This summer, Luc Besson returns to blockbuster sci-fi with “Valerian And The City Of A Thousand Planets.” The film brings with it a pretty impressive cast with Dane DeHaan, Cara Delevingne, Rihanna, Clive Owen, Ethan Hawke, and more, but many might be asking how the director could possibly top the wonderfully, over-the-top delight of “The Fifth Element.” Well, according to DeHaan, ‘Valerian’ takes Besson’s aesthetic to the next level.
“I think stylistically it’s the same, but bigger and grander. I think Luc would have made Valerian if he could have when he made ‘The Fifth Element.’ He just didn’t have the special effects to be able to pull it off. This is the movie he wanted to make his whole life,” the actor told ScreenCrush. That’s a high bar, indeed. Here’s the official synopsis:
Rooted in the classic graphic novel series, Valerian and Laureline- visionary writer/director Luc Besson advances this iconic source material into a contemporary, unique and epic science fiction saga.
Valerian (Dane DeHaan) and Laureline (Cara Delevingne) are special operatives for the government of the human territories charged with maintaining order throughout the universe. Valerian has more in mind than a professional relationship with his partner- blatantly chasing after her with propositions of romance. But his extensive history with women, and her traditional values, drive Laureline to continuously rebuff him.
Under directive from their Commander (Clive Owen), Valerian and Laureline embark on a mission to the breathtaking intergalactic city of Alpha, an ever-expanding metropolis comprised of thousands of different species from all four corners of the universe. Alpha’s seventeen million inhabitants have converged over time- uniting their talents, technology and resources for the betterment of all. Unfortunately, not everyone on Alpha shares in these same objectives; in fact, unseen forces are at work, placing our race in great danger.
“Valerian And The City Of A Thousand Planets” opens on July 21st.
