The films of Luc Besson: Master of spectacle

by Phil Powrie (Editor), Susan Hayward (Editor)

This fascinating collection looks at the career and films of Luc Besson, one of the most acclaimed figures in international cinema. Contributions have been assembled from all over the world, and their different approaches reflect this geographical diversity. Films covered range from Besson’s first feature, La Dernier Combat, to the international blockbusters The Fifth Element and Joan of Arc. The essays range from looking at costume design to musical scores, and the final chapter offers a transcript of a previously unpublished interview with the man himself.

He is the only French director to have crossed over successfully during the 1990s into the blockbuster spectacular we associate with Hollywood cinema and yet this is only the second book in English on this major international director. The films of Luc Besson will make fascinating reading for anyone interested in the career and films of the ‘master of spectacle’.

Genres: Nonfiction

208 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1998

Reviews

[Jude Lawson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good read

[Sam · Rating 4 out of 5]

This essay collection might be for you if Luc Besson’s first seven films are still fresh in your mind. I particularly enjoyed the one explaining how even his vibey, slow-burn films were seen as wildly excessive and Americanized by the French establishment of the 80’s, a comically bad take about how a silent, B&W movie was bankrupting French film culture.

[Gita Madhu · Rating 2 out of 5]

Extremely pedantic and pretentious considering who it is about.