The Fifth Element (1997)
Director: Luc Besson
Starring: Bruce Willis, Ian Holm, Gary Oldman, Milla Jovovich
Primary genre: Science fiction
Secondary genre: Action
Nominated for: Best sound editing
Words will never be enough to describe in accuracy the lunacy of Luc Besson’s extravagant action flick. “The Fifth Element” remains one of the most dazzling and original examples of outrageous science fiction, a bold artistic gamble that paid off which two and something decades later has aged quite well.
Sporting a blonde Bruce Willis and some of the most ridiculous (and unpractical) costumes you will ever see, Besson’s creation (owning much to French pioneering novels like “Valerian” and the works of Moebius), brings to the big screen a tonally and visually polar opposite future than that of Ridley Scott’s “Blade Runner” (1982). Despite its restrictive (and quite atmospheric) prologue, once we reach 2263 (!), the French auteur put the pedal to the metal unleashing an orgy of color, music and sound (at some point, he even incorporates slapstick effects) with manic energy and Looney Tunes comedy.
Yet, all these elements which could have led to a magnificent disaster across a thinly sketched plot, work together to deliver a wonderful inter-planetary adventure boasting a pseudo exploration of religious and technological themes that barely make it through the barrage of the film’s flamboyant style. But you are not here to contemplate the existence of life but rather to take (excessive) pleasure from the on screen silliness. The 23rd century is as psychedelic and fluid as a Jim Morrison poem from the 1960s: aliens, priests, scientists, the army, space disc jockeys, dodgy physics and of course, the ultimate evil (and good) converge within gorgeously designed landscapes that since their onset in 1997, have become iconic.
The most expensive production at the time of its release, its $90 million dollar budget allows “The Fifth Element” to present a vibrant and wacky futuristic world that excels in all forms of (good and bad) fashion. The spectacular production design (which has predicted most of our technology now) is complemented by the outrageous costumes of Jean-Paul Gaultier. This cinematic canvas of gleeful creativity offers in every shot the opportunity of seeing something original and unique even if it occasionally reaches a level of camp and could bother those who despite colorful palettes.
“Leeloo Dallas Multipass!”
The cast is clearly having a ball, all playing in different acting rhythms: Willis and Gary Oldman face the absurdity wearing a straight face, Ian Holm seems delighted to be there, Chris Tucker steals the show as an over exaggerated gay stereotype (who is straight!) while Milla Jovovich as Leeloo, the bright orange haired supreme being capable of ass-kickery, sweetness and naivety, her stunning looks and outfit have become synonymous with the (look of the) film.
Despite a rather long running time, this love it or hate it French movie never feels too long due to a large variety of set pieces ranging from rap and space opera performances (!) to shoot outs, flying car chases and intriguing monologues about the usefulness of chaos amidst genre bending execution and gleeful joy. It demonstrates Besson’s ability to adapt in different territories successfully and bringing forward an alternative voice on the mainstream cinema that was dominated by US productions. Frequent collaborator Eric Serra offers an equally scattered score, a compilation of techno opera, saxophone, middle eastern, reggae and electronic cues (among others) without a particular thematic cohesion because that is the way Besson wants it.
This take it or leave it attitude puts “The Fifth Element” in the pantheon of classic fiction films. It might alienate those who seek deep and thought provoking ideas but not everything has to be made for gloomy discussion and analysis. It’s visually distinct style and Jack Sparrow behaviour towards the execution of the genre’s ideas is enough to propel this into cinema’s most representative films. If all the above are not achievement worthy of praise, then what is?
Outrageous sci-fi perfection
+Killer cast
+Jovovich, Oldman, Tucker on fire
+Impeccable production and costume design
+Flawless soundtrack
+Quite funny
+Ludicrous, vibrant future
-Outrageous