Leon:The Professional (Luc Besson, 1994)
by: Matthew Hundley
Interesting film. In many ways made me think of Scoresese's "Taxi Driver," especially the relationship between Travis (Robert DeNiro) and Iris (Jodi Foster)--in which you have an older, introverted man playing savior to younger (want to be a woman) girl. In both there is a certain sexual tension played out by circumstance. In "Leon" it is between Leon (Jean Reno) and Mathilda (Natalie Portman)--characters thrust together after unfortunate circumstance. In both films sexual release is ultimately gained through violence. And in both films violence is justified in the minds of the violator--for Travis Bickle he is on a mission to cleanse the city; for Leon, he is a "cleaner" as well, it is his job, his profession; and as a killer he is the consumate "professional." In "Leon" it is ultimately Mathilda who plays savior to Leon, releasing him from his robotic existence and helping him to regain humanness. Gary Oldman and Danny Aiello do well in support roles in this film which has it's share of unexpected twists and foils.
Posted: April 27, 2009   |
