The Best Luc Besson Movie in Opinion: A Personal Conditioning
The Best Luc Besson Movie in Opinion: A Personal Conditioning
French director Luc Besson is renowned for his unique blend of action, science fiction, and romance. His visionary approach to filmmaking has resulted in a diverse range of films that have captivated audiences worldwide. Over the years, I have had the pleasure of watching several of his movies, each one leaving a unique impact on my personal experience. In this article, I will explore some of my favorite Luc Besson films and determine which one I believe to be the best, based on a personal conditioning perspective.
Léon: The Professional
Léon: The Professional, directed by Luc Besson, is a standout in my collection of his films. This movie stands out due to its memorable performances, particularly from Jean Reno, whose character Léon undergoes a transformational journey. The film's storyline, while maintaining a strong focus on cool style and cinematic flair, incorporates unlikely elements of friendship and transformation. Eric Serra's score is notably percussive and immediately engaging. It is evident that Besson's style and vision are evident in every aspect of the film, making it a true representation of his unique filmmaking prowess.
This film is a quintessential Besson movie, and it is also considered the best of his works in hindsight. The film's ability to maintain a balance between action sequences and character development, while maintaining a strong visual appeal, is commendable. The decision to prioritize style over practicality in certain sequences, such as Léon's ability to vanish at will, adds a layer of intrigue to the narrative.
The Fifth Element
The Fifth Element marks another significant highlight in Luc Besson's career. Initially, the premise of this film seemed like a standard action movie to my girlfriend and me, given our shared love for Bruce Willis. However, the film's true potential was revealed upon closer examination. The movie's visual effects, its unique blend of humor and sci-fi, and its numerous references to beloved sci-fi properties like Star Wars make it a standout entry in Besson's filmography.
My personal affection for sci-fi and the comic series Valerian provides a unique perspective on the film. The movie's action sequences and visual effects are reminiscent of the Valerian and Laureline comics, which were the subject of a similarly formatted and visually stunning film adaptation. However, the film's shortcomings lie in certain character arcs and plot elements that felt somewhat underdeveloped.
Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets
Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets, directed by Luc Besson, is an ambitious and visually stunning film. As a long-time fan of the Valerian and Laureline comic books, I was initially very excited to see this adaptation. The film's attention to detail, with characters and elements, like planets and creatures, being faithfully reproduced from the comics, is commendable. However, the film suffers from a lack of consistency in character traits and storylines.
In my mind, Valerian was a name far cooler than Valerian, and the film's attempt to faithfully adapt the comics occasionally fell short. While there are elements of the film that fans of the source material will appreciate, the overall narrative felt somewhat disjointed. Nonetheless, it remains a significant contribution to Besson's filmography and a testament to his love for the genre.
Conclusion: The Fifth Element
While I greatly enjoyed Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets, my personal conditioning and enthusiasm for the original comics weigh heavily in favor of declaring The Fifth Element as my favorite Luc Besson film. Despite its initial low expectations, the film's unique blend of action, humor, and heartfelt moments, along with its visual splendor, make it a standout in Besson's repertoire. It remains a personal favorite, making it the best Besson movie in my opinion.