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The Professional (1994)

Directed by Luc Besson (La Femme Nikita, The Fifth Element)

Rated R

110 Minutes

Budget $16,000,000

Box Office $45,284,974


Why it's a Frank Movie:

1.  Stansfield.

I could do a whole blog post on the best roles of Gary Oldman; he is a Frank Actor.  Lee Harvey Oswald, James Gordon, Vlad Dracula, Carnegie, Mason Verger, Zorg... just to name a few.  And none of those are as villainous or despicable as DEA agent Stansfield.  He is utterly hateable.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s1qiDrNHjXI

 

 

2.  They shoot Clinton.

 

It's merely inferred, and it's purely fiction, but I love the fact that the subject of their 1st practice "clean" is a Bubba-inspired character.  And from a French guy...

 



https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-gD05qjgKN4

3.  It's not pedophilia, I swear...

The story, written by director Besson, is based on his real life - he fell in love with a 15 year old when he was 32.  I know, it's very, very troubling.  But, Jean Reno plays just enough of a Forest Gump to ensure that the relationship doesn't across sexual. 

p.s.  Natalie Portman's first role and, for me, her best.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y58l5z73rsI

Runner-up:  Presumed Innocent (1990)

Directed by Alan J. Pakula (All The President's Men, Sophie's Choice, The Pelican Brief)

Why it's a Frank Movie:

1.  Following my brother's graduation from undergraduate school, he was headed to law school, I made a quick inspiration purchase: a copy of Harper Lee's "To Kill A Mockingbird", to inspire him in his next venture.  I really wish that I had gotten him the Blu-ray of this film.  Why else learn the law, if not to be able to take advantage of corrupt government officials, lampoon corrupt character witnesses, and if all of that fails... steal evidence.  And, for the record, in a film that stars Harrison Ford, Bonnie Bedelia, and Brian Dennehey, Raul Julia steals the show.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rva_JBOkpOs

2.  Greta Scacchi.

She's hotter than the surface of the sun.  I can't understand why she wasn't used in more Italian or Italian-American roles then, and I still question that now.  She's tasked to play a vexing Jezebel, and Pakula cast the perfect actress for the role.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R2d1-ZxrFaY

Honorable Mentions:  Platoon (1986), Point Break (1991), Primal Fear (1996).