In the thriller movie Léon: The Professional, the unusual relationship between Mathilda (played by Natalie Portman) and Léon (played by Jean Reno) is complex and often uncomfortable. Over the course of the film, Mathilda, who is only 12 years old, expresses feelings that she characterizes as love towards Léon, who becomes her caretaker and protector after her family is murdered by the dea agent Stansfield (Gary Oldman). Léon, a professional hitman and assassin mostly remains steadfastly opposed to this and attempts to draw strict boundaries with her, but the weird tension between them still rears its head. The dynamic between Léon and Mathilda reflects a unique blend of paternal, platonic, and controversially, romantic elements.
Before delving into the analysis, it is important to keep in mind that there are different versions of the film. In the international version (aka the original version), there is much more focus on the taboo nature of their relationship. In the American cut, the dynamic between the two is strictly father-daughter. For that reason, this article will be speaking about the original version of Luc Besson’s Léon.
However, it’s imperative to note that Mathilda is a child who has undergone significant trauma, and her feelings toward Léon are likely influenced by her circumstances. As his 12-year-old apprentice, she might see in Léon a combination of the father figure she never had, a protector, and perhaps a first adolescent crush. She doesn’t have a typical understanding or experience of love, so her declaration of love for Léon is likely a manifestation of her need for connection, safety, and stability rather than romantic love as adults understand it. After all, aside from the Italian hit man, she is completely alone in New York City. Though viewers may find their connection uncomfortable, they must keep in mind the strain that young Natalie Portman’s character is under.
Mathilda’s feelings towards Léon are multi-layered. She declares that she’s in love with him, but these emotions don’t align with typical romantic love. Instead, it appears to be a desperate attachment that Mathilda forms with the only person showing her kindness and protection during a traumatic time. As a 12-year-old, Mathilda is still forming her understanding of relationships and emotions. Her proclamation of love is an expression of intense affection and dependency rather than mature romantic feelings. It’s a child’s perspective of love, influenced by an unusual and high-stress environment.
Léon’s feelings for Mathilda, on the other hand, are more paternal and protective. He’s portrayed as a lonely and emotionally isolated character until Mathilda comes into his life. Through their relationship, Léon begins to experience emotional warmth, connection, and responsibility that he had not known before. While he does care deeply for Mathilda, he is aware of their age difference and the inappropriate nature of her romantic feelings. He attempts to navigate this complex situation by focusing on teaching Mathilda how to survive and protect herself, and makes it clear that he does not reciprocate her romantic feelings. He is conflicted because, while he wants to protect Mathilda and provide for her, he understands the inappropriateness of her developing feelings.
Furthermore, it’s worth noting the role of the broader societal context in shaping their relationship. In their world, violence, loss, and survival are everyday realities that significantly impact the way they interact and understand each other. They form a bond born out of shared experiences and a mutual sense of understanding, which may be misconstrued by Mathilda as romantic love. The relationship between Mathilda and Léon challenges conventional relationship dynamics and explores the complexity of human emotions. It emphasizes the idea that relationships can’t always be neatly categorized and that people’s responses to trauma and survival can manifest in unconventional ways.
Overall, Mathilda does believe she is in love with Léon, but it’s crucial to interpret her feelings within the context of her age, trauma, and extraordinary circumstances. On the other hand, Léon’s feelings for Mathilda are deeply caring and protective, but he strives to maintain appropriate boundaries, understanding the complexity and potential harm of their situation. Their relationship is a testament to the film’s exploration of unconventional themes, contributing to its enduring impact and status as a classic. Their relationship remains one of the most debated aspects of the film due to its moral complexity and ambiguity. It’s a unique and powerful bond, formed under intense circumstances, and driven by their shared experiences and need for companionship. However, interpreting it solely as romantic oversimplifies their complex dynamic. It is, in essence, a relationship that transcends conventional categories, reflecting themes of survival, connection, and emotional growth under extraordinary circumstances.