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Re: "The Professional" aka Leon

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Victor Khomenko

In Reply to: "The Professional" aka Leon posted by Daryl on October 01, 1999 at 12:06:25:

***Watched it last night and haven't really formed a definitive opinion. Oh yeh, I liked it very much, but did I think is great, exceptional, (insert adjective of choice)? Any one have an opinion?
I did think the acting (especially Natalie Portman
She was simply unbelievable. I think that movie put her on the map big times.
***, Jean Reno,
I have a very soft spot for Jean. He is much more well-known in Europe than he is in the US, though.

***and Gary Oldman) was superb.
That one I couldn't care less for. I think he is grossly overrated, but shalow. I see him in the same category as Leonardo. Empty barrel.
Overall the movie is not really much, you take the two actors out and what is left is just bunk. But the way it is it is a great entertainment.
Too bad Natalie is not doing much more than she is doing. On the other hand, maybe that is actully good.
Another movie you might want to see with her is Beautiful Girls - she is quite good there.

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Re: "The Professional" aka Leon Daryl 16:23:32 10/01/99 (2)
> > > Overall the movie is not really much, you take the two actors out and what is left is just bunk. < < <
Unfortunately, that is true about too many movies today. But when you do have special chemistry between excellent actors, it can make an average movie into a great one. When the plot is bad but the cast is good, I tend to focus on the performances and tune out the rest. In many cases it can save the day.
- Very true... Victor Khomenko 16:29:19 10/01/99 (1)
  Is the opposite also true by any chance? Can't remember any great movie with lousy actors... Maybe Barry Lyndon comes the closest... but then again, it maybe simply an another example how the great director can control and transform everything, including the actors.
  - Great movie with lousy actors? Daryl 19:14:58 10/01/99 (0)
    Hmm, that's a tough one. Maybe Vertigo? Kim Novak wasn't much of a talent, and James Stewart was seriously miscast. In fact, it was said Hitchcock regretted his decision to use him. Later Stewart wanted the lead in North By Northwest, but Hitchcock naturally turned him down in favor of Cary Grant - a very wise choice. Then again, I don't know if you would call Vertigo a greart movie. Highly enjoyable, but great?
    Do you remember one of Hitchcock's early American efforts, The Trouble With Harry? Starring Shirley McLaine and John Forsythe. I saw it when it came out (that dates me) and have the tape somewhere. I recall enjoying it - as close to a comedy as Hitchcock ever made.

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