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. The film was written by Lawrence Kasdan and directed by Mick Jackson.
Plot
In this film debut for Houston, she plays Rachel Marron, a music superstar who is being stalked. Frank Farmer (Kevin Costner), a professional bodyguard and former Secret Service agent, is hired to protect her.
The film then 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 to guard an archbishop.
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.[3] 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 was called off informally during an incident captured in her documentary Truth or Dare. This took place during the scene where Madonna met with Costner backstage; he congratulated her concert, calling her show neat, Madonna made fun of his "neat" remark after he left. Costner undoubtedly saw this after the documentary's release.
During recording of the song "I Will Always Love You", there were some different ideas for the cover version of the song until Costner and Houston decided the intro should be done a capella, having Houston sing with no music. That version would be the one used in the film.
Originally, the song that Rachel performs at the end of the film was meant to be "What Becomes of the Brokenhearted", which was originally sung by Jimmy Ruffin. However, it was decided that the song Rachel would sing would be Dolly Parton's "I Will Always Love You".
Reception
Upon release, The Bodyguard received mixed to negative reviews.[4][5] The movie holds a 39% rating on Rotten Tomatoes[6] and received 6 Golden Raspberry Award nominations including Worst Picture.[7] Despite the mixed critical reception, the film was a commercial success, grossing over $410 million worldwide.[8] The film was also nominated for two Academy Awards, both in musical categories.[9]
Soundtrack
The Bodyguard: Original Soundtrack Album has become 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.[10] Worldwide, the sales are at a staggering 42 million copies.[11] In addition, Houston's "I Will Always Love You" sold approximately 12 million copies worldwide.[12]
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.
References
External links
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