Poland last month.
How do true story adaptations impact audience engagement compared to fictional narratives in modern cinema?
Interview Between Time.news Editor and Film Expert
Time.news Editor (TNE): Good afternoon, and welcome to our special segment where we delve into the world of cinema! Today, we have the pleasure of speaking with Dr. Emily Thompson, a film scholar and expert in cinematic narratives, particularly regarding the intersection of comedy and action in modern films. Emily, thank you for joining us!
Dr. Emily Thompson (ET): Thank you for having me! I’m excited to discuss some recent films.
TNE: One film that has caught everyone’s attention is “Professional Assassin,” directed by Richard Linklater. It features a lead character, Professor Gary Johnson, who leads a double life as both an educator and a hitman. What insights can you share about the blend of genres in this film?
ET: Absolutely, “Professional Assassin” presents a compelling exploration of identity and morality. The duality of the protagonist, who manages to juggle the serene life of a professor with the chaotic world of a hitman, creates a rich tapestry for storytelling. Linklater is known for his layered characters, and in this case, he uses comedy and action to explore deeper themes, such as the conflict between personal ethics and professional obligations.
TNE: Interesting point! The plot thickens when Gary is hired to kill the husband of Madison, claiming to be a victim of domestic violence. How does this storyline contribute to the film’s thematic depth?
ET: It introduces a critical moral dilemma. His growing affection for Madison complicates his professional life and forces him to confront the ethics of his actions. This intersection of romance and violence is particularly intriguing because it challenges the audience’s sympathies and highlights the unpredictability of human relationships. It also creates tension, which is essential for engaging narratives.
TNE: Speaking of engaging narratives, the film draws inspiration from a true story, which is a hallmark of Linklater’s work. How does grounding a story in reality affect its impact on viewers?
ET: Films based on true stories often resonate more deeply with audiences because they reflect real-life stakes and emotions. They provide a layer of authenticity that can enhance the storytelling. Audiences may feel a closer connection to characters when they know their experiences are rooted in reality, increasing both empathy and tension throughout the viewing experience.
TNE: Shifting gears a bit, another intriguing film on the lineup is “Wild Gardens,” which focuses on a young Irish designer entering the competitive world of landscape architecture. How do these types of films, rooted in artistic pursuits, compare to more conventional action films like “Professional Assassin”?
ET: “Wild Gardens” provides a refreshing contrast. While “Professional Assassin” thrives on high-stakes tension and dark humor, “Wild Gardens” delves into themes of creativity and perseverance. It shows that the pursuit of passion is also a form of conflict, albeit a quieter one. Both films highlight the struggle against societal expectations but approach it from vastly different angles—one through personal conflict and the other through professional ambition.
TNE: That’s a fascinating perspective. Lastly, before we wrap up, what trends do you see emerging in the film industry, especially with films that blend different genres or rely on real-life inspirations?
ET: We’re definitely moving towards hybrid narratives that mix various genres—comedy, drama, thriller, etc.—to create complex, multifaceted stories. There’s also a trend of filmmakers drawing inspiration from real stories, likely in response to audiences’ desires for authenticity, especially in an increasingly digital world. It’s exciting to see how directors and writers are pushing boundaries.
TNE: Thank you so much, Emily, for sharing your insights! It’s clear that there’s much more than meets the eye in these films, and we look forward to seeing how these trends evolve.
ET: Thank you for having me! I’m looking forward to witnessing the next wave of creativity in film.
TNE: And that’s a wrap for today’s interview. Tune in next time as we continue to explore the wonderful world of cinema!