Leon is amongst my favourite films (incl. Dernier Combat, Subway and Big Blue). Film follows the story of an 11-year old girl (Nathalie Portman) and hit man (Jean Reno) who takes Portman under his wing after her family is killed by corrupt cop (Gary Oldman).
Oldman delivers a superb performance in his portrayal of a psychotic, drug snorting, truly unpleasant villian (listens to Beethoven’s symphony to inspire him before a killing – both comic and chilling; somehow this and True Romance’s pimp roles seem made for Oldman)!
Besson’s talent is evident in his portrayal of the relationship between Reno and Portman. He deals with delicate themes such as Portman being the adult at times – she’s a mother to her brother, wanting to appear mature as she smokes her cigarette when she first meets Leon vs. Leon playing the father figure/professional hitman role yet being a child himself, is moving; the sexual chemistry between the characters is warm and natural without being sordid. Superb film – not to be missed.
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Despite the violence (which is never gratuitous anyway) this is a touchingly moving and sometimes funny film which explores the relationship between a hitman (played in a brilliantly understated way by Jean Reno)and a twelve year old orphaned girl Mathilda (Natalie Portman in her best performance to date.) Gary Oldman gives a truly sinister performance as a psychotically murderous corrupt cop (the enemy of both Leon and Mathilda.) The humour provides some light hearted relief ( ie Mathilda’s impersonation of Madonna, Marilyn Monroe in “Happy Birthday Mr. President” and a great Charlie Chaplin) also Leon’s attempt at John Wayne is a nice moment. The musical score by Eric Serra is very good although, presumably, for copyright reasons, the excellent single “Venus as a Boy” by the Icelandic singer and actress Bjork is not included on the soundtrack but it is available separately at budget price. One of my favourite moments is when Mathilda, having just been rescued from Oldman’s murderous colleagues by Leon, asks him his name. On hearing what it is she replies “Cute name” at which point Leon spills his glass of milk all over himself! a nice moment in an intelligent, original and moving film. The film avoids being exploitative due to the sensitivity of its direction and through the intelligent performances by its leading actors.
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I’m a great film buff with diverse tastes and I often wonder which film I’d want with me if I were stranded on that mythical desert island. Time and again though I come up with the same answer: Leon.
I can’t fault this film. Luc Besson is a true artist (I’ve thoroughly enjoyed his work on every occasion) and this is surely his finest achievement. The casting is truly inspired. I cannot imagine another actor bettering Jean Reno’s portrayal of the hitman with a heart.
That said though, the thing that stunned me on first viewing, and on each subsequent viewing, is Natalie Portman’s performance as Mathilda. I think I’m correct in saying that she was thirteen years old when Leon was filmed and I cannot understand how someone so young could demonstrate such maturity. She is an absolute ‘natural’, and perfectly cast.
Finally, I was very impressed by the way Besson dealt with the sensitive subject of their ‘relationship’. He manages to convey the warmth without making the viewer feel uncomfortable about the (20 year?) age difference. This becomes more important in the ‘director’s cut’ which contains an extra 20 mins of film which explores their relationship in greater depth; Mathilda has ‘designs’ on Leon, but he keeps things platonic. Beautifully handled.
If you haven’t seen this film you owe it to yourself to give it a viewing. A pity there are only 5 stars available!
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Leon – brilliant – one of Besson’s best!!,
Leon is amongst my favourite films (incl. Dernier Combat, Subway and Big Blue). Film follows the story of an 11-year old girl (Nathalie Portman) and hit man (Jean Reno) who takes Portman under his wing after her family is killed by corrupt cop (Gary Oldman).
Oldman delivers a superb performance in his portrayal of a psychotic, drug snorting, truly unpleasant villian (listens to Beethoven’s symphony to inspire him before a killing – both comic and chilling; somehow this and True Romance’s pimp roles seem made for Oldman)!
Besson’s talent is evident in his portrayal of the relationship between Reno and Portman. He deals with delicate themes such as Portman being the adult at times – she’s a mother to her brother, wanting to appear mature as she smokes her cigarette when she first meets Leon vs. Leon playing the father figure/professional hitman role yet being a child himself, is moving; the sexual chemistry between the characters is warm and natural without being sordid. Superb film – not to be missed.
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|A unique and moving film,
Despite the violence (which is never gratuitous anyway) this is a touchingly moving and sometimes funny film which explores the relationship between a hitman (played in a brilliantly understated way by Jean Reno)and a twelve year old orphaned girl Mathilda (Natalie Portman in her best performance to date.)
Gary Oldman gives a truly sinister performance as a psychotically murderous corrupt cop (the enemy of both Leon and Mathilda.)
The humour provides some light hearted relief ( ie Mathilda’s impersonation of Madonna, Marilyn Monroe in “Happy Birthday Mr. President” and a great Charlie Chaplin) also Leon’s attempt at John Wayne is a nice moment.
The musical score by Eric Serra is very good although, presumably, for copyright reasons, the excellent single “Venus as a Boy” by the Icelandic singer and actress Bjork is not included on the soundtrack but it is available separately at budget price.
One of my favourite moments is when Mathilda, having just been rescued from Oldman’s murderous colleagues by Leon, asks him his name.
On hearing what it is she replies “Cute name” at which point Leon spills his glass of milk all over himself! a nice moment in an intelligent, original and moving film.
The film avoids being exploitative due to the sensitivity of its direction and through the intelligent performances by its leading actors.
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|My “Desert Island” film.,
I’m a great film buff with diverse tastes and I often wonder which film I’d want with me if I were stranded on that mythical desert island. Time and again though I come up with the same answer: Leon.
I can’t fault this film. Luc Besson is a true artist (I’ve thoroughly enjoyed his work on every occasion) and this is surely his finest achievement. The casting is truly inspired. I cannot imagine another actor bettering Jean Reno’s portrayal of the hitman with a heart.
That said though, the thing that stunned me on first viewing, and on each subsequent viewing, is Natalie Portman’s performance as Mathilda. I think I’m correct in saying that she was thirteen years old when Leon was filmed and I cannot understand how someone so young could demonstrate such maturity. She is an absolute ‘natural’, and perfectly cast.
Finally, I was very impressed by the way Besson dealt with the sensitive subject of their ‘relationship’. He manages to convey the warmth without making the viewer feel uncomfortable about the (20 year?) age difference. This becomes more important in the ‘director’s cut’ which contains an extra 20 mins of film which explores their relationship in greater depth; Mathilda has ‘designs’ on Leon, but he keeps things platonic. Beautifully handled.
If you haven’t seen this film you owe it to yourself to give it a viewing. A pity there are only 5 stars available!
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