Other people’s childhood adventure stories are rarely that impressive when you discover them as an adult. That doesn’t mean they’re bad — or any more so than your childhood adventure stories — it just means that you should have read them at the right time, when you were ten or so and ready for anything.
I was forty-eight when I first read the adventures of Valerian and Laureline. It was just the other week, in Valerian: The Complete Collection, Vol. 1 . That is much older than it should be, but I could argue that I’m not French, which made it hard to come across these books at the proper time. In any case, I read them now. So what?
Complete Collection Vol. 1 brings together the first three adventures of our space-and-time-hopping duo, written by Pierre Christin and drawn by Jean-Claude Mezieres. This particular volume looks to be a slightly...
I was forty-eight when I first read the adventures of Valerian and Laureline. It was just the other week, in Valerian: The Complete Collection, Vol. 1 . That is much older than it should be, but I could argue that I’m not French, which made it hard to come across these books at the proper time. In any case, I read them now. So what?
Complete Collection Vol. 1 brings together the first three adventures of our space-and-time-hopping duo, written by Pierre Christin and drawn by Jean-Claude Mezieres. This particular volume looks to be a slightly...
- 4/21/2018
- by Andrew Wheeler
- Comicmix.com
The making of Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets was a long journey for writer and director Luc Besson, who started reading the work of comic book writer Pierre Christin and artist Jean-Claude Mézières when he was 10 years old. He brought the comic and its two galaxy-saving agents, Valerian (Dane DeHaan) and Laureline (Cara Delevingne), to […]
The post ‘Valerian’ Director Luc Besson on Why You Should Watch His Movie Twice [Interview] appeared first on /Film.
The post ‘Valerian’ Director Luc Besson on Why You Should Watch His Movie Twice [Interview] appeared first on /Film.
- 12/12/2017
- by Jack Giroux
- Slash Film
Here’s some good news for all of you sci-fi or Luc Besson fans: we have All the details on the in-home release of Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets! And it sounds like it will be loaded with bonus features.
Santa Monica, CA (September 13, 2017) – Packed with out-of-this-world action unlike anything you’ve ever seen, Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets heads to 4K Ultra HD Combo Pack (plus Blu-ray and Digital HD), Blu-ray Combo Pack (plus DVD and Digital HD), and DVD November 21 from Lionsgate; and on Digital HD November 7 and On Demand November 21. Based on the best-selling French comic series “Valérian and Laureline” by Pierre Christin and Jean-Claude Mézières, published by Dargaud – visionary writer/director Luc Besson (The Fifth Element, Lucy) advances this iconic source material into a contemporary, unique and epic science fiction saga produced by Virginie Besson-Silla. Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets...
Santa Monica, CA (September 13, 2017) – Packed with out-of-this-world action unlike anything you’ve ever seen, Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets heads to 4K Ultra HD Combo Pack (plus Blu-ray and Digital HD), Blu-ray Combo Pack (plus DVD and Digital HD), and DVD November 21 from Lionsgate; and on Digital HD November 7 and On Demand November 21. Based on the best-selling French comic series “Valérian and Laureline” by Pierre Christin and Jean-Claude Mézières, published by Dargaud – visionary writer/director Luc Besson (The Fifth Element, Lucy) advances this iconic source material into a contemporary, unique and epic science fiction saga produced by Virginie Besson-Silla. Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets...
- 9/16/2017
- by Chris Salce
- Age of the Nerd
Santa Monica, CA (September 13, 2017) – Packed with out-of-this-world action unlike anything you’ve ever seen, Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets heads to 4K Ultra HD Combo Pack (plus Blu-ray and Digital HD), Blu-ray Combo Pack (plus DVD and Digital HD), and DVD November 21 from Lionsgate; and on Digital HD November 7 and On Demand November 21. Based on the best-selling French comic series Valérian and Laureline by Pierre Christin and Jean-Claude Mézières, published by Dargaud – visionary writer/director Luc Besson (The Fifth Element, Lucy) advances this iconic source material into a contemporary, unique and epic science fiction saga produced by Virginie Besson-Silla. Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets stars Dane DeHaan (The Amazing Spider-Man 2), Cara Delevingne (Suicide Squad), Golden Globe® nominee Clive Owen (Children of Men), Academy Award® nominee Ethan Hawke (Best Supporting Actor, Boyhood, 2014), Golden Globe® & Emmy® winner John Goodman (voice) (“Rosanne”) with 7-time Grammy Award® winner Rihanna,...
- 9/13/2017
- by ComicMix Staff
- Comicmix.com
Author: Jon Lyus
It is one of the year’s most eagerly-awaited movies. Touted as a visually outrageous return to sci-fi for Fifth Element director Luc Besson, Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets is a feast for the senses.
Bringing to life the astounding world created by Pierre Christin and illustrator Jean-Claude Mézières in their comic book series Valérian and Laureline is no easy feat. The sheer number of CG shots and the variety of aliens proved to be a draw for Besson, and we’re proud to present an extended interview with the director below.
Interviewer Hayley Donaghy also sat down with co-stars Dane DeHaan and Cara Delevingne, (joined in the film by the likes of Rihanna, John Goodman and Ethan Hawke) to talk about their time on the production, and what it was like working on set with Besson.
Let’s begin with that interview,
Luc Besson...
It is one of the year’s most eagerly-awaited movies. Touted as a visually outrageous return to sci-fi for Fifth Element director Luc Besson, Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets is a feast for the senses.
Bringing to life the astounding world created by Pierre Christin and illustrator Jean-Claude Mézières in their comic book series Valérian and Laureline is no easy feat. The sheer number of CG shots and the variety of aliens proved to be a draw for Besson, and we’re proud to present an extended interview with the director below.
Interviewer Hayley Donaghy also sat down with co-stars Dane DeHaan and Cara Delevingne, (joined in the film by the likes of Rihanna, John Goodman and Ethan Hawke) to talk about their time on the production, and what it was like working on set with Besson.
Let’s begin with that interview,
Luc Besson...
- 8/3/2017
- by Jon Lyus
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
Author: Stefan Pape
It’s hard not to be in awe of the ambition of Luc Besson’s Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets. Adapted from the Pierre Christin and Jean-Claude Méziéres comic book, it’s a monumental undertaking left in the hands, it seems, of the right visionary. And yet while wonderstruck by the scope of the endeavour, we’re left confounded and underwhelmed by the execution.
Set in the 28th century – we visit Alpha, a metropolis which homes species from a thousand different planets, all living together in unity. Valerian (Dane DeHaan) and Laureline (Cara Delevingne) are special operatives – and romantic idealists – who find themselves at this peaceful city to help combat the dark forces that threaten to tear apart this multicultural environment.
That, believe me, is about as stripped down a narrative description as one could possibly come up with – for this Besson production represents a somewhat complex,...
It’s hard not to be in awe of the ambition of Luc Besson’s Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets. Adapted from the Pierre Christin and Jean-Claude Méziéres comic book, it’s a monumental undertaking left in the hands, it seems, of the right visionary. And yet while wonderstruck by the scope of the endeavour, we’re left confounded and underwhelmed by the execution.
Set in the 28th century – we visit Alpha, a metropolis which homes species from a thousand different planets, all living together in unity. Valerian (Dane DeHaan) and Laureline (Cara Delevingne) are special operatives – and romantic idealists – who find themselves at this peaceful city to help combat the dark forces that threaten to tear apart this multicultural environment.
That, believe me, is about as stripped down a narrative description as one could possibly come up with – for this Besson production represents a somewhat complex,...
- 8/1/2017
- by Stefan Pape
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
Luc Besson was born to make “Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets.” Based on the influential French comics series “Valérian and Laureline” (written by Pierre Christin and illustrated by Jean-Claude Mézières), it’s sci-fi on steroids with a multitude of exotic aliens and baroque environments. Very French and very weird.
But before Besson could tackle his ambitious passion project about a pair of “spatio-temporal agents” (Dane DeHaan and Cara Delevingne) protecting the intergalactic city of Alpha, he first had to make “The Fifth Element.” That was 20 years ago, at the dawn of CG, and his experimental tune-up for “Valerian” became a cult classic.
Bruce Willis played a flying taxi driver in futuristic New York who goes on a wild adventure with the orange-haired, humanoid savior of the universe (Milla Jovovich). Besson even hired Mézières as an uncredited designer because it was easier than just ripping off his comic series.
But before Besson could tackle his ambitious passion project about a pair of “spatio-temporal agents” (Dane DeHaan and Cara Delevingne) protecting the intergalactic city of Alpha, he first had to make “The Fifth Element.” That was 20 years ago, at the dawn of CG, and his experimental tune-up for “Valerian” became a cult classic.
Bruce Willis played a flying taxi driver in futuristic New York who goes on a wild adventure with the orange-haired, humanoid savior of the universe (Milla Jovovich). Besson even hired Mézières as an uncredited designer because it was easier than just ripping off his comic series.
- 7/24/2017
- by Bill Desowitz
- Indiewire
Written and directed by Luc Besson (of Léon: The Professional, La Femme Nikita, and Lucy), Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets is based on the Valérian and Laureline graphic novel series by writer Pierre Christin and artist Jean-Claude Mézières. First published in 1967 in the French comics magazine, Pilote, the seminal science fiction series paved the way for Heavy Metal, and informed George Lucas' Star Wars and Besson's 1997 film, The Fifth Element, for which Mézières contributed concept art. The live-action adaptation, independently crowd-sourced and personally funded by Besson, is supposedly now the most expensive independent film ever made, but does it live up to its influential source material? Set in the year 2740, Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets follows Major Valerian (Dane DeHaan, A Cure for Wellness) and Sergeant Laureline (Cara Delevingne, Suicide Squad), special operatives tasked with upholding the law throughout the human territories. Under...
- 7/21/2017
- by Adam Frazier
- firstshowing.net
When filmmaker Luc Besson was 10 years old, he was reading the comic book he’d adapt into a massive feature film 48 years later. Based on Pierre Christin and artist Jean-Claude Mézières‘ “Ambassador of Shadows,” published in 1975, Besson has brought their colorful, wacky world to to the big screen with his personal touch on every frame. […]
The post Director Luc Besson On Putting ‘Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets’ Together Piece by Piece [Interview] appeared first on /Film.
The post Director Luc Besson On Putting ‘Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets’ Together Piece by Piece [Interview] appeared first on /Film.
- 7/21/2017
- by Jack Giroux
- Slash Film
The much-anticipated epic space adventure Valerian: City of Alpha is now live on iOS and Google Play. And thanks to our friends at Stx Films, we have one of their limited edition mouse pads to give away.
It is the official mobile game of Luc Besson’s upcoming sci-fi movie Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets starring Dane DeHaan and Cara Delevingne. The legendary director is famous for creating sci-fi blockbusters including The Fifth Element and Lucy.
All you have to do is tell us what most excites you about the game and why. We want your responses no later than 11:59 p.m., Friday, July 28. This contest is open to readers only in North America. The decision of ComicMix‘s judges will be final.
The film has been described as visually spectacular and the mobile game creates an engaging experience that will draw players into the Valerian universe.
It is the official mobile game of Luc Besson’s upcoming sci-fi movie Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets starring Dane DeHaan and Cara Delevingne. The legendary director is famous for creating sci-fi blockbusters including The Fifth Element and Lucy.
All you have to do is tell us what most excites you about the game and why. We want your responses no later than 11:59 p.m., Friday, July 28. This contest is open to readers only in North America. The decision of ComicMix‘s judges will be final.
The film has been described as visually spectacular and the mobile game creates an engaging experience that will draw players into the Valerian universe.
- 7/21/2017
- by ComicMix Staff
- Comicmix.com
Saturday a.m. Update: With an estimated $19.8 million, Christopher Nolan's Dunkirk is heading toward an opening weekend right around $50 million to $52 million. It's a great start for the WWII feature, especially given the holds Nolan's films have shown in recent history as well as the critical response and now the "A-" CinemaScore from opening day audiences, a notch above the "B+" audiences gave Interstellar. Additionally, Dunkirk has now been released in 46 international markets where it has so far grossed $21.2 million after releasing earlier this week in a handful of territories. We'll have more on the overall international performance with tomorrow morning's report. In second is Universal's release of Girls Trip, which is scorching the weekend, delivering an estimated $11.68 million on Friday, heading toward a $29+ million opening. The film should also show long legs looking ahead after receiving a rare "A+" CinemaScore from opening day audiences. Finally, Stx's release of EuropaCorp's...
- 7/20/2017
- by Brad Brevet <mail@boxofficemojo.com>
- Box Office Mojo
Confession: There are times when I've been loyally in Luc Besson's corner – the visual splendor of Subway (1985), The Big Blue (1988) and La Femme Nikita (1990) established him as a master of what the French call Cinéma du Look. And 1994's The Professional – with Jean Reno teaching the assassin's game to a very young Natalie Portman – went deeper, blending style with a nurturing sense of humanity. Plus, there's a lot to be said in favor of both his sci-fi extravaganza The Fifth Element (1997) and last year's next-level ScarJo-evolution whatsit Lucy.
- 7/19/2017
- Rollingstone.com
Valerian: The City of a Thousand Planets’ Cara Delevingne on getting the part of a lifetimeValerian: The City of a Thousand Planets’ Cara Delevingne on getting the part of a lifetimeMarni Weisz - Editor, Cineplex Magazine7/19/2017 10:00:00 Am
Cara Delevingne acted like a real animal to get the role of interplanetary special-ops agent Laureline in Luc Besson’s eye-candy spectacular Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets.
If you’re expecting a story about a spoiled model-turned-actor throwing a tantrum to get a super-fun part in one of the summer’s biggest sci-fi films, you’re going to be disappointed. But the real story’s pretty good too.
It’s about Delevingne’s unconventional audition with the visionary French director Besson (Leon: The Professional, The Fifth Element), who was finally set to make a big-screen version of his favourite childhood comic book, Valérian and Laureline, by French writer Pierre Christin.
Cara Delevingne acted like a real animal to get the role of interplanetary special-ops agent Laureline in Luc Besson’s eye-candy spectacular Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets.
If you’re expecting a story about a spoiled model-turned-actor throwing a tantrum to get a super-fun part in one of the summer’s biggest sci-fi films, you’re going to be disappointed. But the real story’s pretty good too.
It’s about Delevingne’s unconventional audition with the visionary French director Besson (Leon: The Professional, The Fifth Element), who was finally set to make a big-screen version of his favourite childhood comic book, Valérian and Laureline, by French writer Pierre Christin.
- 7/19/2017
- by Marni Weisz - Editor, Cineplex Magazine
- Cineplex
It’s unfortunate that Luc Besson’s latest multi-million dollar action spectacle is called “Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets,” because the film is as much about its male hero (the eponymous Valerian, played by Dane DeHaan) as it is about his female partner, Laureline (Cara Delevingne). A long-time passion project of the filmmaker, Besson’s newest feature is based on the French sci-fi comics series “Valérian and Laureline,” written by Pierre Christin and illustrated by Jean-Claude Mézières, a childhood favorite of Besson. Like the series that inspired it, the film follows a pair of “spatio-temporal agents” who are charged with keeping the peace across the universe.
Valerian may get title billing, but both DeHaan and Delevingne’s characters exist on very equal footing. Most of the time, it’s actually Laureline who saves the day when the notoriously hot-headed Valerian goes off the rails and biffs yet another important mission.
Valerian may get title billing, but both DeHaan and Delevingne’s characters exist on very equal footing. Most of the time, it’s actually Laureline who saves the day when the notoriously hot-headed Valerian goes off the rails and biffs yet another important mission.
- 7/18/2017
- by Kate Erbland
- Indiewire
Like any director about to release a massive summer blockbuster, French filmmaker Luc Besson is anxious about how his $180 million dollar sci-fi adventure will be received.
“I can feel the resistance when it comes to the American audience,” said Besson. “I can feel it, I’m not blind. ‘Oh, that’s not a Marvel? Oh, she’s not totally an actress yet? [Star Cara Delevingne was a successful fashion model.] What is Rihanna doing there and who’s this weirdo French guy?’ I can feel all that.”
Read More: ‘Valerian’: How Luc Besson Made a $180 Million Indie That Can’t Fail
From the start, Besson knew his vision for adapting Pierre Christin’s 1967 comic series “Valérian and Laureline” did not fit Hollywood’s tentpole model, which is why his EuropaCorp raised the $180 million production budget and partnered with Stx to bypass studios completely.
To some degree, that is the story of Besson’s film career. As either...
“I can feel the resistance when it comes to the American audience,” said Besson. “I can feel it, I’m not blind. ‘Oh, that’s not a Marvel? Oh, she’s not totally an actress yet? [Star Cara Delevingne was a successful fashion model.] What is Rihanna doing there and who’s this weirdo French guy?’ I can feel all that.”
Read More: ‘Valerian’: How Luc Besson Made a $180 Million Indie That Can’t Fail
From the start, Besson knew his vision for adapting Pierre Christin’s 1967 comic series “Valérian and Laureline” did not fit Hollywood’s tentpole model, which is why his EuropaCorp raised the $180 million production budget and partnered with Stx to bypass studios completely.
To some degree, that is the story of Besson’s film career. As either...
- 7/17/2017
- by Chris O'Falt
- Indiewire
Chicago – In the latest HollywoodChicago.com Hookup: Film, we have 60 pairs of advance-screening movie passes up for grabs to the new film “Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets”!
“Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets,” which opens on July 21, 2017 and is rated “PG-13,” stars Dane DeHaan, Cara Delevingne, Clive Owen, Rihanna, Ethan Hawke, John Goodman and Elizabeth Debicki from writer and director Luc Besson based on the comic book by Jean-Claude Mézières and Pierre Christin.
To win your free passes to “Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets” courtesy of HollywoodChicago.com, just get interactive with our social media widget below. That’s it! This screening is on Wednesday, July 19, 2017 at 7 p.m. in downtown Chicago. The more social actions you complete, the more points you score and the higher yours odds of winning! Completing these social actions only increases your odds of winning; this doesn’t intensify your competition!
“Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets,” which opens on July 21, 2017 and is rated “PG-13,” stars Dane DeHaan, Cara Delevingne, Clive Owen, Rihanna, Ethan Hawke, John Goodman and Elizabeth Debicki from writer and director Luc Besson based on the comic book by Jean-Claude Mézières and Pierre Christin.
To win your free passes to “Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets” courtesy of HollywoodChicago.com, just get interactive with our social media widget below. That’s it! This screening is on Wednesday, July 19, 2017 at 7 p.m. in downtown Chicago. The more social actions you complete, the more points you score and the higher yours odds of winning! Completing these social actions only increases your odds of winning; this doesn’t intensify your competition!
- 7/17/2017
- by adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman)
- HollywoodChicago.com
Director Luc Besson has long wanted to make the 1967 French graphic serial Valerian and Laureline into a movie since the 70’s. This was even before Star Wars became such a sensation, and in fact many think the Pierre Christin and Jean-Claude Mezeires creation perhaps inspired that landmark 1977 film. As I say in my video review (click the link above to watch), it certainly inspired Besson, and now — with a reputed budget upward of $200 million — he finally has brought his…...
- 7/15/2017
- Deadline
Whatever one may think of Luc Besson’s futuristic space opera Valerian And The City Of A Thousand Planets, the idea of spending a cool $225 million so that Rihanna can mount a stripper pole and recite some lines from the poet Paul Verlaine’s “A Poor Young Shepherd” to an audience of one (in full high-tech space suit, sans helmet) in an extraterrestrial red light district named after a lesser-known Sylvester Stallone movie with a following among French cinephiles—all while being accompanied on keys by a leather-cowboy-hatted, multi-facial-pierced Ethan Hawke, as a character named Jolly The Pimp—has got to count as some kind of art. Because what’s the point of making stupidly expensive, effects-smothered movies if you can’t do things on a whim?
Valerian, which was adapted by Besson from Pierre Christin and Jean-Claude Mézières’ long-running French sci-fi comics series Valérian And Laureline, is the ...
Valerian, which was adapted by Besson from Pierre Christin and Jean-Claude Mézières’ long-running French sci-fi comics series Valérian And Laureline, is the ...
- 7/14/2017
- by Ignatiy Vishnevetsky
- avclub.com
Twenty years ago, writer/director Luc Besson brought a new sci-fi vision to the big screen, heavily inspired by the work of Pierre Christin and Jean-Claude Mézières... and now he's done it again.
- 7/11/2017
- cinemablend.com
If you liked Star Wars, you'll have some fun in Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets, too. Although by comparing the two -- as inevitable as it is -- I'm already setting you up to be disappointed. Which is unfair, since the first installment of Valérian and Laureline, Pierre Christin's landmark sci-fi comic, was published 10 years prior to George Lucas introducing us to his galaxy far, far away, and still...
The titular City of a Thousand Planets, or Alpha, is pieced together over many decades in a prologue dreamily set to David Bowie's "Space Oddity." The sequence begins with footage from the end of the space race in 1975, onward to 2020, when the U.S. and Russia start a global amalgamation of space stations, and then so on through the years until aliens come in peace in 2150. Alpha is a utopian society founded on values of unity and some seriously fun creature creation.
More:...
The titular City of a Thousand Planets, or Alpha, is pieced together over many decades in a prologue dreamily set to David Bowie's "Space Oddity." The sequence begins with footage from the end of the space race in 1975, onward to 2020, when the U.S. and Russia start a global amalgamation of space stations, and then so on through the years until aliens come in peace in 2150. Alpha is a utopian society founded on values of unity and some seriously fun creature creation.
More:...
- 7/11/2017
- Entertainment Tonight
Imagine if someone projected an entire decade’s worth of sci-fi space epics on the same screen, at the same time. Imagine you were in the audience for that event. Now imagine, for some insane reason, you decided to pre-game for the experience by eating an entire bag full of mushrooms that had been garnished with a fine layer of France’s best crystal meth. That, more or less, is what it feels like to watch Luc Besson’s delirious “Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets,” an independently financed $200 million intergalactic adventure so high on its own supply that it makes makes “Guardians of the Galaxy” look like an Ozu film (and not even one of those later Ozu films that he jazzed up with color).
This is a movie with the density of a dying star, a movie that offers more things to see in every frame...
This is a movie with the density of a dying star, a movie that offers more things to see in every frame...
- 7/10/2017
- by David Ehrlich
- Indiewire
Author: Jon Lyus
We have almost exactly two months until we blast off into psychedelic outer space with Luc Besson’s new film, Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets. If you think the title is mouthful then you haven’t clocked the trailers yet – this is visionary sci-fi on a breathtaking scale. Early indications are that Besson has created something spectacular here, bringing his own propulsive sensibilities to the dizzying world created by Pierre Christin and illustrator Jean-Claude Mézières,
Based on the comic book series Valérian and Laureline, Besson’s new film has Dane DeHaan and Cara Delevingne as time-travelling agents protecting humanity, and very handsome they look too. These new images go behind the scenes, showing off some of the outstanding costume design we’ve come to expect from the director who brought us this…
Ethan Hawke, John Goodman, Rihanna, Clive Owen and the legendary Rutger Hauer complete the cast.
We have almost exactly two months until we blast off into psychedelic outer space with Luc Besson’s new film, Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets. If you think the title is mouthful then you haven’t clocked the trailers yet – this is visionary sci-fi on a breathtaking scale. Early indications are that Besson has created something spectacular here, bringing his own propulsive sensibilities to the dizzying world created by Pierre Christin and illustrator Jean-Claude Mézières,
Based on the comic book series Valérian and Laureline, Besson’s new film has Dane DeHaan and Cara Delevingne as time-travelling agents protecting humanity, and very handsome they look too. These new images go behind the scenes, showing off some of the outstanding costume design we’ve come to expect from the director who brought us this…
Ethan Hawke, John Goodman, Rihanna, Clive Owen and the legendary Rutger Hauer complete the cast.
- 7/5/2017
- by Jon Lyus
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
“Don’t Judge a Book by Its Cover” is a proverb whose simple existence proves the fact impressionable souls will do so without fail. This monthly column focuses on the film industry’s willingness to capitalize on this truth, releasing one-sheets to serve as not representations of what audiences are to expect, but as propaganda to fill seats. Oftentimes they fail miserably.
For being a summer month, July only having two sequels (yes, An Inconvenient Sequel in limited release on the 28th counts) and one reboot is kind of an astonishing realization.
It’s a tough market for originality out there, but maybe we’re turning a corner. A24 is bringing its niche auteurs to wide release, big studios like Warner Bros. are affording A-listers the room for passion projects, and no matter how misguided The Emoji Movie (July 28) seems, the reality of it not having a number after its...
For being a summer month, July only having two sequels (yes, An Inconvenient Sequel in limited release on the 28th counts) and one reboot is kind of an astonishing realization.
It’s a tough market for originality out there, but maybe we’re turning a corner. A24 is bringing its niche auteurs to wide release, big studios like Warner Bros. are affording A-listers the room for passion projects, and no matter how misguided The Emoji Movie (July 28) seems, the reality of it not having a number after its...
- 7/2/2017
- by Jared Mobarak
- The Film Stage
It’s going on three years now since acclaimed French director Luc Besson stepped behind the lens for Lucy – despite its wonky science, the ScarJo thriller still managed to score a very impressive $463 million internationally – and later this year, Besson will stage a suitably huge comeback in the form of his latest effort in the sci-fi genre, Valerian and the City Of a Thousand Planets.
Even if you’re not familiar with Pierre Christin and artist Jean-Claude Mézières’ cult comic series on which the upcoming space opera is based, you’ve no doubt caught wind of the director’s dogged pursuit to launch Valerian onto the silver screen over the years. It’s been a passion project of his for a while now, and as the film’s July release date draws closer, the studio’s doing everything they can to ensure that Valerian manages to find an audience amidst huge blockbusters like Spider-Man: Homecoming.
Even if you’re not familiar with Pierre Christin and artist Jean-Claude Mézières’ cult comic series on which the upcoming space opera is based, you’ve no doubt caught wind of the director’s dogged pursuit to launch Valerian onto the silver screen over the years. It’s been a passion project of his for a while now, and as the film’s July release date draws closer, the studio’s doing everything they can to ensure that Valerian manages to find an audience amidst huge blockbusters like Spider-Man: Homecoming.
- 7/1/2017
- by Matt Joseph
- We Got This Covered
Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets may prove to be a tough sell for audiences unfamiliar with the source material: the French comic book series Valérian and Laureline by writer Pierre Christin and artist Jean-Claude Mézières. However, those eye-popping trailers should grab the attention of regular moviegoers and the involvement of Leon, The Fifth Element, and Lucy […]
The post ‘Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets’ Early Buzz: What Are the Critics Saying About Luc Besson’s Sci-Fi Epic? appeared first on /Film.
The post ‘Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets’ Early Buzz: What Are the Critics Saying About Luc Besson’s Sci-Fi Epic? appeared first on /Film.
- 6/29/2017
- by Jacob Hall
- Slash Film
Blue Underground is resurrecting Amsterdamned on a limited edition Blu-ray / DVD, and we have all the details in today's Horror Highlights, which also includes Comet TV's July giveaway, covers for the new Captain Kronos comic book, and a new featurette for Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets.
Amsterdamned Limited Edition Blu-ray / DVD: Blue Underground will release Amsterdamned on a limited edition Blu-ray / DVD on August 29th.
"Down in the murky depths of Amsterdam’s famous canals lurks a murderous predator. Surfacing at night, he kills at random and disappears without a trace. As the bodies begin to pile up and mass hysteria envelopes the city, Detective Eric Visser is assigned to head the investigation. With only the escalating number of victims to go on, Visser pursues his quarry with a vengeance, unaware that his beautiful new girlfriend may be the mysterious killer’s next victim.
Huub Stapel (The Lift) and Monique van de Ven (Turkish Delight) star in this pulse-pounding thriller written and directed by Dick Maas (Silent Witness), highlighted by an explosive speedboat chase through the city’s narrow canals. Long unavailable on U.S. home video, Blue Underground proudly presents Amsterdamned in a brand-new 2K restoration from the original Dutch negative, approved by Dick Maas!
Extras:
Audio Commentary with Writer/Director Dick Maas and Editor Hans van Dongen The Making of Amsterdamned Tales From The Canal - Interview with Star Huub Stapel Damned Stuntwork – Interview with Stunt Coordinator Dickey Beer Dutch Trailer S. Trailer Loïs Lane Music Video – “Amsterdamned” (Directed by Dick Maas) Poster & Still Gallery Bonus Collectable Booklet with new essay by author Michael Gingold"
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Comet TV July Giveaway: "June is an action packed month over at Comet TV! With so many films you can only see on the Sci-Fi and Horror channel!
But that’s not all, did you know that this July is the 70th anniversary of the famed Roswell UFO crash?
This July 4th beginning at 10Am/9C Aliens Invade! Say wha? Yep, to ring in the 4th, Comet TV is holding an Invasion: Alien Attack Movie Marathon!
There’s Invisible Invaders (1959), The Falling (1987), Strange Invaders (1983) and more!"
Prize Details: (1) Grand Prize Winner will receive (1) prize pack from Comet, including:
(1) Limited Edition custom designed Fidget Spinner (2) Comet TV Popcorn Tubs (1) Comet TV Cylinder Survival Bottle (2) Bags of Popcorn (1) Limited Edition Comet TV Alien Invasion Collector Card
How to Enter: We're giving Daily Dead readers multiple chances to enter and win:
1. Instagram: Following us on Instagram during the contest period will give you an automatic contest entry. Make sure to follow us at:
https://www.instagram.com/dailydead/
2. Email: For a chance to win via email, send an email to contest@dailydead.com with the subject “Comet July Prize Pack Contest”. Be sure to include your name and mailing address.
Entry Details: The contest will end at 12:01am Est on July 6th. This contest is only open to those who are eighteen years of age or older that live in the United States. Only one entry per entry method, per household, will be accepted."
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Captain Kronos Comic Book: "Captain Kronos will be the second Hammer title following the success of Peter Milligan and Ronilson Freire’s The Mummy: Palimpsest which hits bookstores in August.
Written by Dan Abnett (Aquaman, Guardians of the Galaxy) with stunning art by Tom Mandrake (Sidekick, The Spectre) Titan Comics’ new series chronicles the adventures of the mysterious and powerful Kronos who has dedicated his life to destroying the evil vampire plague.
Hammer Comics: Captain Kronos #1
(Part 1 of 4)
Writer: Dan Abnett
Artist: Tom Mandrake
Fc - 32pp - $3.99 - On sale: September 27, 2017
In the depths of Eastern Europe, the legendary vampire hunter, Captain Kronos, and his two assistants, Grost and Carla, are called upon to help rid a town of its vampire plague.
However, beneath the surface of the beleaguered town a malevolent force far more evil and deadly is awakening and it might just be the match of Kronos...
Cover A: Mike Perkins
Cover B: Hammer Glamour - Caroline Munro
Cover C: Tom Mandrake"
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Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets Featurette: "EuropaCorp and STXfilms will release Valerian And The City Of A Thousand Planets in theaters nationwide on July 21.
Cast: Dane DeHaan, Cara Delevingne, Clive Owen, with Rihanna, Ethan Hawke, Herbie Hancock, Kris Wu, and Rutger Hauer
Director: Luc Besson
Writer: Screenplay by Luc Besson. Based on the comic book series Valerian and Laureline by Pierre Christin and Jean-Claude Mézières, Published by Dargaud.
Producer: Virginie Besson-Silla
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.
Rating: PG-13"
The post Horror Highlights: Amsterdamned Blu-ray, Comet TV July Contest, Captain Kronos Comic Book, Valerian And The City Of A Thousand Planets appeared first on Daily Dead.
Amsterdamned Limited Edition Blu-ray / DVD: Blue Underground will release Amsterdamned on a limited edition Blu-ray / DVD on August 29th.
"Down in the murky depths of Amsterdam’s famous canals lurks a murderous predator. Surfacing at night, he kills at random and disappears without a trace. As the bodies begin to pile up and mass hysteria envelopes the city, Detective Eric Visser is assigned to head the investigation. With only the escalating number of victims to go on, Visser pursues his quarry with a vengeance, unaware that his beautiful new girlfriend may be the mysterious killer’s next victim.
Huub Stapel (The Lift) and Monique van de Ven (Turkish Delight) star in this pulse-pounding thriller written and directed by Dick Maas (Silent Witness), highlighted by an explosive speedboat chase through the city’s narrow canals. Long unavailable on U.S. home video, Blue Underground proudly presents Amsterdamned in a brand-new 2K restoration from the original Dutch negative, approved by Dick Maas!
Extras:
Audio Commentary with Writer/Director Dick Maas and Editor Hans van Dongen The Making of Amsterdamned Tales From The Canal - Interview with Star Huub Stapel Damned Stuntwork – Interview with Stunt Coordinator Dickey Beer Dutch Trailer S. Trailer Loïs Lane Music Video – “Amsterdamned” (Directed by Dick Maas) Poster & Still Gallery Bonus Collectable Booklet with new essay by author Michael Gingold"
---------
Comet TV July Giveaway: "June is an action packed month over at Comet TV! With so many films you can only see on the Sci-Fi and Horror channel!
But that’s not all, did you know that this July is the 70th anniversary of the famed Roswell UFO crash?
This July 4th beginning at 10Am/9C Aliens Invade! Say wha? Yep, to ring in the 4th, Comet TV is holding an Invasion: Alien Attack Movie Marathon!
There’s Invisible Invaders (1959), The Falling (1987), Strange Invaders (1983) and more!"
Prize Details: (1) Grand Prize Winner will receive (1) prize pack from Comet, including:
(1) Limited Edition custom designed Fidget Spinner (2) Comet TV Popcorn Tubs (1) Comet TV Cylinder Survival Bottle (2) Bags of Popcorn (1) Limited Edition Comet TV Alien Invasion Collector Card
How to Enter: We're giving Daily Dead readers multiple chances to enter and win:
1. Instagram: Following us on Instagram during the contest period will give you an automatic contest entry. Make sure to follow us at:
https://www.instagram.com/dailydead/
2. Email: For a chance to win via email, send an email to contest@dailydead.com with the subject “Comet July Prize Pack Contest”. Be sure to include your name and mailing address.
Entry Details: The contest will end at 12:01am Est on July 6th. This contest is only open to those who are eighteen years of age or older that live in the United States. Only one entry per entry method, per household, will be accepted."
---------
Captain Kronos Comic Book: "Captain Kronos will be the second Hammer title following the success of Peter Milligan and Ronilson Freire’s The Mummy: Palimpsest which hits bookstores in August.
Written by Dan Abnett (Aquaman, Guardians of the Galaxy) with stunning art by Tom Mandrake (Sidekick, The Spectre) Titan Comics’ new series chronicles the adventures of the mysterious and powerful Kronos who has dedicated his life to destroying the evil vampire plague.
Hammer Comics: Captain Kronos #1
(Part 1 of 4)
Writer: Dan Abnett
Artist: Tom Mandrake
Fc - 32pp - $3.99 - On sale: September 27, 2017
In the depths of Eastern Europe, the legendary vampire hunter, Captain Kronos, and his two assistants, Grost and Carla, are called upon to help rid a town of its vampire plague.
However, beneath the surface of the beleaguered town a malevolent force far more evil and deadly is awakening and it might just be the match of Kronos...
Cover A: Mike Perkins
Cover B: Hammer Glamour - Caroline Munro
Cover C: Tom Mandrake"
---------
Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets Featurette: "EuropaCorp and STXfilms will release Valerian And The City Of A Thousand Planets in theaters nationwide on July 21.
Cast: Dane DeHaan, Cara Delevingne, Clive Owen, with Rihanna, Ethan Hawke, Herbie Hancock, Kris Wu, and Rutger Hauer
Director: Luc Besson
Writer: Screenplay by Luc Besson. Based on the comic book series Valerian and Laureline by Pierre Christin and Jean-Claude Mézières, Published by Dargaud.
Producer: Virginie Besson-Silla
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.
Rating: PG-13"
The post Horror Highlights: Amsterdamned Blu-ray, Comet TV July Contest, Captain Kronos Comic Book, Valerian And The City Of A Thousand Planets appeared first on Daily Dead.
- 6/22/2017
- by Derek Anderson
- DailyDead
Luc Besson's Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets looks like an amazingly epic sci-fi adventure and I'm excited as hell about watching it! The last trailer that was released was incredible, and if you haven't seen it yet, you've gotta check it out! Today we've got a new TV spot to share with you that shows off a bit more of the film's eye candy. One thing this movie isn't going to lack is the crazy stunning visuals!
The film is an adaptation of the comic by Pierre Christin and Jean-Claude Mézières and the story takes place over the course of 24 hours. It looks like the two main characters, Valerian (Dane DeHaan) and Laureline (Cara Delevingne), have one hell of an adventurous day! Here's the synopsis for the film:
In the 28th century, Valerian (DeHaan) and Laureline (Delevingne) are a team of special operatives charged with maintaining order throughout the human territories.
The film is an adaptation of the comic by Pierre Christin and Jean-Claude Mézières and the story takes place over the course of 24 hours. It looks like the two main characters, Valerian (Dane DeHaan) and Laureline (Cara Delevingne), have one hell of an adventurous day! Here's the synopsis for the film:
In the 28th century, Valerian (DeHaan) and Laureline (Delevingne) are a team of special operatives charged with maintaining order throughout the human territories.
- 6/12/2017
- by Joey Paur
- GeekTyrant
The last trailer for Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets was the best one yet. There was very little dialogue – it just shined the light solely on the huge world director Luc Besson ,and countless artists have carefully crafted, based on the comic books by Pierre Christin and illustrator Jean-Claude Mézières. In a new […]
The post ‘Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets’ TV Spot: Eat Some More of Luc Besson’s Eye Candy appeared first on /Film.
The post ‘Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets’ TV Spot: Eat Some More of Luc Besson’s Eye Candy appeared first on /Film.
- 6/11/2017
- by Jack Giroux
- Slash Film
It’s going on three years now since acclaimed French director Luc Besson stepped behind the lens for Lucy – despite its wonky science, the ScarJo thriller still managed to score a very impressive $463 million internationally – and later this year, Besson will stage a suitably huge comeback in the form of his latest effort in the sci-fi genre, Valerian and the City Of a Thousand Planets.
Even if you’re not familiar with Pierre Christin and artist Jean-Claude Mézières’ cult comic series on which the upcoming space opera is based, you’ve no doubt caught wind of the director’s dogged pursuit to launch Valerian onto the silver screen over the years. It’s been a passion project of his for a while now, and as the film’s July release date draws closer, the studio’s doing everything they can to ensure that Valerian manages to find an audience amidst huge blockbusters like Spider-Man: Homecoming.
Even if you’re not familiar with Pierre Christin and artist Jean-Claude Mézières’ cult comic series on which the upcoming space opera is based, you’ve no doubt caught wind of the director’s dogged pursuit to launch Valerian onto the silver screen over the years. It’s been a passion project of his for a while now, and as the film’s July release date draws closer, the studio’s doing everything they can to ensure that Valerian manages to find an audience amidst huge blockbusters like Spider-Man: Homecoming.
- 6/3/2017
- by Matt Joseph
- We Got This Covered
Elizabeth Debicki’s rise toward Hollywood’s big leagues continues unabated.
The Aussie actress, who first appeared in The Great Gatsby four years ago, brought a ferocious sense of intensity to the role of Ayesha, Golden High Priestess of the Sovereign, in last month’s Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 – with an added touch of humor, of course – and will soon be seen among Steve McQueen’s ensemble cast for Widows, along with the Cloverfield anthology film formerly known as God Particle. Look for that one to arrive in October.
But it seems Debicki still has room on the stacked schedule for another project: Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets. The wildly ambitious space opera from EuropaCorp and Lucy director Luc Besson is gestating in post-production, and Variety now reports that Elizabeth Debicki has signed on for a last-minute voice role. Further details regarding her character weren’t disclosed,...
The Aussie actress, who first appeared in The Great Gatsby four years ago, brought a ferocious sense of intensity to the role of Ayesha, Golden High Priestess of the Sovereign, in last month’s Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 – with an added touch of humor, of course – and will soon be seen among Steve McQueen’s ensemble cast for Widows, along with the Cloverfield anthology film formerly known as God Particle. Look for that one to arrive in October.
But it seems Debicki still has room on the stacked schedule for another project: Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets. The wildly ambitious space opera from EuropaCorp and Lucy director Luc Besson is gestating in post-production, and Variety now reports that Elizabeth Debicki has signed on for a last-minute voice role. Further details regarding her character weren’t disclosed,...
- 6/2/2017
- by Michael Briers
- We Got This Covered
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 graphic novel 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,...
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,...
- 5/25/2017
- by ComicMix Staff
- Comicmix.com
EuropaCorp have released what they are calling the “final trailer” for forthcoming sci-fi flick Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets – the latest film from writer/director Luc Besson, which stars Dane DeHaan and Cara Delevingne, along with Clive Owen, Rihanna, Ethan Hawke, Herbie Hancock and Kris Wu.
Besson based his screenplay on the French science fiction comic series “Valerian and Laureline” created by artist Jean-Claude Mézières and writer Pierre Christin, which tells the story of Valerian and Laureline, special operatives for the government of the human territories charged with maintaining order throughout the universe.
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,...
Besson based his screenplay on the French science fiction comic series “Valerian and Laureline” created by artist Jean-Claude Mézières and writer Pierre Christin, which tells the story of Valerian and Laureline, special operatives for the government of the human territories charged with maintaining order throughout the universe.
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,...
- 5/25/2017
- by Phil Wheat
- Nerdly
An idyllic paradise of knowledge and harmony is threatened in the final trailer for Luc Besson's Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets (based on Pierre Christin and Jean-Claude Mezieres' popular comic book series).
"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...
"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...
- 5/24/2017
- by Derek Anderson
- DailyDead
The final trailer has been released for Luc Besson's upcoming sci-fi adventure film Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets. I'm so excited about this movie and this trailer is absolutely breathtaking and it's packed full of visually stunning footage.
Besson has a wild and ambitious imagination and it completely explodes in this epic looking film! It doesn't look like he held back on anything when bringing this story to life, which is awesome! I've always admired Besson's work and this might end up being his crowning achievement. I can't wait to see it!
The film is an adaptation of the comic by Pierre Christin and Jean-Claude Mézières and this is the synopsis for the film:
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,...
Besson has a wild and ambitious imagination and it completely explodes in this epic looking film! It doesn't look like he held back on anything when bringing this story to life, which is awesome! I've always admired Besson's work and this might end up being his crowning achievement. I can't wait to see it!
The film is an adaptation of the comic by Pierre Christin and Jean-Claude Mézières and this is the synopsis for the film:
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,...
- 5/24/2017
- by Joey Paur
- GeekTyrant
There’s one thing we can say for sure about Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets – it’s going to be spectacular to look at. Luc Besson‘s adaptation of Pierre Christin and Jean-Claude Mézières’ comic books appears to be a visual treat and the latest trailer offers enough eye candy to fill an entire movie. […]
The post ‘Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets’ Trailer: Luc Besson’s Latest Looks Stunning appeared first on /Film.
The post ‘Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets’ Trailer: Luc Besson’s Latest Looks Stunning appeared first on /Film.
- 5/24/2017
- by Jacob Hall
- Slash Film
It’s going on three years since renown French filmmaker Luc Besson stepped behind the lens for Lucy – despite its wonky science, the ScarJo thriller still scored an overly impressive $463 million internationally – and later this year Besson will stage a suitably huge comeback in the form of Valerian and the City Of a Thousand Planets.
Even if you’re not familiar with Pierre Christin and artist Jean-Claude Mézières’ cult comic series on which Besson’s space opera is based, you’ve no doubt caught wind of the director’s dogged pursuit to launch Valerian onto the silver screen over the years. We’re pleased to report that that passion project looks to be coming along quite nicely in anticipation of its July release date. Don’t believe us? Have a gander at the film’s final, spellbinding trailer up above, which places the spotlight firmly on Cara Delevingne (Suicide Squad...
Even if you’re not familiar with Pierre Christin and artist Jean-Claude Mézières’ cult comic series on which Besson’s space opera is based, you’ve no doubt caught wind of the director’s dogged pursuit to launch Valerian onto the silver screen over the years. We’re pleased to report that that passion project looks to be coming along quite nicely in anticipation of its July release date. Don’t believe us? Have a gander at the film’s final, spellbinding trailer up above, which places the spotlight firmly on Cara Delevingne (Suicide Squad...
- 5/24/2017
- by Michael Briers
- We Got This Covered
It’s an exciting time for fans of science fiction.
Regardless of whether you prefer engrossing sagas told across multiple chapters (Star Trek: Discovery), or intense, far-flung adventures set in the dark recesses of space (Alien: Covenant), over the next few months the genre is set to churn out a number of high-profile IPs. But if we were to judge each property purely on spectacle alone, few compare to Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets.
Luc Besson’s long-in-development space oddity mines inspiration from Pierre Christin and artist Jean-Claude Mézières’ cult comic series – simply called Valérian and Laureline – and projects it onto the biggest canvas possible. Boasting jaw-dropping visual effects and a starry cast, on paper, the illustrious French filmmaker has pulled together all of the necessary ingredients for a blockbuster hit, and it’s fair to say that many are already beginning to compare Valerian with The Fifth Element,...
Regardless of whether you prefer engrossing sagas told across multiple chapters (Star Trek: Discovery), or intense, far-flung adventures set in the dark recesses of space (Alien: Covenant), over the next few months the genre is set to churn out a number of high-profile IPs. But if we were to judge each property purely on spectacle alone, few compare to Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets.
Luc Besson’s long-in-development space oddity mines inspiration from Pierre Christin and artist Jean-Claude Mézières’ cult comic series – simply called Valérian and Laureline – and projects it onto the biggest canvas possible. Boasting jaw-dropping visual effects and a starry cast, on paper, the illustrious French filmmaker has pulled together all of the necessary ingredients for a blockbuster hit, and it’s fair to say that many are already beginning to compare Valerian with The Fifth Element,...
- 5/18/2017
- by Michael Briers
- We Got This Covered
(“Guardians 2” spoilers follow.)
So here’s a poser: In “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2,” we have Peter Quill (Chris Pratt) and his father, Ego (Kurt Russell), a living planet that takes on human form. Weta Digital was challenged with creating the interior look of Ego, along with the various transformations during his climactic fight with Quill.
This involved complicated mathematical patterns known as fractals (inspired by artist Hal Tenny, who served as a consultant). However, not only did Weta have difficulty controlling the fractals, but it also had to make them pliable in short order.
And then there was the biggest challenge: Weta was charged with ensuring that “Guardians” avoided an R-rating. That’s because 40% of Ego gets destroyed in the fight, and his internal organs can be seen dangling behind him. Weta offered to make him look more fractal, oozing black blood, but director James Gunn would have none of that.
So here’s a poser: In “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2,” we have Peter Quill (Chris Pratt) and his father, Ego (Kurt Russell), a living planet that takes on human form. Weta Digital was challenged with creating the interior look of Ego, along with the various transformations during his climactic fight with Quill.
This involved complicated mathematical patterns known as fractals (inspired by artist Hal Tenny, who served as a consultant). However, not only did Weta have difficulty controlling the fractals, but it also had to make them pliable in short order.
And then there was the biggest challenge: Weta was charged with ensuring that “Guardians” avoided an R-rating. That’s because 40% of Ego gets destroyed in the fight, and his internal organs can be seen dangling behind him. Weta offered to make him look more fractal, oozing black blood, but director James Gunn would have none of that.
- 5/9/2017
- by Bill Desowitz
- Indiewire
EuropaCorp released gaggle of new character posters for Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets – the latest film from writer/director Luc Besson, which stars Dane DeHaan and Cara Delevingne, along with Clive Owen, Rihanna, Ethan Hawke, Herbie Hancock and Kris Wu.
Besson based his screenplay on the French science fiction comic series “Valerian and Laureline” created by artist Jean-Claude Mézières and writer Pierre Christin, which tells the story of Valerian and Laureline, special operatives for the government of the human territories charged with maintaining order throughout the universe.
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.
Besson based his screenplay on the French science fiction comic series “Valerian and Laureline” created by artist Jean-Claude Mézières and writer Pierre Christin, which tells the story of Valerian and Laureline, special operatives for the government of the human territories charged with maintaining order throughout the universe.
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.
- 5/4/2017
- by Phil Wheat
- Nerdly
Exactly five decades ago, Pierre Christin and artist Jean-Claude Mézières launched Valérian and Laureline, a French comic series that spawned countless cosmic adventures featuring the titular duo. First published in ’67, elements of Christin and Mézières’ wildly ambitious space opera have reared their head in the likes of Star Wars and, incidentally, The Fifth Element.
The latter is, of course, Luc Besson’s cult sci-fi of ’97 – how fitting is it, then, that ten years later that same French filmmaker is at the helm of Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets, EuropaCorp’s spectacular rendition of Pierre Christin and artist Jean-Claude Mézières’ source material that’s on course to slam into theaters in two months’ time.
In adapting Valérian and Laureline for another medium, Besson has elected Dane DeHaan and Cara Delevingne to be his fearless duo of bounty hunters, who safeguard “a utopian 28th century Earth and its neighboring planets from bad guys,...
The latter is, of course, Luc Besson’s cult sci-fi of ’97 – how fitting is it, then, that ten years later that same French filmmaker is at the helm of Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets, EuropaCorp’s spectacular rendition of Pierre Christin and artist Jean-Claude Mézières’ source material that’s on course to slam into theaters in two months’ time.
In adapting Valérian and Laureline for another medium, Besson has elected Dane DeHaan and Cara Delevingne to be his fearless duo of bounty hunters, who safeguard “a utopian 28th century Earth and its neighboring planets from bad guys,...
- 5/1/2017
- by Michael Briers
- We Got This Covered
Luc Besson, the visionary director behind The Fifth Element and the Scarlett Johansson-led sleeper hit Lucy, is poised for a return to Hollywood’s big leagues later this year with the release of Valerian And The City Of A Thousand Planets, a wildly ambitious space opera (and possible franchise-starter?) headed up by Dane DeHaan and Suicide Squad‘s Cara Delevingne.
On paper, it’s an exercise in risk-taking for the esteemed French filmmaker, particularly when you consider the similarities between Valerian and Jupiter Ascending – for all of its grandeur and ostentatious scope, the Wachowskis’ box office bomb still wound up costing Warner Bros. a pretty penny. But following the dazzling first trailer, there’s an air of cautious optimism looming large over Luc Besson’s space oddity.
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On paper, it’s an exercise in risk-taking for the esteemed French filmmaker, particularly when you consider the similarities between Valerian and Jupiter Ascending – for all of its grandeur and ostentatious scope, the Wachowskis’ box office bomb still wound up costing Warner Bros. a pretty penny. But following the dazzling first trailer, there’s an air of cautious optimism looming large over Luc Besson’s space oddity.
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- 4/28/2017
- by Michael Briers
- We Got This Covered
EuropaCorp released a new poster and trailer for Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets – the latest film from writer/director Luc Besson, which stars Dane DeHaan and Cara Delevingne, along with Clive Owen, Rihanna, Ethan Hawke, Herbie Hancock and Kris Wu.
Besson based his screenplay on the French science fiction comic series “Valerian and Laureline” created by artist Jean-Claude Mézières and writer Pierre Christin, which tells the story of Valerian and Laureline, special operatives for the government of the human territories charged with maintaining order throughout the universe.
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.
Besson based his screenplay on the French science fiction comic series “Valerian and Laureline” created by artist Jean-Claude Mézières and writer Pierre Christin, which tells the story of Valerian and Laureline, special operatives for the government of the human territories charged with maintaining order throughout the universe.
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.
- 3/29/2017
- by Phil Wheat
- Nerdly
A community akin to paradise comes under a vicious attack in the new trailer for Luc Besson's Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets (based on Pierre Christin and Jean-Claude Mezieres' comic book series).
"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...
"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...
- 3/29/2017
- by Derek Anderson
- DailyDead
A day after its screening at CinemaCon, Stx unveiled the second trailer for the sci-fi action flick Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets, directed by Luc Besson and starring Dane DeHaan and Cara Delevingne. The film is based on the 1967 Valérian and Laureline comics by Pierre Christin and Jean-Claude Mézières. It follows Valerian (DeHaan) and Laureline (Delevingne) as they embark on an intergalactic mission to the city of Alpha, an ever-expanding metropolis…...
- 3/29/2017
- Deadline
The way French blockbuster auteur Luc Besson tells it, “Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets” is the film he was born to make.
The “Lucy” and “The Professional” filmmaker’s latest feature is based on the French sci-fi comics series “Valérian and Laureline,” written by Pierre Christin and illustrated by Jean-Claude Mézières. It was a childhood favorite of Besson, one that was originally distributed as two-page panels in the weekly magazine “Pilote.”
Read More: Why French Cinema Faces an Uncertain Future in America
Even the visionary Besson thought the story, complete with a slew of complex alien creatures and space-set locations, was impossible to make. Then technology caught up with him, allowing him to bring his beloved vision to life. But it didn’t come cheap.
The ambitious $180 million production bowed its latest trailer at this week’s CinemaCon to a mostly appreciative audience filled with theater owners and press.
The “Lucy” and “The Professional” filmmaker’s latest feature is based on the French sci-fi comics series “Valérian and Laureline,” written by Pierre Christin and illustrated by Jean-Claude Mézières. It was a childhood favorite of Besson, one that was originally distributed as two-page panels in the weekly magazine “Pilote.”
Read More: Why French Cinema Faces an Uncertain Future in America
Even the visionary Besson thought the story, complete with a slew of complex alien creatures and space-set locations, was impossible to make. Then technology caught up with him, allowing him to bring his beloved vision to life. But it didn’t come cheap.
The ambitious $180 million production bowed its latest trailer at this week’s CinemaCon to a mostly appreciative audience filled with theater owners and press.
- 3/29/2017
- by Kate Erbland
- Indiewire
One of the bigger gambles of the summer movie slate is The Fifth Element director Luc Besson‘s return to the futuristic space epic. Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets, clocking in at an eye-popping $180 million budget, has the not-so-easy feat of facing off against Dunkirk this July and now a new trailer has landed, which will be attached to Ghost in the Shell this weekend. Full of inventive imagery and an eye-popping color palette that seems all-too-rare in Hollywood today, we can’t wait to see this one.
Starring Dane DeHaan, Cara Delevingne, Clive Owen, Rihanna, Ethan Hawke, and John Goodman, the adaptation of Pierre Christin and Jean-Claude Mézières‘ comic series follows a galactic mission taken on by pair of special government operatives.
“I love every character and I can make number two, three, four, five, six, seven… until [Cara’s] tired of it,” Besson tells Collider when asked about a potential franchise.
Starring Dane DeHaan, Cara Delevingne, Clive Owen, Rihanna, Ethan Hawke, and John Goodman, the adaptation of Pierre Christin and Jean-Claude Mézières‘ comic series follows a galactic mission taken on by pair of special government operatives.
“I love every character and I can make number two, three, four, five, six, seven… until [Cara’s] tired of it,” Besson tells Collider when asked about a potential franchise.
- 3/29/2017
- by Jordan Raup
- The Film Stage
Luc Besson isn’t exactly bitter about the making of his seminal sci-fi feature “The Fifth Element,” but that doesn’t mean he looks back on the production of his 1997 film with only fondness.
“‘The Fifth Element’ was the last film made the dinosaur way,” Besson recently told a group of journalists at an event for his latest film, “Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets.” “It was the last film before digital, where you have to put dots on the screen for six hours and lock your camera. It was a nightmare.”
That so-called nightmare was over soon enough as filmmaking technology swiftly moved towards a digital future — though Besson is still a bit rankled that his film was the one of the last ones to be created without digital assistance.
“And then, six months later, you basically can have the camera on your shoulder, shoot whatever you want,...
“‘The Fifth Element’ was the last film made the dinosaur way,” Besson recently told a group of journalists at an event for his latest film, “Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets.” “It was the last film before digital, where you have to put dots on the screen for six hours and lock your camera. It was a nightmare.”
That so-called nightmare was over soon enough as filmmaking technology swiftly moved towards a digital future — though Besson is still a bit rankled that his film was the one of the last ones to be created without digital assistance.
“And then, six months later, you basically can have the camera on your shoulder, shoot whatever you want,...
- 3/28/2017
- by Kate Erbland
- Indiewire
French filmmaker Luc Besson has earned quite a reputation as one of the more influential action directors out there, but he also has played frequently in the realm of science-fiction, most memorably with his 1997 movie, The Fifth Element.
Conveniently, the 20th anniversary of that film has Besson returning to a similar space opera with Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets, this time adapting Pierre Christin and Jean-Claude Mézières’ French graphic novel that had a big influence and impact on his earlier film. According to Besson, the movie is mostly adapted from the 1975 graphic album The Ambassador of Shadows, but that’s only one of 22 graphic novels starring Valerian and his partner Laureline.
For Besson’s movie, Valerian is played by Dane DeHaan (The Amazing Spider-Man 2) while Laureline is played by Cara Delevingne (Suicide Squad).
Earlier this week, Lrm had a chance to get an early glimpse at...
Conveniently, the 20th anniversary of that film has Besson returning to a similar space opera with Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets, this time adapting Pierre Christin and Jean-Claude Mézières’ French graphic novel that had a big influence and impact on his earlier film. According to Besson, the movie is mostly adapted from the 1975 graphic album The Ambassador of Shadows, but that’s only one of 22 graphic novels starring Valerian and his partner Laureline.
For Besson’s movie, Valerian is played by Dane DeHaan (The Amazing Spider-Man 2) while Laureline is played by Cara Delevingne (Suicide Squad).
Earlier this week, Lrm had a chance to get an early glimpse at...
- 3/28/2017
- by Edward Douglas
- LRMonline.com
Kirsten Howard Mar 29, 2017
The brand new trailer for Luc Besson's upcoming return to sci-fi, Valerian, has landed...
In a summer packed with sequels, remakes, reboots and franchise films, Valerian might just be the most interestingly gamble out there. It's directed by Luc Besson, and it's his first full-on blockbuster sci-fi film since The Fifth Element (although there's an argument that Lucy strays into sci-fi quite a lot too). And the new trailer for the movie has landed. It looks like this...
See related Sarah Michelle Gellar hopes Buffy is out of the slaying game
Previously Besson had been chatting about casting Dane DeHaan in the movie.
“With Dane, 30 seconds after I sat down at the bar with him, the restaurant, I knew that it was him, for sure,” he admitted. “After one minute, my problem is, if he says no, I’m in trouble. It was already printed in my head.
The brand new trailer for Luc Besson's upcoming return to sci-fi, Valerian, has landed...
In a summer packed with sequels, remakes, reboots and franchise films, Valerian might just be the most interestingly gamble out there. It's directed by Luc Besson, and it's his first full-on blockbuster sci-fi film since The Fifth Element (although there's an argument that Lucy strays into sci-fi quite a lot too). And the new trailer for the movie has landed. It looks like this...
See related Sarah Michelle Gellar hopes Buffy is out of the slaying game
Previously Besson had been chatting about casting Dane DeHaan in the movie.
“With Dane, 30 seconds after I sat down at the bar with him, the restaurant, I knew that it was him, for sure,” he admitted. “After one minute, my problem is, if he says no, I’m in trouble. It was already printed in my head.
- 1/30/2017
- Den of Geek
After dabbling with cerebral science fiction in 2014’s Lucy, writer-director Luc Besson is set to introduce moviegoers to a brand new, and wildly ambitious space opera later this year.
It’s called Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets, an effects-laden blockbuster that has already drawn comparisons to Jupiter Ascending and, perhaps most exciting of all, The Fifth Element, Besson’s cult sci-fi that’s set to ring in its 20th anniversary in 2017 – how very apropos. But in tapping into the French graphic novel by Pierre Christin, Luc Besson is engineering a fairly different cinematic experience with Valerian, which can essentially be pitched as an intergalactic road trip movie concerning two cops (Cara Delevingne and Dane DeHaan) who fight to protect a utopian 28th century Earth and its neighboring planets from the baddies.
Expect themes of time travel and other sci-fi conventions to rear their head in Valerian, one...
It’s called Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets, an effects-laden blockbuster that has already drawn comparisons to Jupiter Ascending and, perhaps most exciting of all, The Fifth Element, Besson’s cult sci-fi that’s set to ring in its 20th anniversary in 2017 – how very apropos. But in tapping into the French graphic novel by Pierre Christin, Luc Besson is engineering a fairly different cinematic experience with Valerian, which can essentially be pitched as an intergalactic road trip movie concerning two cops (Cara Delevingne and Dane DeHaan) who fight to protect a utopian 28th century Earth and its neighboring planets from the baddies.
Expect themes of time travel and other sci-fi conventions to rear their head in Valerian, one...
- 1/4/2017
- by Michael Briers
- We Got This Covered
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