When I heard about the Fifth Element coming out I knew I would be a fan. I refused to watch the previews of the film, I wanted to be completely unprepared for it. After waiting in line for a couple of hours I saw it at my favorite theater, the Cinerama. I was taken into the future, the f/x in this film are outstanding. A different view of the future, instead of the typical Blade Runner rip-off. The performances are not up to the standards of his past films, but I think that's because Luc is focusing more on the f/x, than in his past films. The characters are fun and I really like Milla as Leelo. The action scenes are great of course.

The Messenger was also highly anticipated. I feel it is a good film, but somehow it got a bad rap from the critics. I think this is because it's not perfectly historically acurate. What movie about history is? Milla proves that she's a good actress, along with being talented at everything else. The action scenes once again are top notch. I also enjoyed Luc's interpretation of Joan's visions.

Luc is one of my favorite directors working. His movies are always in high rotation in my Dvd player. The Professional is still my favorite of his. I enjoyed The Big Blue, but have only seen it once. I'm waiting till I can see his cut of the movie, before I watch it again.

8/28/00 -So I finally received the director cuts of The Big Blue and Leon on DVD. I watched The Big Blue for really the first time, since it's a completely different movie, 49 minutes more film, and Eric Serra's score. This is Luc's most personal film. A film devoted to Luc's love of the ocean. Jacques our main character is in love with the ocean, it is his family, his life. Johanna is in love with Jacques, who will never love her as much as he loves the ocean. Enzo is in love with himself, he thinks he is the greatest deep sea diver alive, but must prove himself again Jacques. It's a great character study from Luc, who usually focuses on action and photography first.

Leon, the international cut of The Professional, my first chance to see this cut. I now prefer this version. Everything new included, deals with Leon and Matilda's relationship. It is things that may have been offensive to American viewers, but is vital to the story of these two. It's much more obvious how much in love Matilda is. We also get to see some more training of Matilda, as she goes on a few hits with Leon. The Professional was my favorite Luc Besson Film, now Leon is.

Something else has become evident to me about Luc. He and Jean Reno must have had a falling out, sometime during or after Leon. Jean appeared in all of Luc's films from Le Dernier Combat (83') through Leon (94'). Fifth Element was made with no Jean, The Messenger was made, again no Jean. I can see great parts in both of these for him. I would loved to have seen Jean in Bruce's part, (Of course the studio wouldn't have allowed this.) or at least he could have played the general. In The Messenger would have been great as any one of Joan's comrades. If anyone knows anything about this situation, email me.

11/7/1: It's been a while since I've said anything on this page. I'll get around to updating the entire thing someday. Someone actually did email me to tell me that they had read an interview with Jean Reno, and that he and Luc are still good friends. That Jean has wanted to work on projects seperate from him. Good to hear.