The Fifth Element, 1997
Hello and welcome to another all new, exciting edition of Saturday Night Movie Sleepovers! This go around Dion Baia and J. Blake are celebrating the 20th anniversary of a Sci-Fi film that is held in a very high regard by many and conversely disliked by many others- so much so that upon it’s release it was hailed as both the best and worst summer blockbuster of all time! Wow, how polarizing! But the fellas are talking a SNMS audience favorite this week with Luc Besson‘s iconic film The Fifth Element, from 1997.
After briefly chatting about epic hair pieces and martial-art movies, Blake and Dion get down to business and reminisce about the summer of 1997 when this film was released and all the other movies they remember that were out that season. The boys both relate their experiences of seeing The Fifth Element in the theater, and discuss director Luc Besson‘s catalog, particularly his 2008 classic Taken, and their mutual love for the director’s film prior to this one, Léon: The Professional. They go into the background in the creation of Fifth Element‘s story, and the journey Besson went on getting this to the screen. They look at the gorgeous futuristic world that was created by French artists Jean-Claude Mézières and Jean (Moebius) Giraud, and the subsequential lawsuit that was filed against Besson after the film’s release. Dion and Blake gush over their mutual love for Bruce Willis and Gary Oldman, and attempt to contrast this movie against other futuristic, Future Noir, Sci-Fi properties that are comparable to this one. They speculate on Chris Tucker‘s potential real-life influences on his Ruby Rhod character, and also note Besson‘s reoccuring theme of older men helping younger women (or even young girls as in The Professional ) and how it oddly, in his case, mimics the director’s real life to an extent. So does the pairing of CGI, miniature and Practical Effects hold up, and because of their pairing, actually help the longevity? Why is this film so darn polarizing to fans and critics to begin with? And did John Carpenter actually successfully sue Luc Besson? Well grab your Multi Passes, your Zorg Industries ZF-1 Pod Weapons Systems, and make sure you’re blocking any incoming calls from Mr. Shadow, because we’re all going to the 23rd Century this week and an all new episode of Saturday Night Movie Sleepovers!
Extras!
Here’s China Pop Diva Jane Chang doing the impossible, singing live the Diva Dance.
Take a look at Milla Jovovich’s screen test for The Fifth Element.
Have a gander at Milla Jovovich’s costume tests for Leeloo.
Check out Milla Jovovich talking about being 19 and being cast in The Fifth Element.
Take a look at Chris Tucker talking about playing Ruby Rhod.
Here’s some great behind the scenes footage of The Fifth Element.
Have a look at the official 1997 Cannes Press Conference with the cast and crew.
Now take a look at the MTV hosted Cannes Afterparty for The Fifth Element.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | RSS
HELL YES! I’ve been saving this episode because I’ve been sick this past weekend and I knew I’d have a ton of work to do today.
I love this movie. I saw it on Halloween in 1997 when my parents had me and my sisters stay home (long story short, bad neighborhood situation) and rented a bunch of movies for us to watch. I knew nothing about the movie, so I went in as cold as possible. They had me from the opening scene in Egypt. I was blown away with how everything looked, the music and I think this was the first time I was ever amused by the villain. Gary Oldman had some of the best lines. Plus, it’s Bruce Willis. The man is my favorite actor so this was great.
I’m sure I’ll have more to say when I finish the episode but yea, VERY excited you guys are doing this one.
Glad you liked our choice Jose. Hope you feel better, and also enjoy what we have to say about this flick. Stay awesome our friend.
Great episode, guys! I’m shocked Gary Oldman doesn’t like this performance. I thought he was great! I didn’t realize until much later that Zorg owned the cab company Corbin works for. His assistant even mentions laying off one of the cab companies.
I know the voices of Finger and Corbin’s mom have been this huge debate online. The guy sounds like Vin Diesel but they also say it could be Bookem Woodbine. It’s never been confirmed or denied.
I’d love to see another movie in this universe. It doesn’t have to be a straight up sequel (because honestly, how can you continue it?) but it’s such a visually interesting world that I’d love to see more stories in there.
Thanks Jose! Glad you liked it. It sounds like someone is eventually gonna have to ask Vin in an interview! Ha. But thank you as always, for you’re continued support and patronage. You are the man. Take care and talk soon.