Visionary Filmmaker Luc Besson has long been thrilling moviegoers with a breathtaking catalog of work. Whether it be Léon the Professional, The Fifth Element, Nikita, The Messenger: The Story of Joan of Arc or more recently Lucy, his Films have mesmerized a generation and raised the bar of innovation for his peers. While often wearing Writer, Producer and Director’s hats simultaneously, he also was responsible as Writer and Producer several smash success including the Taxi, Taken and The Transporter franchises. The personable and private (he doesn’t like being photographed) Co-Founder of massively successful EuropaCorp has gifted us with Films which at once are high art as they are commercial, resonating in a big way with film lovers worldwide.
We had the pleasure of journeying for the first time ever to Montreal where Besson met Canadian Press in support of his latest Action-Fantasy, Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets. The Film starring Dane DeHaan and Cara Delevingne, is based on the internationally-adored graphic novel series Valérian and Laureline, set for release late July. The Film sees its two leads sent on a mission to Alpha where a dark force threatens a peaceful existence, tasked with protecting the future of the universe.
What are your earliest recollections of Valérian and Laureline and at what point did you decide to adapt it for the big screen?
Besson: “Actually, very late. I was a big fan of the comics since I was 10-years-old. It was a like a little treasure I kept inside me and I never thought about making a Film about it.”.
“Jean-Caude Mezieres (one of the creators of Valérian and Laureline) was working of The Fifth Element 20 years ago abd at one point he asked ‘Why are you doing this stupid 5th Element thing?’.”. “I read the comic again and it wasn’t possible with technology then with four characters and 2,000 aliens.”.
“We needed for Avatar to come along. Avatar was an open tool box. Cameron (James) made it all possible.”.
You’ve previously paired with the artistic greats like Moebius on The Fifth Element. Describe the importance of celebrating French artistry here too in adapting the graphic novels on which Valerian is based upon, to a worldwide audience.
Besson: “There is no nationality with art. No one asks you for a passport for your drawing.”.
“First is the story. What do you want to say to people? When this is done – and I spent a lot of time working on this – then I think what clothes I am gonna put on the script.”.
“For Valerian, I contacted artists around world and wound-up with a team 10 to 12 guys over three years from China, Brazil, American, France. They bring their own sensitivites and drew almost 6,00 drawings. I love tons of ideas coming.”. He adds, “There are over 2,000 costumes in Valerian.”.
“Storytelling is the main stone and I love to spend many, many months making it look better.”.
You have a great eye for talent. Describe for what went behind the inspired casting choices behind Valerian.
Besson: “I’m not sensitive to the marketing point of view. I try to take best actor for the part. If they’re well known and popular, great. If not, I still take it.”.
On stars Dane DeHaan and Cara Delevingne, he says. “They’re only 25, so fresh and so young. It reminds me of when I was 16-years-old watching Star Wars and seeing Luke Skywalker and Han Solo. We didn’t know who these guys were.”.
Watch our Chat:
eOne Films release Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets Friday, July 21, 2017.
(Photo/video credit: eOne Films/Mr. Will Wong)
eOne Films x Mr. Will want to take Readers to an Advance Screening of Luc Besson’s VALERIAN AND THE CITY OF A THOUSAND PLANETS! 3D Screenings take place as follows:
Toronto
Wed July 19
Yonge & Dundas
7:00 PM
Vancouver
Wed July 19
Scotiabank Vancouver
7:00 PM
Winnipeg
Wed July 19
Scotiabank Winnipeg
7:30 PM
Edmonton
Wed July 19
Scotiabank Edmonton
7:00 PM
Calgary
Wed July 19
Chinook
7:00 PM
Ottawa
Wed July 19
Scotiabank Ottawa
7:30 PM
Halifax
Wed July 19
Scotiabank Halifax
7:00 PM
Victoria
Wed July 19
Silvercity Victoria
7:00 PM
Synopsis:
VALERIAN AND THE CITY OF A THOUSAND PLANETS is the visually spectacular new adventure film from Luc Besson, the legendary director of The Professional, The Fifth Element and Lucy, based on the ground-breaking comic book series which inspired a generation of artists, writers and filmmakers. In the 28th century, Valerian (Dane DeHaan) and Laureline (Cara Delevingne) are a team of special operatives charged with maintaining order throughout the human territories. Under assignment from the Minister of Defense, the two embark on a mission to the astonishing city of Alpha-an ever-expanding metropolis where species from all over the universe have converged over centuries to share knowledge, intelligence and cultures with each other. There is a mystery at the center of Alpha, a dark force which threatens the peaceful existence of the City of a Thousand Planets, and Valerian and Laureline must race to identify the marauding menace and safeguard not just Alpha, but the future of the universe.
Cast: Cara Delevingne, Dane Dehaan, Clive Owen, Rihanna, Ethan Hawke, John Goodman ,Herbie Hancock, Kris Wu and Rutger Hauer.
See the Trailer:
Artwork:
To enter to win, click “like” on this Post at MR. WILL ON FACEBOOK and indicate your City. Re-Tweet this Tweet on Twitter: @mrwillw for an extra chance!
Bon chance.
Stay tuned for our chat with Besson on his exciting new Film soon!
eOne Films release VALERIAN AND THE CITY OF A THOUSAND PLANETS Friday, July 21, 2017.
(Photo/video credit: eOne Films)
Fresh off her appearance at CinemaCon this week, Supermodel/Actress Cara Delevingne soon will be seen in the exciting VALERIAN AND THE CITY OF A THOUSAND PLANETS, which stars Dane DeHaan in the titular role. The new Trailer for the summer release has just been released!
Synopsis:
VALERIAN AND THE CITY OF A THOUSAND PLANETS is the visually spectacular new adventure film from Luc Besson, the legendary director of The Professional, The Fifth Element and Lucy, based on the ground-breaking comic book series which inspired a generation of artists, writers and filmmakers.
In the 28th century, Valerian (Dane DeHaan) and Laureline (Cara Delevingne) are a team of special operatives charged with maintaining order throughout the human territories. Under assignment from the Minister of Defense, the two embark on a mission to the astonishing city of Alpha—an ever-expanding metropolis where species from all over the universe have converged over centuries to share knowledge, intelligence and cultures with each other. There is a mystery at the center of Alpha, a dark force which threatens the peaceful existence of the City of a Thousand Planets, and Valerian and Laureline must race to identify the marauding menace and safeguard not just Alpha, but the future of the universe.
See the Trailer:
eOne Films release VALERIAN AND THR CITY OF A THOUSAND PLANETS Friday, July 21, 2017.
(Photo/video credit: eOne Films)
When the Trailer first surfaced for LUCY earlier this year, I’m sure many of us can agree that we absolutely had to see it right away. Starring Megastar Scarlett Johansson and directed by acclaimed Filmmaker Luc Besson, the Film soon will be hitting theatres and we expect Box Office Madness!
Official Synopsis:
From La Femme Nikita and The Professional to The Fifth Element, Writer/Director Luc Besson has created some of the toughest, most memorable Female Action Heroes in cinematic history. Now, Besson directs Scarlett Johansson in LUCY, an Action-Thriller that tracks a Woman accidentally caught in a dark deal who turns the tables on her captors and transforms into a merciless warrior evolved beyond human logic.
LUCY also stars Academy Award® Winner Morgan Freeman.
Mr. Will and Universal Pictures Canada want to take Readers across Canada to an Advance Screening on #LUCYMOVIE! Screenings are available in Toronto, Montreal,Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton, Ottawa and Winnipeg on Wednesday, July 23, 2014.
Details are as follows:
Toronto – SilverCity Yonge & Eglinton
Montreal – Cineplex Forum
Vancouver – Cineplex International Village
Calgary – Landmark Shawnessy
Edmonton – Scotiabank West Edmonton Mall
Ottawa – Coliseum
Winnipeg – Landmark Grant Park
To enter to win, simply click “like” on this Post at Mr. Will Wong on Facebook. There on this Post, tell me who your favourite female Action Hero is! Share this Post with your Friends on Facebook or Re-Tweet the below to increase your odds of winning!
http://www.mrwillwong.com/lucymovie @MRWILLW wants us to #win passes across Canada to see #LUCYMOVIE. In theatres 7/25!
Good luck, Wongsters!
Watch the official Canadian Trailer:
Official Canadian Artwork:
Universal Pictures Canada release LUCY on Friday, July 25, 2014.
(Photo/video credit: Universal Pictures Canada)
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