Just a couple of days ago we paid tribute to Bruce Willis for playing a vital role in the creation of one of the best action films of all time, and now we find it interesting to note that this American actor also greatly influenced another prominent movie that marked the final section of the 20th century and is now considered a classic in the action-thriller genre. The truth is, it remains a burning question whether Luc Besson’s Léon: The Professional would see the light of day—at least at that time and in that particular shape—had it not been for Willis’ busy schedule that forced Besson to take a break from filming The Fifth Element and find a smaller project to fill his time with. Having to wait for the big star to become available for the shoot, Besson sat down and wrote the script for Léon in only a month. The now classic action flick, which was made in only 90 days, is an unorthodox, satirical thriller that courageously played with fire in its treatment of a delicate and sensitive subject, presenting a weird protagonist who was unlike anything we’d seen before.

The story of an experienced hitman who decides to protect a 12-year-old girl whose family was slaughtered by corrupt policemen is a story full of heart, soul and a couple of timeless acting performances. It was the breakout moment of Natalie Portman, who delivered a role so shockingly beautiful, nuanced and convincing given the fact she was only 11 at the time of the casting. It was a film that proved the talent of the always subtle Jean Reno, and a film that reminded us how scary and psychotic Gary Oldman can really be when he finds the material inspiring.

The idea for this movie was born in Besson’s head as he was making La femme Nikita, another film about a young girl training to be a professional contract killer. But to turn a cute and innocent schoolgirl on the verge of puberty into a hitman’s apprentice and close friend was a risky move. Had it not been for Natalie Portman’s abundance of talent, the plot might have seemed unrealistic and gullible. Had it not been for Besson’s excellent writing, the film might have left the impression of being exploitative and manipulative. The French filmmaker toned down the sexual tension between our two antiheroes, as the original draft was perhaps too much to bear for most average filmgoers, but wisely decided to keep its fragments in the script, not only allowing Ms. Portman to shock us with her maturity and versatility, but also lending the story an air of authenticity, giving depth to the relationship and personalities of the two people we inescapably bond with as their lives unfold in front of our eyes. Léon: The Professional is an accomplished thriller, there’s no doubt about it, but at the same time it’s much more. It’s a wonderful ‘fable about the violence of growing up’ made with incredible talent.

Dear every screenwriter/filmmaker, read Luc Besson’s screenplay for Léon: The Professional [PDF]. (NOTE: For educational and research purposes only). The DVD/Blu-ray of the film is available at Amazon and other online retailers. Absolutely our highest recommendation.

“IT HAS THE QUALITIES OF A BIG HARD PUNCHING FAST MOVING AMERICAN MOVIE AND YET IT HAS INJECTIONS OF EUROPEAN CINEMA”

Twenty years ago, crossing the pond to direct a thriller with a French actor, an unknown kid picked over a 1000 kids, and a British actor as leads, and make it work at the international box office was not something usual but as Gary Oldman said: “It has the qualities of a big hard punching fast moving american movie and yet it has injections of european cinema.” In this 20 minutes HBO Special shot back in the day, we get a pick at how Besson ran his set, and what made a good film to him: in lieu alternating action and emotional scenes in a dynamic way, and add a little bit of humor on top of it to ease digestion. —Mentorless

“BRING ME EVERYONE!”

In a 2014 Playboy interview, Gary Oldman said his screaming of the now iconic line ‘Bring me everyone!’ was improvised to make director Luc Besson laugh.

What’s funny is that the line was a joke and now it’s become iconic. I just did it one take to make the director, Luc Besson, laugh. The previous takes, I’d just gone, “Bring me everyone,” in a regular voice. But then I cued the sound guy to slip off his headphones, and I shouted as loud as I could. That’s the one they kept in the movie. When people approach me on the street, that’s the line they most often say. It’s either that or something from True Romance. —Gary Oldman



The Starting Young documentary about Natalie Portman that was included in the 10th year anniversary DVD edition of Léon.



Natalie Portman auditioning for the role of Mathilda in Léon: The Professional.



Open YouTube video

Here are several photos taken behind-the-scenes during production of Luc Besson’s Léon: The Professional. Still photographers: Patrick Camboulive & John Clifford.



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