Question 1

Why did Jean Reno decide to play Léon as 'a little mentally slow'?

Accepted Answer

Jean Reno felt this approach would make audiences accept that Léon wasn't someone who would take advantage of a vulnerable young girl like Mathilda, and that a physical relationship between them was inconceivable to his character.

Question 2

What controversial scene was cut from the theatrical release after a test screening?

Accepted Answer

A scene where Mathilda asks Léon to be her lover was cut after a Los Angeles test screening made audiences extremely uncomfortable and laugh nervously, ruining the film's tone and leading to terrible test scores.

Question 3

How did Natalie Portman get her breakthrough role in this film?

Accepted Answer

Natalie Portman beat out 2000 other actresses for the role of Mathilda, which marked her motion picture debut at age 11 after being cast in 1992.

Question 4

What happened to actor Keith A. Glascoe after appearing in this film?

Accepted Answer

Keith A. Glascoe, who played 3rd Stansfield Man, later became a New York firefighter with Ladder Company 21 in Hell's Kitchen and died in the World Trade Center collapse on September 11, 2001.

Question 5

What is the central conflict that drives the story of Léon: The Professional?

Accepted Answer

When Léon's neighbors are killed by a DEA agent, he becomes guardian to 12-year-old Mathilda, who seeks revenge against the killer and considers following in Léon's footsteps as a hitman.

Question 6

Why did Jean Reno decide to play Léon as 'a little mentally slow' and emotionally repressed?

Accepted Answer

Jean Reno felt this approach would make audiences accept that Léon wasn't someone who would take advantage of a vulnerable young girl like Mathilda, and that a physical relationship between them was inconceivable.

Question 7

What controversial scene was cut from the theatrical release after a disastrous test screening?

Accepted Answer

A scene where Mathilda asks Léon to be her lover was cut after a Los Angeles test screening made audiences extremely uncomfortable and laugh nervously, destroying the film's tone.

Question 8

How did Natalie Portman get her breakthrough role as Mathilda?

Accepted Answer

Natalie Portman beat out 2000 other actresses for the role of Mathilda, which marked her motion picture debut at age 11.

Question 9

What happened to actor Keith A. Glascoe after appearing in the film?

Accepted Answer

Keith A. Glascoe, who played 3rd Stansfield Man, later became a New York firefighter and died in the World Trade Center collapse on September 11, 2001.

Question 10

What awards recognition did 'Léon: The Professional' receive?

Accepted Answer

The film received awards at the César Awards in 1995 and the European Film Awards in 2003.

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Léon: The Professional

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