Performing Arts, Guides & Reviews, History & Criticism 

Issue #39 examines the complicated legacy of the hit man, and the various forms the archetype has assumed since WWII. Danilo Castro compiles a list of 20 hit man films that range from conventional and tough to comedic and tragic, culminating with David Fincher’s The Killer.

Also in this issue:
Jeremy Arnold unpacks the complicated relationship between film noir and the Christmas season; Rachel Walther examines the harsh truths at the center of Nick Gomez’s Eastern Seaboard trilogy; Steve Kronenberg tributes the luminous screen presence that was Jean Hagen; Anees Areef unravels the spiritual mysteries of Martin Scorsese’s Shutter Island; Peter Tonguette reconsiders the career of neo-noir practitioner Bob Rafelson; Adam Nayman reminds us why Deep Cover is a modern classic; and Ben Terrall compares the book and film versions of Sweet Smell of Success. Plus book reviews, film reviews, and more.