Taglines: Even a hit man deserves a becond shot!
Grosse Pointe Blank movie storyline. Professional assassin Martin Blank finds himself depressed and disillusioned with his work. A major problem is his chief rival Grocer, whose effort to incorporate the hitman business puts him at potentially lethal odds as he is unaffiliated.
Following a botched contract, Martin receives an invitation to his 10-year high school reunion in his hometown of Grosse Pointe, Michigan. Initially reluctant to attend, he is persuaded into it by both his therapist, Dr. Oatman, and his secretary, Marcella. She books him a contract in Michigan that coincides with the reunion, ostensibly to make amends with the client whose contract was botched.
Upon arriving in Grosse Pointe, Martin reconnects with his childhood friend Paul and his high school sweetheart Debi Newberry, now a radio DJ, whom Martin had abandoned on prom night to enlist in the army. He also visits his mentally-ill mother in a retirement home, and his father’s gravestone (who is implied to had been a neglectful alcoholic).
Meanwhile, Martin is being stalked by Felix LaPoubelle, another hitman who attempts to kill Martin in the convenience store built over his childhood home. He is also followed by two NSA agents who were tipped off to Martin’s contract by Grocer. Despite these dangers, Martin remains distracted by his desire to win over Debi and fails to open the dossier on his target.
Grosse Pointe Blank is a 1997 American comedy crime film directed by George Armitage, and starring John Cusack, Minnie Driver, Alan Arkin and Dan Aykroyd. The film is 1980s revival themed, and the soundtrack features mainly independent music from that decade. The film received positive reviews from critics, and grossed $28,084,357.
Soundtrack
The score for Grosse Pointe Blank was composed by Joe Strummer, formerly of The Clash, and the soundtrack includes two songs from The Clash: “Rudie Can’t Fail” and their cover version of Willi Williams’ “Armagideon Time”.
In addition to The Clash, the tracks featured in the film are largely a mix of popular and alternative 1980s punk rock, ska, and new wave from such bands as Violent Femmes, Echo & the Bunnymen, The Specials, The Jam, Siouxsie and the Banshees and A-ha. While most songs played throughout the film (especially at the reunion) had been recorded by the time of the students’ graduation in 1986, several songs were recorded later:
The Guns N’ Roses version of Paul McCartney’s “Live and Let Die,” heard in the scene where Martin first visits the Ultimart, was released in 1991.
Los Fabulosos Cadillacs’ “Matador,” heard during the dance scene at the reunion, was released in 1993.
The Specials’ version of “Pressure Drop,” played by Debi at the radio station during her “’80s weekend,” was released in 1996.
Eels’ “Your Lucky Day in Hell,” heard when Martin and Debi visit the Hippo Club for drinks, was also released in 1996.
The soundtrack album reached #31 on the Billboard 200 chart, prompting the release of a second volume of songs from the film.
Grosse Pointe Blank (1997)
Directed by: George Armitage
Starring: John Cusack, Minnie Driver, Dan Aykroyd, Alan Arkin, Hank Azaria, Jeremy Piven, Mitchell Ryan, Michael Cudlitz, udrey Kissel, Benny Urquidez, Brian Powell
Screenplay by: Tom Jankiewicz, D. V. DeVincentis, Steve Pink, John Cusack
Production Design by: Stephen Altman
Cinematography by: Jamie Anderson
Film Editing by: Brian Berdan
Costume Design by: Eugenie Bafaloukos
Set Decoration by: Chris L. Spellman
Art Direction by: Scott Meehan
Music by: Joe Strummer
MPAA Rating: R for strong violence, language and some drug content.
Distributed by: Buena Vista Pictures
Release Date: April 11, 1997
Hits: 119
