Why I Enjoy Leon; the Profession and why it’s My Favourite Film;

Why I Enjoy Leon; the Profession and why it’s My Favourite Film;

The reason’s I enjoy this film so much is because not only does the techniques (camera angles , sound) that they use to help build a character I feel it add’s to the story line when they use mysterious diegetic sound to climax a scene it makes me want to watch the film as it builds my curiosity and interest. Although I have watched this film many times I love how the film begins tracking over the tree’s which symbolises the ending of the film when Matilda plants Leon’s plant to develop into a bigger older tree. I really appreciate how they have edited Leon thinking of rule of thirds when overlaying the anchorage title whilst showing where the film is set ‘New York’. We know its New York even if we missed the establishing shot as it shows the yellow cabs. When Leon is first introduced we see him with a glass of milk and this follows him all throughout the film I can  relate to this as I drink lots of milk each day and people say that Leon is my role model for my milk drinking. When we are introduced to Leon on his first ‘Clean’ I really think the way that the camera’s move with his client following his movement from front and behind is aesthetically pleasing as it makes us feel like we are involved with the scene and keeps us close with the characters.

I think that when we are introduced to Matilda at the top of the stair case smoking a cigarette we know that she is too young to be smoking and see her bruises it instantly tells you that something is wrong with the family and the child, when Leon spots the bruise he immediately shows of his fatherly caring side to the audience. I appreciate the way this film is developed with use of camera angles especially when they use a high angle on Stan taking his medication and clicks his neck I think this instantly gives away his character and the noise used creates a shiver down the spine.

I think this film uses its camera angles so wisely showing character connections between Matilda and Leon when training her to become a ‘Cleaner’ you can really tell that he wants to help Matilda and also you can see a caring fatherly figure , when on the front cover we see ‘he moves without sound. Kills without emotion, disappears without a trace’ you can see that he has broken all rules to protect Matilda and help her on her mission to kill Stan and his team.

This film offers drama and climaxing straight away from the start with use of music and amazing script writing, the first mission begins at 03:30 where we see Leon’s gun but we don’t see Leon till 04:55 this is what I love about this film Leon is so hidden until the final where he fails and meet’s Stan however he does kill Stan but himself also. I find this film very climatic and on edge which keeps me watching all the time.

Information About Leon; The Professional:

Background information about the film Leon; The Professional:

Leon The Professional is a french thriller film written and directed by Luc Besson and produced by Patrice Ledoux. This film was released in France on the 14th September 1994 however the film wasn't released to the UK until the 3rd of February 1995. This film was filmed in New York however some were done in studio's in the heart of Paris. This film stars cast members such as Jean Reno and Natalie Portman (her first film she ever stared in) and the lights of Gary Oldman.This film was distributed by Columbia Pictures and Gaumont Film Company.This film runs for a total running time of 110 minutes telling the story of Matilda played by Natalie a 12 year old girl who's half farther stores drugs for ex cops ; Stan (Gary) .  “Leon” is based around the story of a young teenage girl called 'Matilda'. Matilda's family run into some bad business as her dad stores drugs for a two-faced cop (played by Gary Oldman). When Stan (the cop) takes a visit to Matilda's house to find that his stored drugs have been stretched he takes revenge on the family and pay them a visit. The family is shot down during the break in, Stan's team go on to find the drug's in the house whilst doing so they shoot nearly every member of the family dead. However, Matilda has gone to the shop and walks straight past her house down to Leon's room and begs for shelter. Leon kindly lets her in and she soon discovers her neighbour’s true profession, being a cleaner (a Hitman). Once this secret is revealed Matilda wants to take her revenge on Stan and his team and asks Leon to train her to become a cleaner. Leon tries to keep Matilda out of trouble unsuccessfully when Stan's team notice there was a 3rd child (Matilda). Stan's team build up information about Leon and who he works for until a whole swat team goes after them where Leon can't physically take down a whole SWAT team and takes them on shooting a member down he puts the mask on and exits down the stairs as an 'injured cop' however Stan shoots him to his surprise Leon pulls the rings on his grenades and blows himself and Stan to pieces leaving Matilda to continue school and live her life with no regrets.

Here are some images from the film and there locations:

This is the interior of Matilda's hotel where she lived as you can see down the hall way.Although this image is updated we can still see where Matilda's house 'room' was in this hotel.

Hotel Chelsea,

222 West 23rd Street,

New York.

This is where Leon's boss 'Tony' works and sets up the work for Leon and also takes on Matilda on her offer . This is where Leon asked his boss to look after all his money and if he didn't survive to get Matilda into school and give her his money.

Danny Aiello's Restaurant (Now Gone)

511 9th Avenue at West 38th Street,

New York.

This is the store where Matilda always purchased her milk from for the family and Leon as she was in this shop her family was shot to the ground at gun point.This hotel is right next door to the Chelsea hotel on the left.

71 97th Street ,
Upper Estate Side
New York.



This is the famous staircase we see Matilda first meet Leon whilst she smokes a cigarette and this is also the case where Leon put's on a cop disguise and walks past all of Stan's team to exit the building.

Hotel Chelsea,
222 West 23rd Street,
New York

Luc Besson: Leon: The Professional

Leon the Professional was written and directed by Luc Besson . This film was released on the 14th of September 1994 and finally reached the UK on the 3rd of February 1995. The film Leon is based around the story of a young teenage girl called 'Matilda'. Matilda's family run into some bad business as Matilda's dad stores drugs for two faced cop played by Gary Oldman. When Stan (the cop) takes a visit to Matilda's house to find that his stored drugs have been stretched this is when Stan takes revenge on the family and pay them a visit. The family is shot down at break in, Stan's team go on to find the drug's in the house whilst doing so they shoot each member of the family down. Where as Matilda has gone to the shop and walks straight past her house down to Leon's room and begs for help for shelter. Leon kindly lets her in to what she finds her neighbours profession , being a cleaner (hit man) once this secret is let out Matilda wants to take her revenge on Stan and his team and asks Leon to train her to become a cleaner. Leon tries to keep Matilda out of trouble unsuccessfully when Stan's team notice there was a 3rd child (Matilda).Stan's team build up information about Leon and who he works for until a whole swat team goes after them.  

Brian De Palma:Scarface

Brian De Palma was notoriously known for his suspense and crime thriller films main titles include Scarface , Mission Impossible and Untouchables. Brian's reputation began to progress in the 1970's in Hollywood. One of his major successes towards his career was the film titled 'Scarface' which was released in 1983 on the 9th of December. The film Scarface is based around a drug dealing business which is ran by a Cuban refugee   the film is set in the heart of Miami. Scarface received a mixed critics response due to the harsh use of graphic violence used in scenes and foul language however this film had gained over $4.6million in its opening weekend this film was a hit. It drew so many people in to see this shocking crime thriller. In america the film was given and X rating for the violence used which was then cut to rating R after Brian convinced the box office that the film is showing an actual portrayal of the real-life drug underground. Brian then asked if he could release the directors uncut he was refused until studio executives couldn't tell the difference between the three cuts. He was aloud to release them in theaters with an unproved 'R' rating. Scarface yet again is another one of my favorites for showing the reality to the underground and giving us and insight to other cultures and how the illegal drug business can raise and collapse. I feel the way in how the movie is climaxes towards the end is amazing the build up of the characters is done to its best. And the end scene just shows how good Brian De Palma's work is. I give this film ***** 

Robert Rodriguez:

Robert Rodriguez, is one of my favourite film directors not only does his film making interpret hidden meanings and has comical values it he shows a lot of representation through his way of producing the film. When using his knowledge of cartoon making which helped his films stand out a mile. Films such as Sin City and Planet Terror. Both films are filmed in a unique style where he uses hard lighting in effect to create the Chiaroscuro effect. Sin City was released in 2005 this film uses colour and it's representation in a very unique way although most of this film is in black and white there are scene's which will show colour such as deep red this draws out the sexy female that Robert Rodriguez tries to create this colour is not only used with female cast but also on the front of the DVD case. By using this effect helps draw out hidden meanings such as their emotion as red is related to; love,compassion, blood, death e.c.t Robert uses this carefully as he wants to keep the film noir effect this is why he keeps the colour to a minimal and only uses this on certain characters such as the 'Yellow Bastard' played by Nick Stahl .Robert uses this on the main character 'The Yellow Bastard' . This is to draw out all of Robert Representatives to help the audience understand his film the way he wants them see the film he does this by manipulating them into taking in the colours. Robert was very cleaver when using this technique he used it carefully and simply but by doing this he raised his stakes in the film industry when Sin City flew in the film world and was shown all over the world due to high demand. The way in which Robert created the films added his influence of his passion in cartoons. Once the film was released it was highly noticed for how abstract it was to others out.