Ephemeris of the Mind (Film Review) Léon: The Professional
Time to read: 2 min read
Movie Poster
Is life always this hard, or is it just when you're a kid?
Always like this.
Past Luc Besson film review:
Review
This was one of my favourite movies growing up and I recently rewatched it. The film follows Léon (Jean Reno) an Italian “cleaner” (hitman) who takes Matilda (Natalie Portman), an orphaned girl, under his wing.
The story is excellent, with many established tropes and is expertly paced and orchestrated. The cinematography is some of the best I’ve ever seen. The way that classical music fits in with the shots is pure art. The iconic intimate closeups Besson is known for is on full display in this film (Besson filmed many scenes himself). The relationship between Matilda and Léon is extremely controversial due to Matilda’s age, at least in the US. I don’t believe Besson made this film to glorify pedophilia. The crush Matilda has on Léon is clearly one-sided and, in an European context where sexuality is more openly discussed, probably intended as comedic relief. The relationship between Léon and Matilda is more like that of George and Lennie in Of Mice and Men than something romantic. I highly recommend the Director’s Cut of the film as the version contains many important plot points crucial for the full enjoyment of the story, as well as for the character development of Léon and Matilda.
The performances are some of the best I’ve ever seen. Reno as Léon is extremely heartfelt and sorrowful. The character design, where he is portrayed as awkward and has quirky habits such as only drinking milk, fit Reno’s look and mannerisms perfectly. I never liked child acting, even as a child, but Portman’s portrayal of Matilda is brilliant and captures the innocence of youth as well as the cunning of someone who always had to fend for herself. Gary Oldman’s Stansfield is volatile and a force of pure malevolence.
Everything about this movie, from the costumes of the characters (who knew beanies could look so cool) to the set design, is extremely thoughtful and cool.
Conclusion
One of my favourite movies.