The Bodyguard
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| The Bodyguard | |
|---|---|
 Theatrical release poster |
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| Directed by | Mick Jackson |
| Produced by | Kevin Costner Lawrence Kasdan Jim Wilson |
| Written by | Lawrence Kasdan |
| Starring | Kevin Costner Whitney Houston Stephen Collins Gary Kemp Christopher Birt |
| Music by | Alan Silvestri |
| Cinematography | Andrew Dunn |
| Editing by | Donn Cambern Richard A. Harris |
| Studio | Tig Productions Kasdan Pictures |
| Distributed by | Warner Bros. |
| Release date(s) | November 25, 1992 |
| Running time | 130 min. |
| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
| Budget | $25,000,000 |
| Gross revenue | Domestic: $121,945,720[1] Worldwide: $410,945,720.[2] |
The Bodyguard is a 1992 romantic-thriller film starring Kevin Costner and Whitney Houston. In the film, Costner stars as a former Secret Service Agent turned bodyguard who is hired to protect Houston's character, a music star, from an unknown stalker. Lawrence Kasdan wrote the film in the 1970's as a vehicle for Steve McQueen. It was directed by Mick Jackson.
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[edit] Plot
In this film debut for Houston, she plays Rachel Marron, an Oscar-nominated music superstar who is being stalked and sent death threats. Frank Farmer (Kevin Costner), a former Secret Service agent during Ronald Reagan's presidency-turned professional bodyguard, is hired to protect her.[3]
The film follows Rachel Marron's life through her career and family. Performances include her singing hits such as "I Will Always Love You" and "I Have Nothing". Frank Farmer successfully protects her from danger and as a result of his protection, Rachel falls in love with Frank. He initially tries to keep the relationship professional, but the two sleep together. However, recognizing that their relationship may compromise his protection of her, Frank breaks off their affair. Rachel must put her trust in Frank ahead of her own desire for success. In the end, Frank's duty is fulfilled, having successfully protected Rachel, and they part with a kiss. Frank then moves on to his next assignment, guarding a Congressman standing up against organized crime.[4]
[edit] Background
The film was originally proposed in 1976 with Steve McQueen and Diana Ross in the leads, but negotiations fell through as McQueen refused to be billed second to Ross.[5] It was proposed again in 1979, starring Ryan O'Neal and Ross again in the leads. The project fell through due to irreconcilable differences in the relationship of the two stars. Costner stated that he based Frank Farmer on Steve McQueen; even cutting his hair like McQueen.
Madonna was considered for the role of Rachel. The deal may have been informally called off during an incident captured in her documentary Truth or Dare. This took place during a scene where Madonna met with Costner backstage; he congratulated her on the concert, calling her show neat, Madonna made fun of his "neat" remark after he left. Costner undoubtedly saw this after the documentary's release.[6]
[edit] Reception
Upon release, The Bodyguard received mixed to negative reviews.[7][8] The movie holds a 39% rating on Rotten Tomatoes[9] and received 6 Golden Raspberry Award nominations including Worst Picture.[10] Despite the mixed critical reception, the film was a huge commercial success, grossing over $410 million worldwide and, at the time, becoming one of the Top 100 highest grossing films in movie history.[11] Two songs from the film, "Run to You" and "I Have Nothing", were Oscar-nominated for Best Original Song.[12]
[edit] Soundtrack
The Bodyguard: Original Soundtrack Album became the best selling soundtrack of all time. It has been certified diamond in the US (sales of at least ten million) with shipments of over 17 million copies.[13] Worldwide, the sales are at a staggering 42 million copies.[14] In addition, Houston's "I Will Always Love You" sold 12 million units worldwide.[15]
[edit] Parodies
- The Simpsons - in the episode "Mayored to the Mob", Homer Simpson receives bodyguard training from an instructor singing "I Will Always Love You'" after graduating his class. Also in the episode, Mark Hamill gets carried by Homer in a fashion which parodies the way Kevin Costner carries Whitney Houston in the movie.
- 30 Rock - in the episode "Hard Ball", Tracy Jordan is rescued from a mob by his entourage; his character sang "I Will Always Love You" during the scene.
- Bulletproof - a scene in the movie parodies The Bodyguard with Adam Sandler's character singing "I Will Always Love You" and remarking that Damon Wayans's character can always be his bodyguard.
[edit] References
- ^ Box Office Mojo: The Bodyguard
- ^ http://boxofficemojo.com/movies/?id=bodyguard.htm
- ^ http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0103855/
- ^ Our speaker this evening, the honorable congressman from the fifth district, Galen Windsor, has been a lone, courageous, voice...he alone has challenged those who have linked organized crime with legitimate business throughout our state. http://www.imsdb.com/scripts/Bodyguard.html
- ^ Beck, Marilyn, Stacy Jenel Smith. - "Costner Sings to Houston's Debut". - Los Angeles Daily News. - October 7, 1991.
- ^ http://www.hollywoodyesterday.com/whitney-houstons-the-bodyguard-on-tv-land/
- ^ http://www.ew.com/ew/article/0,,312567,00.html
- ^ http://movies.nytimes.com/movie/review?res=9E0CE6DE1E3DF936A15752C1A964958260
- ^ http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/1042108-bodyguard/
- ^ http://www.razzies.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=342
- ^ http://boxofficemojo.com/movies/?id=bodyguard.htm
- ^ http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0103855/awards
- ^ http://riaa.org/goldandplatinumdata.php?table=tblDiamond
- ^ http://music.ninemsn.com.au/article.aspx?id=345798
- ^ http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/pop/374360_dolly11q.html
[edit] External links
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