Summary from Mathilda’s Perspective
Mathilda is a neglected 12-year-old girl living in an abusive household. Her life takes a drastic turn when corrupt DEA agent Stansfield murders her family. She seeks refuge with her neighbor, Léon, a professional hitman. At first, Léon is reluctant to take her in, but he eventually trains her in the ways of an assassin. Through their bond, Mathilda finds a sense of belonging and strength. However, their relationship is doomed by the violent world they inhabit, and Léon ultimately sacrifices himself to ensure Mathilda's survival, leaving her to forge her own future.
Mathilda’s Hero’s Journey
1. Ordinary World
Mathilda lives a bleak and abusive life, neglected by her family and desperate for love.
Screenwriting Tip: Establish the protagonist’s dissatisfaction early to make their transformation impactful.
2. Call to Adventure
Her family is brutally murdered, forcing Mathilda to seek refuge with Léon.
Screenwriting Tip: The Call should present an event that forces the protagonist to act.
3. Refusal of the Call
Léon initially refuses to take her in, and Mathilda struggles with accepting her new reality.
Screenwriting Tip: Resistance to change creates deeper emotional stakes.
4. Meeting the Mentor
Léon becomes Mathilda’s mentor, teaching her survival skills. She, in turn, helps him open up emotionally.
Screenwriting Tip: Mentors can learn as much from their students as they teach.
5. Crossing the Threshold
Mathilda fully commits to her new path, learning how to use weapons and navigate Léon’s world.
Screenwriting Tip: This moment should signify a clear departure from the past.
6. Tests, Allies, and Enemies
Mathilda trains rigorously, but her emotional turmoil and Stansfield’s pursuit create significant obstacles.
Screenwriting Tip: Develop the protagonist through internal and external conflicts.
7. Approach to the Inmost Cave
Mathilda recklessly attempts to take revenge on Stansfield, forcing Léon to intervene.
Screenwriting Tip: The protagonist should confront their greatest personal challenge before the climax.
8. The Ordeal
Mathilda is captured, and Léon launches a daring rescue, culminating in his last stand.
Screenwriting Tip: The Ordeal should test everything the protagonist has learned.
9. Reward (Seizing the Sword)
Léon ensures Mathilda’s escape, passing his strength and wisdom to her.
Screenwriting Tip: The reward should symbolize personal transformation, not just victory.
10. The Road Back
Mathilda, now alone, must decide how to move forward without Léon.
Screenwriting Tip: This stage should reflect the protagonist’s internalization of their journey.
11. Resurrection
Mathilda confronts reality and takes the first steps to reclaim her life, carrying Léon’s lessons with her.
Screenwriting Tip: The climax should leave a lasting impact on the protagonist’s psyche.
12. Return with the Elixir
She plants Léon’s beloved plant, symbolizing rebirth and her newfound resilience.
Screenwriting Tip: The final scene should visually and thematically conclude the character’s arc.
Themes & Symbolism
1. Lost Childhood and Redemption
Mathilda is forced to grow up too fast, but Léon provides her with a sense of love and structure.
Screenwriting Tip: Explore the contrast between innocence and maturity to enrich character depth.
2. Revenge vs. Growth
Mathilda’s initial desire for vengeance shifts toward self-discovery and independence.
Screenwriting Tip: Character motivation should evolve throughout the story.
3. The Plant as a Metaphor
For Mathilda, planting Léon’s plant represents growth, survival, and carrying on his legacy.
Screenwriting Tip: Use symbolism subtly to reinforce character transformation.
4. The Cost of Love
Mathilda and Léon’s bond is powerful, but it comes at a high price.
Screenwriting Tip: Emotional stakes should have real consequences.
Screenwriting Takeaways
- A strong protagonist starts with a well-defined internal struggle.
- The Call to Adventure should be unavoidable.
- Character growth should be reflected in actions, not just dialogue.
- The climax should demonstrate true transformation.
- Symbolism enhances storytelling without overt exposition.
By following these principles, Léon: The Professional crafts a poignant and emotionally powerful hero’s journey through Mathilda’s eyes.
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.
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