The fast animation is most likely a bug on IOI's part. In certain situations you can see the original, long animation. Also in the ps2 prototype that leaked a year or 2 ago has the full animation working normally.
Maybe this glitch isn't a glitch. Since all the guards have weapons you're also supposed to have a weapon to appear less suspicious. This is implemented in kirov park meeting as well I've heard. You're more suspicious if you have a sniper in hand.
I hate the light, or should i say non-existent atmosphere in the modern Hitman games too. In many ways Absolution was more faithful to the originals in all things except core level design.
