CMT – The Fifth Element

Casting is an art form of its own. The goal should be to assemble a mosaic of talent, to create a unique tapestry which could only be made by that group. “The Fifth Element”, set out to take its audience on a specific kind of ride; it wanted to be camp, it wanted to be lighthearted and fun, but it wanted to deliver somber moments and action in the Science Fiction genre.  Fortunately, the collection of actors chosen for the task, was for lack of a better word, perfect.

Classic Movie Trailers – The Fifth Element (1997)

Imagine that every movie you’ve ever seen, exists on a scale regarding the mood, or tone that it tries to achieve. Just saying that a film is camp is somewhat of an oversimplification. With comedy and tragedy being at the opposite ends of the spectrum, movies like this are in the middle, but where they are exactly is up to interpretation. Naturally, some films are going to cover more serious subjects than their peers.

This one gets pretty dark at times. You can count the grim scenes on two or three fingers, but they’re there. Regardless of that fact, this a comic book on the screen and not a graphic novel, so you need someone that’s going to emphasize the absurdity. That all important job went to Chris Tucker, who was ceremoniously awarded with a wig and a dress.

I know of no other comedian, actor or person that could've filled those high-heeled shoes. In the middle of a tense moment, when lives are on the line and people are terrified, all you need is a high pitched cry from Tucker, to get the chuckles coming in from the audience. As Ruby Rhod he’s animated, flashy, overdramatic and hilarious. If Prince was a Howard Stern-level shock jock, he’d have met his match here, in this performance.

With the comic relief in capable hands, the most complimentary item to offer is a straight man.  Preferably, it should be someone with a measured, wry delivery. For a movie like this, a man that looks competent in action and comfortable with weapons, would be the ideal choice. He’d also need to be likeable enough, to carry the bulk of the film on his shoulders.

Perhaps the script was sold with Willis in mind. Perhaps the production was funded, with him attached. Whatever the rhyme or reason why he got involved, I’d argue that there was no other star at that time, more suited for the role. The hero needed to face seemingly impossible odds, accept a ridiculous situation as truth and come out smiling. Bruce proved he could do that in “Die Hard”, so casting him here was an obvious choice.

As for Milla Jovovich, I hadn’t seen her work before this debuted. After watching her here however, I was instantly a fan. I think it’s important to note, that her athleticism only helped to portray her character. It was that talent, which she showed here, that was used to lead the “Resident Evil” movies a few years later. It’s no small remark to say however, that in this one she stood beside seasoned actors, like Willis, Ian Holm and Gary Oldman, without being left far behind.

Movies are, by necessity, a collaboration. No matter what you’re trying to achieve, who you enlist to reach that goal can help you or hurt you. "The Fifth Element" is a textbook example, of what happens when the casting director steps up to bat and hits the ball out of the park, every single time. Whatever it cost, to bring this group together, was more than worth it.

Trailer Here

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