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The Fifth Element

Presented by The Colonial Theatre at The Colonial Theatre

February 4, 2011

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New York cab driver Korben Dallas (Bruce Willis) didn't mean to be a hero. But he just picked up the kind of fare that only comes along every five thousand years - a perfect beauty, a perfect being, a perfect weapon. Now, together, they must save the world. (Columbia TriStar)

“Besson’s film is a pretty straightforward affair, and once you cut through the glitz there’s barely a skeleton of a plot, but that rarely detracts from what is essentially a gorgeous, electrifying visual smorgasbord. The Fifth Element actually feels like it was scripted by a daydreaming teenager, but in a good way; that is to say, there’s a certain “gosh, wow” sense of wonder to the whole thing that echoes the completely unique universes of George Lucas and company. Besson completely immerses the audience in a crowded, murky future in which mankind has mastered the art of instant cloning and spread itself outward into the galaxy. Granted, much of this is a tip of the hat to Blade Runner, I think, especially in the New York City scenes where thousands of flying cars jam the colossal skyline and a thick patina of grime hangs over every shot and creates a funereal pallor. Even those who detest science fiction will have to applaud Jean-Paul Gaultier’s striking costume design and Dan Weil’s brilliant production design. However, it’s Besson’s brilliant editing and sly sense of humor that keep the two hour-plus film from bogging down; despite its grim storyline, The Fifth Element never takes itself too seriously.” (Marc Savlov, The Austin Chronicle)

Luc Besson. France. 1997. PG-13. 126 min.