07/28/2017
Valerian is the movie you probably won’t see. The movie follows the adventures of time/space operative Valerian and his partner Laureline on a mission to save a nexus of communication, knowledge and understanding (oddly started by humanity) and end up averting a genocide and falling in love. There’s lasers, aliens, space battles and all the bells and whistles movie fans have been gobbling popcorn over for the past couple decades. Brought to brilliant life by many of the same forces that produced The 5th Element, Valerian isn’t a far cry from that universe and is an amazing array of visuals and characters that 5th Element fans should fall in love with. Comparing the two films, I would say Valerian’s plot and pace is actually better than 5th, but there are also some distinct differences. There are no bald, brawny American action stars as the lead. The female lead is often dressed in a space suit rather than a bandage, and Valerian’s story makes a lot more sense (though it takes a while to get to it.) On the whole, if you loved 5th Element (now considered a classic) you should also (at least) like Valerian. Viewers should truly feel transported into an entirely new universe that is bristling with life and possibility. The only problem is that Valerian’s plot involves something considered very controversial in today’s America: Immigrants.
Legal and illegal immigration are major themes in the film and it’s no surprise to me that American audiences (who can’t seem to accept any recent science fiction that doesn’t come in the sanitized/GMO free variety with a Marvel or DC label firmly attached) aren’t filling theater seats over, this summer. Science fiction has always been the place where controversial subjects have been discussed and explored, but sadly, the political climate of the nation has made the subject of immigrants a taboo topic for polite conversation. The current trend is that Immigrants, sadly and wrongly, are dangerous and harmful. Beings who don’t count and to whom atrocity (such as genocide) is to be hidden rather than addressed. Certainly a topic that doesn’t fit in with current trends, nor seems to be something the current movie cash-cows: Millennials largely seem even remotely interested in. There are moments that especially Colorado audiences (particularly with some knowledge of Colorado history) should find compelling as some parts of the film seem to eerily mirror outrageous and tragic moments in U.S. government and First Nation relations.
Valerian is a true science fiction story, far surpassing the phony bravado and lazy story-telling of the latest Guardians offering/baby Groot exploit-o-fest. There’s meat to this film and anyone who enjoys good science fiction (especially from the 5th Elements folks) should catch it. Will you, however? Probably not, but rest assured, I don’t think Valerian was made for (gasp) American audiences and will still succeed abroad. To me, much of Valerian is intended for a more international, and sadly more intellectual, movie-going public. However, if you have the time and want a truly good summer sci-fi adventure then I recommend you check it out. I actually hated The 5th Element initially and it took several years before I came to love it. I think Valerian will be similar, so it wouldn’t hurt for you to see this on the big screen because you’ll likely be seeing it on the small one fairly soon.
