The Fifth Element (1997) & Valerian (2017): Luc Besson’s Visual Spectacles | EP18

The space opera genre has often been dominated by American blockbusters like Star Wars, but some of the most visually imaginative entries have come from European filmmakers. Few directors have embraced the extravagant possibilities of cosmic storytelling quite like Luc Besson.

In this episode of Journey Through Sci-Fi, we explore two ambitious space-opera films from Besson’s career: the cult classic The Fifth Element (1997) and the visually spectacular Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets (2017).

Both films showcase Besson’s distinctive style — combining elaborate alien worlds, flamboyant production design and high-energy adventure — while pushing the boundaries of what space opera can look like on screen.

We're joined by the sensational film critic, writer, and podcaster, Anna Bogutskaya. Together, we're delving into the wild world of Luc Besson's space opera adventures, The Fifth Element (1997) and Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets (2017).

From Besson's (sometimes peculiar) casting choices to the eternal battle between practical effects and CGI, we dissect what works and what doesn't in these two space operas.

Oh! And brace yourselves for another round of blue aliens, this time with some unexpected stage talents.

Discussion Points from the Episode

In this episode of Journey Through Sci-Fi, we explore:

• how Luc Besson brought a uniquely European aesthetic to the space opera genre

• the comic-book influences behind The Fifth Element and Valerian

• why The Fifth Element became a cult classic of 1990s science fiction

• the ambitions and challenges behind the production of Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets

The Fifth Element (1997)

Director: Luc Besson

Writers: Luc Besson & Robert Mark Kamen

Producer: Patrice Ledoux

Starring: Bruce Willis, Milla Jovovich, Gary Oldman, Ian Holm, Chris Tucker

Release Year: 1997

The Fifth Element is a French science-fiction action film set in the 23rd century, where Earth faces destruction from a mysterious cosmic evil that returns every 5,000 years.

The story follows Korben Dallas, a former soldier turned taxi driver who becomes unexpectedly responsible for protecting Leeloo, a mysterious woman who may hold the key to saving humanity.

The film became famous for its vibrant visual style, elaborate futuristic costumes designed by Jean-Paul Gaultier, and its unusual mix of comedy, action and science fiction.

Produced with a budget of about $90 million, the film was one of the most expensive European productions ever made at the time and ultimately grossed more than $263 million worldwide, becoming a major international success.

Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets (2017)

Director: Luc Besson

Writer: Luc Besson

Based on the comic series: Valérian and Laureline by Pierre Christin & Jean-Claude Mézières

Starring: Dane DeHaan, Cara Delevingne, Clive Owen, Rihanna

Release Year: 2017

Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets is an ambitious space-opera adventure based on the long-running French science-fiction comic series Valérian and Laureline.

The film follows Valerian and Laureline, two special operatives tasked with maintaining peace across the galaxy. Their mission leads them to Alpha, a vast space station inhabited by thousands of alien species from across the universe.

With a production budget estimated at around $180 million, the film became the most expensive independent and European film ever made at the time of its release.

French Comics and the Influence on Sci-Fi Cinema

Both The Fifth Element and Valerian were heavily influenced by French science-fiction comics from the 1960s and 1970s.

Artists such as Jean-Claude Mézières helped shape the visual language of European science fiction, inspiring the futuristic cityscapes, strange alien species and bold designs seen in Besson’s films.

These influences helped give Besson’s space operas a distinctive look compared to Hollywood sci-fi.

Listen to the Episode

Listen to Space Opera E18: The Fifth Element (1997) & Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets (2017) wherever you get your podcasts.

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Or explore the full Journey Through Sci-Fi Space Opera series to follow the evolution of cosmic adventure across the history of science-fiction cinema.