Luc Besson’s ‘Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets’ Comes to Max

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As a lifelong cinephile who’s had the pleasure of witnessing some truly groundbreaking films, I must say that Luc Besson’s “Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets” stands out as one of the most visually stunning and imaginative works in modern cinema. The film’s sprawling universe, filled with dazzling backdrops, is a feast for the eyes, and the ensemble cast delivers top-notch performances.

However, like any ambitious project, “Valerian” isn’t without its flaws. The narrative can be convoluted at times, and the pacing might leave some viewers feeling a bit overwhelmed. But as someone who appreciates a good rollercoaster ride of a movie, I found the film’s unpredictability to be one of its greatest strengths.

In fact, if you were to ask me to describe “Valerian” in one word, I’d say “unpredictable.” It’s like watching a space opera where nothing is as it seems, and that’s what makes it so exciting!

Now, on a lighter note, I can’t help but chuckle at the irony of a film with such an astronomical budget being considered a box office bomb. I guess when you’re aiming for the stars, even a successful landing might not be enough to avoid the label of a flop!

Renowned for revolutionizing action films with his unique flair, Luc Besson has an impressive portfolio that encompasses movies such as The Fifth Element and Léon: The Professional. This esteemed French director spent the 1990s crafting a reputation through visually stunning, genre-bending films. However, Besson’s ambition took an unexpected trajectory with his 2017 science fiction epic, Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets, which is scheduled to debut on Max on January 17, 2025.

The movie titled “Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets” is an expansive, eccentric journey filled with adventure. It chronicles the escapades of Valerian and Laureline, two soldiers serving in the United Human Federation during the 28th century, who are responsible for preserving order across the human territories. Yet, when peril threatens, Valerian and Laureline find themselves in a desperate race against time to save the City of a Thousand Planets and secure the future of the universe.

As a movie critic, I found myself utterly captivated by Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets. This sci-fi masterpiece weaves an intricately designed, fantastical cosmos that left me breathless with its stunning vistas. The film’s allure was further amplified by the remarkable ensemble cast, graced by Dane DeHaan and Cara Delevingne as Valeran and Laureline, respectively. Their performances were complemented by veterans like Clive Owen, Rihanna, Ethan Hawke, among others. Since its release, DeHaan has continued to shine in productions such as The Staircase and Oppenheimer, while Cara Delevingne has made her mark on Carnival Row and Only Murders in the Building.

‘Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets’ Is Unpredictable, And That’s Why It Works

Upon hitting theaters, Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets garnered some attention, yet not necessarily the type the director had hoped for. It wasn’t about Besson’s daring vision or the film’s dreamlike atmosphere, which evoked comparisons to Star Wars, but rather the complex plot and inconsistent pace. The story crams a vast amount of material into its running time, with the action sequences and genre elements extended long enough to remain intense. One notable plotline in the film features Valerian and Laureline navigating a market that spans various dimensions, showcasing Besson’s unique talent for world-building. However, overall, it’s a risky endeavor that aims high but falls just short of achieving its goals.

The movie “Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets” has a 48% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Critics agree that despite some narrative issues, the film’s energetic action sequences and stunning visuals often make up for these flaws, providing an experience that is more enjoyable than problematic. In other words, the movie delivers impressive visuals, but it might be a bit shaky in terms of plot development.

Furthermore, Besson’s ambition for the film “Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets” was unprecedented. He personally funded it, leading to an astounding production cost of approximately $223 million, which made it both the most expensive European film and the most expensive independent film ever produced. Despite this massive investment, the space opera only grossed $225 million globally, being labeled a box office failure. Nevertheless, its impact and the discussions it sparked underscore Besson’s bold, innovative approach to directing.

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2024-12-29 03:07