The Bodyguard (1992)

Or as I like to call it, Before the Fall...

Stars fade, in time. But, at the summit of her talents and her popularity, Whitney Houston was simply untouchable, a singing phenom and, lord, was she lovely. Being so photogenic, it was a natural that she dip her toe into cinema. Whitney made her film acting debut in 1992's THE BODYGUARD, starring opposite Kevin Costner, who himself at the time was riding on a film career high, coming off Dances with Wolves - Extended Cut (Two-Disc Collector's Edition) and JFK - Director's Cut (Two-Disc Special Edition).

Costner plays Frank Farmer, an ex-Secret Service agent who now hires out as a private bodyguard. Frank's vocation requires him to live a solitary, almost austere life. He doesn't stay too long at any one assignment for fear of forming attachments to the people he safeguards. Considered the best, Farmer is tapped to protect music and film superstar Rachel Marron, who is being relentlessly stalked. Farmer reluctantly takes on the gig and immediately clashes with the spirited and temperamental Rachel, who rails at the restrictions Farmer places on her lifestyle. And, because the long-proven cinematic formula dictates that the intensity of the leads' initial mutual dislike is adversely proportioned to how heated the romance becomes, well, the sparks fly brightly between the stoic bodyguard and the tempestuous diva.

THE BODYGUARD, in 1992, was a box office moneymaker, undoubtedly helped by the spectacular soundtrack, but also because, in its own right, it's a decent thriller and an effective and bittersweet romantic story. The action sets are nice, my favorite being the "We won't talk about this again" kitchen discourse, although that was more of a one-way conversation from Frank. The hook is undeniably the prickly interaction between the two leads. I would think that a bodyguard, by necessity and by definition, would need to blend into the background. As such, Costner's bodyguard tends to be understated and very controlled. But every now and then, the actor's low key charisma does get a chance to leak out, as Farmer cracks a half-smile or three or makes the occasional straight-faced one-liner. And by having his character this impassive and guarded, Costner allows his female lead to shine. And Whitney's Rachel Marron certainly has that large personality.

Casting Whitney Houston was a stroke of genius and luck. In that time and place, who better to play the most popular pop star than the real deal herself? I thought that Whitney was a natural on screen, although critics shaved points off because, supposedly, she was only playing herself. But do you think a non-singer could've pulled off the musical sequences with as much conviction and credibility? Whenever she sang, Whitney Houston was in her element, and I totally bought into it and, consequentially, everything else that came with the role. And, lest you think she's a one trick pony, she would show even more of her acting chops in Waiting to Exhale and The Preacher's Wife.

There's this thing which Rachel's jerk of a manager tells Frank as he dresses him down: "I mean, look, she's so hot right now. This is her time. If she doesn't get out there, she's dead... If she doesn't sing, she's dead, anyway." This, coming from a tool, nevertheless is a stark commentary on the ephemeral quality of stardom. THE BODYGUARD has lost a bit of its luster down the years as Whitney's star waned. Not because she suddenly sucked or anything, but her troubled personal life did get in the way of her performing and producing records (thanks a bunch, Bobby Brown!).

And, since misery loves company, Kevin Costner, after a string of film successes, would soon churn out A PERFECT WORLD, THE WAR, and the career-crippling WATERWORLD (which I actually thought was a cool flick).

The key song was originally going to be "What Becomes Of A Broken Heart?" And who knows what Whitney would've done with that torch song (but it would've been great). As it is, we instead end up getting the fabulous remake of Dolly Parton's "I Will Always Love You." I eventually got sick of this song, because of the constant airplay, but I remember how well it framed the closing moments of the film.

Another thing I dug: Costner's white, Houston's black. This wasn't even a factor in the movie. How cool is that? October 25, 2008

The Bodyguard aka He'll be back

Who hasn't seen this movie if at all remotely curious, interested or fans of either megastar? The unattainable White Knight and IR relationship that may or may not move beyond confines. Can't imagine in real life, a clean end after such intensity. If you've ever gone there, you can imagine the real deal. July 13, 2008

DVD's on Amazon are much cheaper

We buy a lot of our DVD's on Amazon.........the deals are great and the selection is amazing. April 12, 2008

The Worst Movie I've Ever Seen

Cheesy plot + terrible acting = The worst movie I've ever seen. I'm not surprised it garnered the Razzie Award for the worst picture of the year. On the other hand, the music is awesome. February 13, 2008

A Glitzy star vehicle for Houston

Rachel Marron, portrayed by Whitney Houston, is a worldwide superstar singer and actress who has millions of adoring fans but one has taken there admirations too far. In a world of glamour and celebrity Marron fights to maintain her career and Frank Farmer, her bodyguard, fights to keep her alive.

Kevin Costner portrays Frank Farmer, a no-nonsense bodyguard hired by the singers associates that struggles with Marron's devotion to her career and her own deluted view that she is invincible.

Houston plays a charachter that paralells her real life, an accomplished actress and singer who is being stalked by an obsessive fan. Bodyguard was to be the big vehicle to launch Houston into a mega film career. Although Houston's performance is commendable for her first film effort, her shinging moments in the film are when she showcases the soundtrack, which is incredible. Costner is strong in his stern, powerful role.

Bodyguard, although panned by many critics, was extremly successful at the box office both domestically and worldwide. The 8th highest grossing film of all time, Bodyguard was financially a success for Houston but her acting performance was ignored by critics. The film has many twists and turns and keeps you guessing. It is not an Oscar worthy performance by Houston, but highly entertaining!
November 18, 2007

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