As Léon: The Professional prepares to leave Netflix at the end of the month, fans of crime thrillers and action-packed films have one last opportunity to revisit this 1994 cult classic. Directed by Luc Besson, Léon: The Professional is an exhilarating, stylish movie that’s as thrilling as it is emotional. While its legacy is complicated by the unsettling background of its director, the film remains a genre-defining work that introduced audiences to the immense talent of a young Natalie Portman.
This French-American crime thriller tells the story of Léon (Jean Reno), a professional hitman in New York City, who forms an unlikely bond with Mathilda (Natalie Portman), a 12-year-old girl whose family is brutally murdered by a corrupt DEA agent, Norman Stansfield (Gary Oldman). What follows is an intense and emotional journey as Léon reluctantly agrees to train Mathilda, who seeks revenge for the death of her younger brother.
Luc Besson’s Signature Style
Luc Besson, known for his distinctive cinematic style, blends sleek, visually stunning imagery with fast-paced action in Léon: The Professional. His approach to storytelling places heavy emphasis on style and atmosphere, which was a hallmark of the cinema du look movement in France. This visual flair, combined with a tight, suspenseful narrative, makes Léon a gripping watch from beginning to end.
The film’s opening sequence sets the tone, showcasing Léon’s expertise as a hitman. His actions are methodical, swift, and efficient, a testament to his “professional” status. However, beneath this cold exterior lies a character with surprising depth and vulnerability. Léon lives a solitary life, tending to a potted plant with as much care as he does to his lethal profession. It’s this quiet, introspective side of Léon that gives the film its emotional core, especially when juxtaposed with the fiery determination of Mathilda.
Natalie Portman’s Breakout Role
At the heart of Léon: The Professional is the incredible performance of Natalie Portman. Only 12 years old at the time, Portman delivers a breakout performance that captivated audiences and critics alike. As Mathilda, Portman showcases a maturity and emotional range well beyond her years. Her portrayal of a young girl who is forced to grow up too fast, seeking vengeance for her family’s murder, is both heartbreaking and powerful.
Mathilda’s character is far from a typical child. Having grown up in a dysfunctional and abusive household, she is street-smart, bold, and unafraid to challenge authority. Portman captures this complexity brilliantly, making Mathilda a compelling and sympathetic character. It’s this performance that launched Portman’s career, leading to her later roles in films like Black Swan and V for Vendetta.
A Sinister Villain
No discussion of Léon: The Professional would be complete without mentioning Gary Oldman’s portrayal of the film’s villain, Norman Stansfield. Oldman’s performance is nothing short of iconic, with his character exuding a sense of unhinged menace throughout the film. As a corrupt, drug-addicted DEA agent, Stansfield is unpredictable and terrifying, making him one of the most memorable villains in cinematic history.
Oldman’s portrayal of Stansfield is marked by his eccentric mannerisms and explosive temper. Whether he’s gleefully orchestrating a massacre or casually popping pills, Oldman brings a level of intensity to the role that keeps viewers on edge. His interactions with Mathilda and Léon are some of the film’s most gripping moments, as the tension between them builds toward a climactic showdown.
A Complicated Legacy
Despite its critical and commercial success, Léon: The Professional has faced scrutiny in recent years due to the personal controversies surrounding Luc Besson. The film’s portrayal of the relationship between Léon and Mathilda has been re-evaluated, particularly in light of Besson’s own past. The dynamic between the characters, while never overtly romantic, has unsettling undertones that have made some viewers uncomfortable.
Besson’s personal life further complicates the film’s legacy. His relationship with actress Maiwenn, who was 15 years old when she began dating the 33-year-old Besson, has drawn parallels to the mentor-student dynamic between Léon and Mathilda. Maiwenn has spoken about how the story of Léon was partially inspired by her relationship with Besson, adding an unsettling layer to the film’s narrative.
In today’s post-#MeToo era, separating art from the artist has become an increasingly difficult task. While Léon: The Professional remains a masterfully crafted film, its underlying themes and the circumstances of its creation have sparked important discussions about power dynamics and ethical storytelling.
The Action and Craftsmanship
Beyond the film’s complex legacy, Léon: The Professional is a masterclass in action filmmaking. The film’s action sequences are expertly choreographed, with Besson’s signature style on full display. From the intense opening hit to the explosive final showdown in Léon’s apartment, the action is thrilling, stylish, and meticulously executed.
The chemistry between Jean Reno and Natalie Portman adds an emotional weight to the action, as Léon’s protective instincts toward Mathilda drive much of the film’s conflict. Reno’s portrayal of Léon as a man who is both ruthless and tender creates a character who is easy to root for, despite his violent profession.
As Léon: The Professional prepares to leave Netflix, it’s a perfect time to revisit this iconic film. While its legacy is undoubtedly complicated by the actions of its director, the film itself remains a powerful and stylish work of art. Natalie Portman’s star-making performance, Gary Oldman’s chilling villain, and Luc Besson’s impeccable direction combine to create a crime thriller that stands the test of time.
For fans of action-packed dramas with deep emotional cores, Léon: The Professional is a must-watch. But be sure to catch it before it leaves Netflix at the end of the month.