Summary from Léon's Perspective
Léon is a solitary hitman living a regimented life in New York City. His world is disrupted when he reluctantly takes in Mathilda, a 12-year-old girl whose family is brutally murdered by corrupt DEA agent Stansfield. Initially resistant, Léon teaches Mathilda the skills of an assassin, and in doing so, he discovers emotions he had long suppressed. Through his relationship with Mathilda, he gains a sense of purpose and love, ultimately sacrificing himself to ensure her survival.
Léon’s Hero’s Journey
1. Ordinary World
Léon lives in isolation, his only joys being milk and tending to his plant. His life is structured and emotionless.
Screenwriting Tip: Establish your protagonist’s world clearly to highlight their internal void.
2. Call to Adventure
Mathilda seeks refuge with Léon after her family’s murder.
Screenwriting Tip: The Call should introduce an external problem that challenges the protagonist’s comfort zone.
3. Refusal of the Call
Léon initially resists helping Mathilda, knowing that emotional attachments can be dangerous in his line of work.
Screenwriting Tip: Conflict between reluctance and duty enhances character depth.
4. Meeting the Mentor
Although reluctant at first, Léon becomes Mathilda’s mentor, training her in the assassin’s craft. In turn, she teaches him about love and human connection.
Screenwriting Tip: A mentor can be an unlikely figure, sometimes even the hero’s student.
5. Crossing the Threshold
Léon officially commits to helping Mathilda by teaching her survival skills and even assisting her in seeking revenge.
Screenwriting Tip: This moment should signify a clear shift from passivity to action.
6. Tests, Allies, and Enemies
Mathilda and Léon form a bond, but Stansfield remains a lurking threat. Léon also must confront his emotions, something he has long avoided.
Screenwriting Tip: Each test should reveal a layer of the hero’s development.
7. Approach to the Inmost Cave
Mathilda’s reckless attempt to kill Stansfield puts them both in mortal danger. Léon must act decisively.
Screenwriting Tip: The protagonist must face their deepest fear before the climax.
8. The Ordeal
Léon fights his way through Stansfield’s ambush, using every skill he possesses to escape and save Mathilda.
Screenwriting Tip: The stakes should be at their highest, requiring ultimate sacrifice.
9. Reward (Seizing the Sword)
Léon ensures Mathilda’s escape, symbolically passing his knowledge and legacy to her.
Screenwriting Tip: The reward should reflect internal growth, not just external victory.
10. The Road Back
Léon attempts to leave with Mathilda but is confronted by Stansfield.
Screenwriting Tip: The return should test whether the hero has truly changed.
11. Resurrection
Léon, fatally wounded, cleverly hands Stansfield a live grenade before dying, ensuring the villain’s demise.
Screenwriting Tip: The climax should force the hero into a final, irreversible transformation.
12. Return with the Elixir
Mathilda plants Léon’s beloved plant in the ground, symbolizing growth and change, carrying his spirit with her.
Screenwriting Tip: The ending should resonate emotionally, closing the character’s arc.
Themes & Symbolism
1. Love vs. Isolation
Léon’s arc revolves around his transition from emotional detachment to forming a deep bond with Mathilda.
Screenwriting Tip: Show internal conflict through small, meaningful actions rather than exposition.
2. Innocence and Corruption
Mathilda represents lost innocence, while Stansfield embodies absolute corruption. Léon serves as the bridge between these worlds.
Screenwriting Tip: Contrast characters through visual and thematic opposition.
3. The Plant as a Metaphor
Léon’s plant represents himself—uprooted, resilient, yet fragile. When Mathilda plants it, she ensures his legacy continues.
Screenwriting Tip: Symbolism should feel organic, not forced.
4. Transformation through Sacrifice
Léon’s ultimate act of love is his sacrifice, proving he has changed.
Screenwriting Tip: True transformation should be demonstrated through action, not dialogue.
Screenwriting Takeaways
- Define your protagonist’s emotional void early.
- The Call to Adventure should force a tough choice.
- Strong character relationships drive the narrative.
- Internal change should parallel external conflict.
- Use symbolism subtly to reinforce themes.
By following these principles, Léon: The Professional crafts a deeply emotional and thematically rich hero’s journey.
STORY NOTES
I’m a professional, working screenwriter/director/producer.
I have worked with Morgan Freeman (The Shawshank Redemption), Harvey Keitel (Pulp Fiction), Olga Kurylenko (Quantum Of Solace), Matt Doran (The Matrix).
Unlike many other script-doctor services, the notes I provide are in-depth and comprehensive, often running to ten pages, ensuring every aspect of your story is analyzed.
What you get…
- Page Read Notes. These are beat specific notes that arise as I read your script. These focus on the minutiae of your story as it unfolds.
- General Notes. These focus on all the key aspects of your screenplay, being: Concept, Form, Characters, Dialogue, Hero, Antagonist, Voice, Production, Hero’s Journey, Goal, Stakes, Urgency.
- A one hour Zoom call to go over the notes and answer all your questions before you begin your deep dive into your next draft.
- Lastly, I offer indefinite email follow up. Feel free to email any questions that arise as you rewrite your screenplay. It’s always great to have an objective sounding board to bounce ideas off.
Email samuelb888@gmail.com to take your story to the next level.
All the very best with your writing journey!
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