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THEME EXPLORATION

mercenary protagonist

12 films · 3 directors

Tracing the thread…

FILMS THAT EXPLORE THIS
Shrek
Shrek
2001 · Andrew Adamson & Vicky Jenson
Seven Samurai
Seven Samurai
1954 · Akira Kurosawa
Deadpool
Deadpool
2016 · Tim Miller
Deadpool 2
Deadpool 2
2018 · David Leitch
The Bourne Ultimatum
The Bourne Ultimatum
2007 · Paul Greengrass
Tapage Nocturne
Tapage Nocturne
1979 · Catherine Breillat
Whiskey with Vodka
Whiskey with Vodka
2009 · Andreas Dresen
Hellboy
Hellboy
2004 · Guillermo del Toro
Rear Window
Rear Window
1954 · Alfred Hitchcock
Anybody Here Seen Kelly?
Anybody Here Seen Kelly?
1928 · William Wyler
Au Bonheur des Dames
Au Bonheur des Dames
1930 · Julien Duvivier
A Woman’s Story
A Woman’s Story
1963 · Mikio Naruse
DIRECTORS WHO EXPLORE THIS
Brian De Palma → USA

Consistently explores morally compromised protagonists driven by self-interest and obsession, particularly in thrillers like Blow Out and Body Double.

Michael Haneke → Austria

Examines the transactional nature of human relationships and the mercenary motivations lurking beneath social facades in films like Funny Games and The Seventh Continent.

Wes Anderson → USA

Portrays ambitious, self-serving protagonists navigating capitalist systems in There Will Be Blood and Boogie Nights, where personal gain drives moral compromise.

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