Besson goes American

Quick. With the exception of Lost in Space , name a bad Gary Oldman movie. Can't do it, can you? Okay, maybe The Fifth Element , but his performance definitely made it interesting as long as he was on screen. One of Oldman's strengths as an actor is his ability to cull a believable character from whatever role (however much a caricature) he is given. JFK and Air Force One are good examples of this. And although he almost always plays the villain, he plays each one differently - every characterization is distinct. The theme continues this weekend as the UT Film Committee presents the 1994 film The Professional .

In French director Luc Besson's first American release, Oldman plays a corrupt DEA official bent on settling a personal grudge against an elusive hit man. His portrayal is chilling, and convinces the audience that his character is just plain evil. Jean Reno, playing the hit man, also puts in good work in showing the lonely man behind his demanding profession. Forced to cut himself off from any personal relationships, his only companion is a potted plant. This is until he makes it his responsibility to protect a young orphan girl, played by a very young Natalie Portman in a role far better than the statue she played in Star Wars: Episode One .

Being an action movie, and a Besson film, there are plenty of shootouts, explosions and bodies flying around. What makes the film worthwhile, though, are the performances of the actors, especially Oldman as the good guy gone bad and Reno as the bad guy trying to make good. Both bring believability to their roles, so that the audience can't help but become emotionally involved in their struggle. An action movie with really good acting and an actual plot - imagine that. John Woo should take notes.

The Professional will be shown Friday and Saturday at 7 and 9:30 p.m. at the UC Auditorium. Admission to the film is $1 for students and $2 for non-students.