I hate it when I take a contract out on myself!

April 5, 2011 11:48 AM

Here's the plot: what's the movie(s)? Character figures his/her life sucks but can not bring themselves to commit suicide, so they hire a hitman to do the job. Character finds out life is, in fact, worth living (typically falls in love) and tries to call off the hit but can't because the wheels are turning.

Yes, "Strangers on a Train" (and "Throw Mama..."), "I Love You to Death" and "Crimes and Misdemeanors" are close in that they have hitmen and remorse but we're talking about where the hit is on themselves.... ?

(Yes, been to TVTropes.)

I know I've seen this plot several times already in my life but I can't seem to conjure a single name of a flim.... what the movie(s)? Comedy, drama, all are welcome. The longer the list the better... thanks!

posted by victors to Media & Arts (16 answers total)

Piggyback: What is the name of the Russian / Eastern European movie with this trope?
posted by entropicamericana at 11:51 AM on April 5, 2011

The Odd Job
posted by milkrate at 11:51 AM on April 5, 2011

Best answer: Bulworth!
posted by davidjmcgee at 11:55 AM on April 5, 2011

This happens in Bulworth
posted by brainmouse at 11:55 AM on April 5, 2011

Joe vs. the Volcano, except with a voluntary human sacrifice instead of a hitman.
posted by apparently at 11:57 AM on April 5, 2011

I'm trying to remember an older film, maybe Nothing Sacred with Carole Lombard? or something with Jean Arthur?
posted by TWinbrook8 at 12:29 PM on April 5, 2011

Best answer: The End.
posted by Morrigan at 12:30 PM on April 5, 2011

The End with Burt Reynolds and Dom DeLuise...it still makes my Dad giggle hysterically when he recounts the plot. It's a comedy obviously.
posted by victoriab at 12:31 PM on April 5, 2011

I am reminded of Sin City's The Customer Is Always Right, which was used in the movie's opening.
posted by ego at 12:40 PM on April 5, 2011

Bulworth was what came to mind for me.
posted by Faint of Butt at 12:52 PM on April 5, 2011

There was an episode of Tales from the Crypt with Hector Elizondo, which sort of had this trope.. Slightly different twist, but same end result.
posted by jozxyqk at 1:38 PM on April 5, 2011

What you describe is part of the plot of White, one of the Three Colors trilogy by Krzysztof Kieślowski. Not Russian entropicamericana, but Polish/French.
posted by danny the boy at 2:21 PM on April 5, 2011

I don't believe White is it, but I'll look into it.
posted by entropicamericana at 3:54 PM on April 5, 2011

dang it, I came in to say "The End", but I'm a little late!
posted by easily confused at 5:14 PM on April 5, 2011

Response by poster: Yup, I'm sure The End was on my mind at one point (victoria - hate to be the one that breaks it to you but your dad used to smoke a lot of pot)

Bulworth is a great example I completely spaced out.

The Kieślowski trilogy is amazing - everyone should drop what they doing right now and go steal see that.

entropicamericana: I feel like I just saw that one Netflix: nebish guy dumped by his wife in Prague (?) hooks up with a bumbling hitman, suitcase of money, crushed dog, etc. etc. Can't get to my US Netflix history while in Canada (sigh) but I'll look it up for sure.

Thanks everyone. Any more come trickling in that'd be great...
posted by victors at 5:50 PM on April 5, 2011 [2 favorites]

There's also Grace Quigley
posted by tkolstee at 8:54 AM on April 25, 2011