The Bodyguard

In the world of pop icons and bodyguards, the term "icon" often refers to a person who transcends the boundaries of fame to become a household name, an image synonymous with glamour and entertainment. Kevin Costner's character, Frank Farmer, knows this phenomenon well, having had his own share of experience in protecting several high-profile targets. As a former Secret Service agent with a reputation for being the best in the business, Farmer is often called upon by organizations and celebrities alike to provide top-notch protection for a handsome fee. However, there's a catch - Farmer operates with his own set of rules, refusing to ever become too emotionally involved with his clients. Against his better judgment, Farmer is assigned a new client, Rachel Marron, a pop icon who is on the verge of major stardom. Perched atop the music charts, Marron is a beautiful and charming singer whose voice is said to melt the hearts of millions. However, her newfound fame has also garnered her her biggest danger yet - a crazed fan who will stop at nothing to get close to her. Desperate to keep Marron safe, Farmer accepts the job, knowing that protecting her from fans who want to rip her to pieces isn't going to be easy. The first meeting between Farmer and Marron is love-hate at best. Marron, a diva-like singer who screams for absolute attention and care, sees Farmer as an out-of-sync stick-in-the-mud who's far too concerned with following the rules rather than the demands of his A-list celebrity client. Marron expects her bodyguards to prioritize her every want, no matter how extreme or outrageous. However, Farmer remains by the book, always prioritizing security and protocol over interpersonal relationships. Despite some fireworks and clashes at first, Farmer learns to put aside his distaste for being under Marron's spotlight for the sake of duty. For her part, Marron discovers that Farmer's methods may be heavy-handed, or even crazy, but he can, however, ensure her security - a service that she's never truly experienced before. As it does for many celebrities, the responsibility of being at the top weighs on Marron, taking its toll on her private life and relationships. The security firm representing Marron suggests someone out of the top-drawer to serve as her primary bodyguard. Their top pick - Mark Stevens, someone almost twice Farmer's age - goes elsewhere. More frustrating is the fact that his successor never shows up - hence, Kevin Costner, as the second in line. Aware of potential problems, Farmer warns Marron's security and anyone else willing to listen about Marron's current safety conditions. Now it falls to Rachel to finally see it for herself: Frank will put her safety first. While their initial dislike of each other makes them uncomfortable working together, things start to change as Farmer adjusts himself to Marron's impromptu ways. These days, he soon finds himself teaching her protocol and anticipating potential threats that might come her way. An incident of physical confrontation between Farmer and Studdard makes it all seem like his job just got much harder. Eventually, against their better judgment, Marron and Farmer share a secret dinner where emotions finally get exposed. Both accept the challenge of knowing that spending this time meant getting to be human rather than the perfect bodyguard and the perfect celebrity, one who takes responsibility. The whole ordeal strengthens their understanding as neither of them ever wants to lose people they grew to appreciate. As for Studdard, more losses he incurs, Farmer now does what he's been paid to do.