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Mathilda
Featured
Updated
Original Movie Title:
Fanedit Type:
Original Release Date:
1994
Original Running Time:
133
Fanedit Release Date:
Fanedit Running Time:
110
Time Cut:
23
Subtitles Available?
Available in HD?
Additional Links:
Brief Synopsis:
This is Luc Besson's "Leon" re-framed to be more Mathilda-centric, with Leon's story revealed more slowly, but also in a more ambiguous way. What brought him to this moment? You decide. Featuring many songs from the 80's and 90's, and leaning heavily into female vocalists, the soundscape taps onto Mathilda's motivations and emotional states at key moments in the story.
Intention:
I enjoyed Leon immensely in my 20's, and I still have the black overcoat to prove it, but the overtly romantic moments between this man and this 12 year old girl always left me with discomfort. After learning more about the original intentions of the story, the way Jean Reno and Natalie Portman's parents pushed Besson to avoid the romance angle, and the way the actors were largely tricked into filming the scene where Leon and Mathilda discuss having sex, I wanted to create a cut of the film that removed as much of that as possible. In this edit, 12 year old Mathilda recognizes she's falling for Leon, but it goes no further than that. When they profess their love for each other in the closing moments, it's a genuine love born of shared experience and kinship.
Other Sources:
La Femme Nikita (Blu-ray)
Special Thanks:
This edit is perfect expression of what I wanted to create back in February, but I lost my way a bit along the way. @ArtisDead brought me back from the edge and worked very hard (and with great patience) to help me fill out the musical soundscape and hit all the right notes. He provided insight along the way, motivated me, and pointed me towards the perfect music for the trailer and some key moments in the film. As a result, I feel @ArtisDead deserves editor credit for this release.
Additional thanks go to @FrameSniffer who previewed an early copy and provided the objective ear the work needed. He deserves an award for sitting through an early cut of this movie that featured no less than 30 minutes of Bjork.
Additional thanks go to @FrameSniffer who previewed an early copy and provided the objective ear the work needed. He deserves an award for sitting through an early cut of this movie that featured no less than 30 minutes of Bjork.
Release Information:
Digital
Cuts and Additions:
* FE warning / logo, custom credit title.
* Removed opening scene at Supreme Macaroni (moved further down the timeline).
* Removed the entire "Fat Bastard" scene. We begin to learn about the nature of Leon's work later.
* Shortened title sequence.
* New music during initial titles ("Leon's theme").
* Different music for Mathilda's introduction.
* Mystery dream/flashback...
* Leon's apartment montage removed. We primarily stay with Mathilda for this opening section, but one shot of Leon in the shower is added to the "next day" scene as we transition to Leon.
* Shortened antics with the "pig".
* Mystery dream/flashback...
* When Leon leaves the apartment, he goes to see Tony instead of seeing Singing in the Rain.
* Leon's meeting with Tony adjusted to be vague about talking "business", and whether Leon is "free on Tuesday".
* Different music while leaving home #1.
* Different music during training montage.
* Removed over-sized bras from training montage.
* Removed "the game".
* Removed all discussion around Mathilda's age. Nobody pretends she's 18.
* During discussion with hotel manager, removed "He's my lover". He draws that (false) conclusion without being told.
* Different music when Mathilda follows Stansfield in the taxi.
* When Leon returns with a present, we don't see what it is. The dress is completely removed from the movie. He's interrupted by the hotel manager.
* Different music while leaving home #2.
* Tony no longer warns Leon about being "careful with women"
* During "Russian Roulette":
* Removed "I want love or death".
* Removed "...for life" (instead she just says, "You keep me with you.")
* During meeting with Tony, fixed the actor jumping his cue.
* Different music during the first job.
* During "fine dining":
* Removed Mathilda forcefully trying to kiss Leon.
* Shortened Mathilda's laughing.
* Added music (Beethoven).
* Different music during assassination montage.
* Removed "faggot" from the dude's diatribe.
* Removed discussion around growing up and getting older, as it's only relevant in the context of a romantic relationship.
* Different music when Mathilda is alone in the apartment.
* Removed "...my love" from Mathilda's letter.
* Mathilda no longer says, 'I love you' in the letter. Just ends on, "I'll know I'll feel better after I do this".
* Different music when Mathilda goes to the DEA building.
* The scene where Mathilda and Leon discuss having sex is removed.
* Mystery dream/flashback...
* Waking up in the same bed is removed. We see Leon wake up, but Mathilda is not there (she's gone for groceries).
* Moved reminder of "the code" to an earlier scene.
* Different music during "The Assault".
* Different music when Leon is shot from behind.
* Different music during final scene with Mathilda and Tony.
* Different music on the way back to the Spencer school.
* Removed meeting with School principle at the end. We're music-only after the scene with Tony.
* Closing shot changed; we now end on tableaux of Mathilda / Pot / Plant (in the ground) instead of the skyline shot.
* Added movie title after closing shot.
* Special thanks...
* Removed blue tint from end credits.
* Removed opening scene at Supreme Macaroni (moved further down the timeline).
* Removed the entire "Fat Bastard" scene. We begin to learn about the nature of Leon's work later.
* Shortened title sequence.
* New music during initial titles ("Leon's theme").
* Different music for Mathilda's introduction.
* Mystery dream/flashback...
* Leon's apartment montage removed. We primarily stay with Mathilda for this opening section, but one shot of Leon in the shower is added to the "next day" scene as we transition to Leon.
* Shortened antics with the "pig".
* Mystery dream/flashback...
* When Leon leaves the apartment, he goes to see Tony instead of seeing Singing in the Rain.
* Leon's meeting with Tony adjusted to be vague about talking "business", and whether Leon is "free on Tuesday".
* Different music while leaving home #1.
* Different music during training montage.
* Removed over-sized bras from training montage.
* Removed "the game".
* Removed all discussion around Mathilda's age. Nobody pretends she's 18.
* During discussion with hotel manager, removed "He's my lover". He draws that (false) conclusion without being told.
* Different music when Mathilda follows Stansfield in the taxi.
* When Leon returns with a present, we don't see what it is. The dress is completely removed from the movie. He's interrupted by the hotel manager.
* Different music while leaving home #2.
* Tony no longer warns Leon about being "careful with women"
* During "Russian Roulette":
* Removed "I want love or death".
* Removed "...for life" (instead she just says, "You keep me with you.")
* During meeting with Tony, fixed the actor jumping his cue.
* Different music during the first job.
* During "fine dining":
* Removed Mathilda forcefully trying to kiss Leon.
* Shortened Mathilda's laughing.
* Added music (Beethoven).
* Different music during assassination montage.
* Removed "faggot" from the dude's diatribe.
* Removed discussion around growing up and getting older, as it's only relevant in the context of a romantic relationship.
* Different music when Mathilda is alone in the apartment.
* Removed "...my love" from Mathilda's letter.
* Mathilda no longer says, 'I love you' in the letter. Just ends on, "I'll know I'll feel better after I do this".
* Different music when Mathilda goes to the DEA building.
* The scene where Mathilda and Leon discuss having sex is removed.
* Mystery dream/flashback...
* Waking up in the same bed is removed. We see Leon wake up, but Mathilda is not there (she's gone for groceries).
* Moved reminder of "the code" to an earlier scene.
* Different music during "The Assault".
* Different music when Leon is shot from behind.
* Different music during final scene with Mathilda and Tony.
* Different music on the way back to the Spencer school.
* Removed meeting with School principle at the end. We're music-only after the scene with Tony.
* Closing shot changed; we now end on tableaux of Mathilda / Pot / Plant (in the ground) instead of the skyline shot.
* Added movie title after closing shot.
* Special thanks...
* Removed blue tint from end credits.
Trailer
User reviews
22 reviews
Overall rating
9.7
Audio/Video Quality
9.9(22)
Visual Editing
10.0(22)
Audio Editing
9.5(22)
Narrative
9.6(22)
Enjoyment
9.6(22)
Overall rating
9.8
Audio/Video Quality
10.0
Visual Editing
10.0
Audio Editing
8.0
Narrative
10.0
Enjoyment
10.0
The idea of refocusing the story on Mathilda works wonders. The changes at the start also improve the character arc of Leon, he’s more mysterious and unknowable now.
The intent of removing the many moments that were just way too creepy and cringe has been fulfilled; these changes in no way worsen the main story beats, and the film becomes a lot easier to watch.
The training montage was the highlight of the edit, perfectly edited and scored.
The score changes all worked well. I’ve noticed a few dialogue lines that became a bit too quiet because of the new songs, but nothing major.
The intent of removing the many moments that were just way too creepy and cringe has been fulfilled; these changes in no way worsen the main story beats, and the film becomes a lot easier to watch.
The training montage was the highlight of the edit, perfectly edited and scored.
The score changes all worked well. I’ve noticed a few dialogue lines that became a bit too quiet because of the new songs, but nothing major.
User Review
Do you recommend this edit?
Yes
Format Watched?
Digital
G
Overall rating
9.5
Audio/Video Quality
10.0
Visual Editing
10.0
Audio Editing
10.0
Narrative
10.0
Enjoyment
9.0
Mathilda
I went into that edit without having seen the original movie. I must say it felt pretty seamless and well executed. Not knowing the story or how the movie was originally edited, it’s hard to tell if this edit makes it better or fixes any issues. But the truth is that Futon and ArtisDead’s version is great! Audio and video quality is excellent and the story feels natural and flowing easily through the movie (I am watching on a stereo setup). I really feel like I’m following Mathilda’s story and I believe that was the main approach as far as reframing the narrative goes. There are a lot of pop songs from that era in this edit but they suit the narrative and the training montage is great with that Patti Smith song. Overall I’d say this is an enjoyable 1h48 movie, well paced and engaging.
Mathilda is also well-structured. Character introduction, first plot point, character evolution, and so on. Everything is following a clear narrative, we are never lost. I was taken out for a brief moment at the end when I was served the same aerial shot of central park a second time. But all this is just me nitpicking what is in fact a great edit.
(I’m going to watch the original now and compare my notes)
I think I understand most of the choices regarding Mathilda’s edit. Removing the opening scene with Leon and the cringier stuff between the two characters is a good choice. It changes a little bit how I perceive the characters. But I don’t think it takes away anything from the movie. Mathilda feels a bit more like a lost soul, Leon a little less.
I must admit I like the original score. Having music without lyrics acts more like a supporting device than a moving one. I felt less guided watching the original when it came to music. The Mathilda edit feels more modern in that aspect. In fact it feels more modern in its narrative as well. So good job for bringing this movie to the 21st century guys!
Now where are the dream sequences? I didn’t realize until just now what is actually going on here! Nice work, it blends well and adds a little something. I wish it could have been done to Mathilda’s character instead but I acknowledge the execution and the research that went into it. Two thumbs up!
How did you remove the title in that flyby sequence?!
9/10 Enjoyment is because I liked the original score and the more fleshed out Leon. All the other stuff brings it back to a 9.
Okay.
I went into that edit without having seen the original movie. I must say it felt pretty seamless and well executed. Not knowing the story or how the movie was originally edited, it’s hard to tell if this edit makes it better or fixes any issues. But the truth is that Futon and ArtisDead’s version is great! Audio and video quality is excellent and the story feels natural and flowing easily through the movie (I am watching on a stereo setup). I really feel like I’m following Mathilda’s story and I believe that was the main approach as far as reframing the narrative goes. There are a lot of pop songs from that era in this edit but they suit the narrative and the training montage is great with that Patti Smith song. Overall I’d say this is an enjoyable 1h48 movie, well paced and engaging.
Mathilda is also well-structured. Character introduction, first plot point, character evolution, and so on. Everything is following a clear narrative, we are never lost. I was taken out for a brief moment at the end when I was served the same aerial shot of central park a second time. But all this is just me nitpicking what is in fact a great edit.
(I’m going to watch the original now and compare my notes)
I think I understand most of the choices regarding Mathilda’s edit. Removing the opening scene with Leon and the cringier stuff between the two characters is a good choice. It changes a little bit how I perceive the characters. But I don’t think it takes away anything from the movie. Mathilda feels a bit more like a lost soul, Leon a little less.
I must admit I like the original score. Having music without lyrics acts more like a supporting device than a moving one. I felt less guided watching the original when it came to music. The Mathilda edit feels more modern in that aspect. In fact it feels more modern in its narrative as well. So good job for bringing this movie to the 21st century guys!
Now where are the dream sequences? I didn’t realize until just now what is actually going on here! Nice work, it blends well and adds a little something. I wish it could have been done to Mathilda’s character instead but I acknowledge the execution and the research that went into it. Two thumbs up!
How did you remove the title in that flyby sequence?!
9/10 Enjoyment is because I liked the original score and the more fleshed out Leon. All the other stuff brings it back to a 9.
Okay.
User Review
Do you recommend this edit?
Yes
Format Watched?
Digital
D
(Updated: June 06, 2023)
Overall rating
9.8
Audio/Video Quality
10.0
Visual Editing
10.0
Audio Editing
10.0
Narrative
9.0
Enjoyment
10.0
This is the go to version for me. Thanks for the edit.
I love the fact that the discomfort has been removed. Love the addition of the 80s/90s songs. Love how it is Mathilda focus (Well, duh!)
Congrats on the well earned win, and thanks for convincing me to keep the blu-ray in the collection.
I love the fact that the discomfort has been removed. Love the addition of the 80s/90s songs. Love how it is Mathilda focus (Well, duh!)
Congrats on the well earned win, and thanks for convincing me to keep the blu-ray in the collection.
User Review
Do you recommend this edit?
Yes
Format Watched?
Digital
E
Overall rating
9.5
Audio/Video Quality
10.0
Visual Editing
10.0
Audio Editing
9.0
Narrative
8.0
Enjoyment
10.0
Leon is a great 'one off' film, meaning there isn't really any other movie like it. I've seen it a few times, but some aspects of Leon and Mathildas relationship is a bit off putting. Thankfully, this edit comes along and remedies that. Focusing the story on Mathilda allows the viewers to bypass the unconfirmed moments in the film while simultaneously giving repeat viewers of the film a fresh experience. Replacing some of the music was a good experiment, which the editors pull off well. I also enjoyed the black and white flashbacks, a technique I hope to incorporate into my own efforts done day. Congrats to everyone involved, this is a quality edit here
User Review
Do you recommend this edit?
Yes
Format Watched?
Digital
G
Overall rating
9.0
Audio/Video Quality
10.0
Visual Editing
10.0
Audio Editing
9.0
Narrative
8.0
Enjoyment
9.0
This edit offers a significantly different experience of a classic in a seemingly almost effortless way. I enjoyed it a lot, despite loving the original (theatrical) cut which I first saw in the cinema when it came out - and watched too many times ever since.
My thoughts in detail:
- The fading out of the first two songs is too abrupt in my opinion. If the original song doesn't have a fade-out at the end, it might have worked trying to make short versions of the songs (ending with the final beat of the song). Or the fade out could have been longer, or it could have transcended into a radio playing somewhere in the building.
- Replacing the Serra score when we first see Mathilda works great. I like Serra's music a lot, but it lacks subtlety, it is sometimes too naive (especially in this scene), and most of all: there's too much of it. I think there are only a few scenes in this movie that actually benefit from Serra's music.
- I would have skipped all scenes in Leon's apartment until Mathilda has entered there (save for the shots of Leon watching Stanfield's thugs). So no Leon working out and walking through his apartment (and also not visiting Tony). The audience's lack of additional knowledge about Leon will only make them identify even more with Mathilda.
- Adding the black and white flashbacks from Nikita would work great in the original version of the film. In this version though, we want to focus on Mathilda. Adding those flashbacks works against that.
- I've always wondered why Besson didn't use music from Beethoven during the massacre (Clockwork Orange, anyone?). Maybe it would have been worth a try?
- The 'Human Behavior' song eliminates too much of the tension during the third act. An instrumental version could have solved that problem, but maybe it would have been better to stick to the original score.
- Good replacement of the Serra score during Leon's final walk.
- Reversing the last shot before the end credits is nothing short of brilliant. Wauw.
Maybe the greatest accomplishment of this edit is proving that the original movie didn’t need those controversial scenes in the first place. ‘Mathilda’ gives the audience as intense an emotional, enjoyable and fulfilling experience as the orginal - just in a different way.
My thoughts in detail:
- The fading out of the first two songs is too abrupt in my opinion. If the original song doesn't have a fade-out at the end, it might have worked trying to make short versions of the songs (ending with the final beat of the song). Or the fade out could have been longer, or it could have transcended into a radio playing somewhere in the building.
- Replacing the Serra score when we first see Mathilda works great. I like Serra's music a lot, but it lacks subtlety, it is sometimes too naive (especially in this scene), and most of all: there's too much of it. I think there are only a few scenes in this movie that actually benefit from Serra's music.
- I would have skipped all scenes in Leon's apartment until Mathilda has entered there (save for the shots of Leon watching Stanfield's thugs). So no Leon working out and walking through his apartment (and also not visiting Tony). The audience's lack of additional knowledge about Leon will only make them identify even more with Mathilda.
- Adding the black and white flashbacks from Nikita would work great in the original version of the film. In this version though, we want to focus on Mathilda. Adding those flashbacks works against that.
- I've always wondered why Besson didn't use music from Beethoven during the massacre (Clockwork Orange, anyone?). Maybe it would have been worth a try?
- The 'Human Behavior' song eliminates too much of the tension during the third act. An instrumental version could have solved that problem, but maybe it would have been better to stick to the original score.
- Good replacement of the Serra score during Leon's final walk.
- Reversing the last shot before the end credits is nothing short of brilliant. Wauw.
Maybe the greatest accomplishment of this edit is proving that the original movie didn’t need those controversial scenes in the first place. ‘Mathilda’ gives the audience as intense an emotional, enjoyable and fulfilling experience as the orginal - just in a different way.
User Review
Do you recommend this edit?
Yes
Format Watched?
Digital
S