Nearly thirty years after its original theatrical release, I wasn't expecting too much from The Bodyguard (1992) save for the late Whitney Houston's now-iconic cover of Dolly Parton's song, "I Will Always Love You". However, after watching the movie, it isn't that bad, even enjoyable. Yes, the acting could have been better, but there are subtle signs of possible chemistry between Houston and Kevin Costner's characters. With that out of the way, this review will contain spoilers.
The film opens with a bang (literally). A gunshot rings out, akin to how the typewriter key suddenly slams down onto the paper at the beginning of All the President's Men (1976). From there, we are introduced to Frank Farmer (Costner), a former Secret Service agent for Jimmy Carter and Ronald Reagan's presidential details, who is assigned to protect global musical superstar Rachel Marron (Houston) from a stalker sending her disturbing death threats. What starts as another job for him becomes more than that as he discovers love with Rachel, which conflicts with his professional philosophy (also the movie's tagline): "Never let her out of your sight. Never let your guard down. Never fall in love."
As I stated earlier, the acting could have been better. Houston was, and undeniably still is, a musical icon and legend, but it is clear from this movie that acting was not her forte. Her performance isn't out-right terrible, for there are several quieter moments between her character of Rachel and Costner's character, Frank, where they appear to share some semblance of romantic chemistry. I sometimes wonder if she had lived longer, she would have found a role and given an Oscar-worthy performance. Costner fares a little better here, for he attempts to trade out his workman charm with a stoic and seemingly emotionally detached presence akin to a samurai. At the time, this kind of characterization may have been off-putting to audiences, but in retrospect, it is pretty decent. The scene where Frank watches Rachel's music video of "Run to You" on television provides the audience with a perfect glimpse into his growing enamoring for Rachel. The rest of the supporting cast does solid work, especially Bill Cobbs as Rachel's manager, Bill Devaney, and Michele Lamar Richards as Rachel's jealous sister, Nikki Marron. They do their part to flesh out the film's emotional resonance considerably.
Going in, I was expecting this movie to be a full-blown big-screen MTV music video; however, I was pleasantly surprised by director Mick Jackson's ability to inject some humanity and skill into this project. From the buildup of tension and suspense throughout multiple film sequences, especially during the climax at the Academy Awards ceremony, to the ability to effectively convey the screenplay's various themes. Speaking of which, iconic screenwriter Lawrence Kasdan of Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981), The Empire Strikes Back (1980), and Return of the Jedi (1983) fame writes and produces this film. While this isn't his finest hour, several compelling themes are explored here, like the shortcomings of global superstardom and the dangers of obsessed fans. Kasdan also pulls inspiration from the films of Akira Kurosawa, like Yojimbo (1961), for the character of Frank. This film even shows Yojimbo playing in a movie theater, which I fully appreciate and endorse.
I also enjoy Alan Silvestri's musical score, for his theme for this movie starts solemn and patriotic, given Frank's experience with the United States Government, before gradually becoming more tender, foreshadowing the romance that would eventually begin between him and Rachel. The songs sung and performed by Houston, like "Run to You", "I Have Nothing", and "I Will Always Love You" are electric, as she sings from deep within her soul and spirit and gives once-in-a-lifetime performances with her God-given voice. Houston's vocals, combined with music producer David Foster and Silvestri's musical arrangements and compositions, make this film's soundtrack one for the history books.
Overall, The Bodyguard is pretty good. Not a masterpiece by any stretch, but still enjoyable nevertheless. Over ten years after her untimely passing in 2012, this movie is now remembered as a monument to Whitney Houston's unmatched talent and screen presence, deservedly so. Despite its shortcomings, this film continues to provide fans with plenty of reasons to love and admire Houston for her lasting musical contributions to the entertainment world. Her legacy continues to live on through her music and this film, as imperfect as it is.
Final Score: 7 out of 10
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