The name John Jairo Velasquez might not be familiar to you, but in Colombia, he’s a celebrity. People swarm him with admiration and snap selfies with him wherever he goes. However, his notoriety stems from a dark place. Velasquez is one of the most notorious professional killers in Colombian history. He worked as one of Pablo Escobar’s top-ranking thugs during the 1980s, a time when crime swept through and decimated the Colombian landscape. In Escobar’s Hitman, we explore the disturbing trail of destruction that Velasquez left in his wake and the perplexing realities of his life today.
Velasquez, or “Popeye” as he was more widely known in criminal circles, claims to have murdered over 250 people and arranged the deaths of thousands of others as a trusted member of the Escobar regime. He recounts his crimes, including the indiscriminate shooting of policemen and the bombing of politicians and government authorities. Despite the horrors he committed, he seems completely unrepentant. “I feel like my soul is dead,” he admits, yet his recollections are tinged with a disturbing sense of wistful nostalgia.
After serving a 23-year prison sentence, Velasquez is now a free man. He’s determined to make the most of his infamy, seizing the legitimate opportunities that have awaited him since his release. He’s authored two books on his time spent working alongside Escobar, become a vocal critic of the political scene, and even dabbled in motion picture production. People of influence are anxious to rub shoulders with him and share his unique life experiences with others in the form of entertainment.
However, as the film explores, Velasquez also has his fair share of detractors. Escobar’s Hitman shines an equal spotlight on them – his victims. They discuss the unimaginable horrors they endured under his savagery, forcing you to question the morality of those who seem to covet his brand of notoriety. The film is a curious and fascinating portrait of a paradoxical figure.
In conclusion, Escobar’s Hitman is a thought-provoking exploration of the moral complexities surrounding John Jairo Velasquez. His infamy might have garnered him a morbid and adoring fan base throughout his homeland, but it’s important not to forget the victims of his crimes. The film is a reminder that even those who seem irredeemable are still human, and that their actions have a profound impact on others.
