The Fifth Element (1997) Dir: Luc Besson
Instagram post:
When it comes to absurd science fiction, few films do it in more entertaining fashion than this 1997 gem. It incorporates just about everything you could want from an intergalactic adventure. It's one I've grown up loving, but not yet reviewed. I felt it was time to change that.
The only real negative I have is the director, who, as I discussed in my review of 'Leon: The Professional', I do not like, for fairly understandable reasons. However, there is just so much to adore about this film. One of the best reasons being that Jean Paul Gaultier was in charge of the costume design, which you can really see.
Éric Serra's soundtrack provides a groovy, thumping backdrop to the on-screen action, and fits in with its bizarre and otherworldly set and costume design. Just about everything that can be seen or heard fits so nicely into the film's aesthetic, which just makes everything so much better.
The action sequences are ridiculous, but enormously entertaining. The visuals, while certainly of the 90s at times, are all pretty solid. I enjoyed the consistent use of practical effects when possible - it always looks better, and more fun, than CGI. These designs, in combination with Gaultier's fashion vision, make for excellent character designs in general.
The story is one of epic, suitably wild science fiction, proportions, and entertains from start to finish. I love the journey that is takes the audience on, it is literally out of this world. I love how absurd it all is, without ever losing its main narrative thread.
Bruce Willis gives one of my favourite performances of his, mixing his classic 90s actio hero persona with his entertaining comedic timing to provide a compelling and very entertaining protagonist. He was such a good casting choice for the role.
Milla Jovivich had a role that really could have gone pretty poorly, but, as I'm sure you've guessed, she was excellent. I really think she showed the naivity, innocence and learning of her character really quite marvellously. I also really appreciate how well she showed the evolution and progression of her character throughout the film.
Gary Oldman, as usual, was brilliant, just brilliant. He just has a knack for making his characters memorable, entertaining and truly iconic. This is such an underrated performance of Oldman's, and one that I think fans of his, who haven't seen this, will really love. It's worth it for his accent work alone.
Ian Holm was a bundle of fun in this supporting role. His facial expressions are so underrated, and this film is a perfect example of why. He showed so much emotion - positive, negative and comedic, with such dramatic poise and ease. He is just so fun to watch in this role.
Chris Tucker was pure comedy gold throughout his time on-screen. Rarely have I laughed so much as when I watch Tucker provide the campest, most flamboyant, and utterly bizarre performance. It's one of my favourite acting performances ever, simply because of how much it makes me laugh.
Mentions also go the way of Luke Perry, Brion James, Tommy Lister Jr. and Lee Evans, for their small but distinctly enjoyable supporting performances, particularly that of comedian Evans, who I had completely forgotten was in this.
Overall, I absolutely adore this one. I think it has some amazing and hilarious performances, excellent action and a really thrilling storyline. There is so much to love about this film, from its strong sci-fi aesthetic, to its hilarious comedy. This is a must-watch piece of classic science fiction.
Comentários