Digest

This episode of "You Are Good" delves into Luc Besson's 1997 film "The Fifth Element," examining its unique blend of fashion, music, and science fiction. Hosts Alex Steed and Siri Dahl, along with guest Sam Cole, discuss the film's formative impact, its portrayal of love, and its distinctive aesthetic. They highlight memorable performances by Bruce Willis, Milla Jovovich, Gary Oldman as the villain Zorg, and Chris Tucker as the scene-stealing Ruby Rhod. The conversation touches on the film's themes of life, destruction, and the nature of heroism, as well as its use of practical effects and its place within the space opera genre. The episode also includes listener support acknowledgments, podcast corrections, and a humorous exploration of the "Bruce Willis Daddy Verse."

Outlines

00:00:00

Introduction to "You Are Good" Podcast and "The Fifth Element"

The podcast "You Are Good" discusses movies and the feelings they evoke. This episode focuses on "The Fifth Element" with hosts Alex Steed and Siri Dahl, and guest Sam Cole. They clarify their non-critic approach and mention potential audio issues.

00:01:20

"The Fifth Element" Overview, Guest Introductions, and Community Themes

"The Fifth Element" (1997) is a French sci-fi film. Guest Sam Cole is a journalist and co-founder of 404 Media. Siri Dahl is a commentator, activist, and adult film personality. The hosts also discuss the importance of community and showing up for neighbors.

00:03:30

Listener Support, Podcast Corrections, and Initial Film Reactions

The podcast is listener-supported via Patreon and Apple Podcasts. Corrections are made regarding previous mentions. The hosts and guests begin discussing "The Fifth Element," noting its formative impact, implied pansexuality, and Chris Tucker's iconic role.

00:06:44

"The Fifth Element" as Love Story, Aesthetic Programming, and Personal Connections

Sam Cole describes "The Fifth Element" as a movie about teaching someone to love. The discussion touches on the film as future camp, its influence on 90s aesthetics, and sexual programming. Siri Dahl shares her evolving relationship with the film, including creating a parody and dressing as Leeloo.

00:10:23

Director Style, Childhood Impact, and Interpretations of "The Fifth Element"

Luc Besson's directorial style is questioned, and childhood experiences with his films are shared. Sam Cole describes "The Fifth Element" as a "fever dream" of a future imagined by a child, emphasizing its nostalgic appeal. Childhood influences and Leeloo's character are also discussed.

00:16:26

Plot Complexity, "Cars," and Luc Besson's Early Writing

Alex Steed admits to struggling with "The Fifth Element's" complex plot. The discussion shifts to the movie "Cars" and its unexpected political undertones. The origin of "The Fifth Element" is discussed, with Luc Besson writing it at age 12 out of isolation.

00:19:12

Film Exposition, Thematic Elements, and Character Introductions

The film opens with Egyptologists introducing the cyclical threat and the need for the four elements plus a fifth. The movie's ethos, "Time doesn't matter. Life matters," is discussed, along with the late introduction of love as a key concept. The problematic "heroin chic" aesthetic is also mentioned.

00:23:32

Setting the Scene, Galactic Threat, and Leeloo's Identity

The narrative jumps to the 23rd century, introducing Corbin Dallas. An alien ship crash reveals the impending threat, and the "protectors of the universe" explain that the fifth element is a woman, reconstructed from a crashed ship.

00:26:01

The Four Elements, Love, and Leeloo's Arrival

The four known elements are recalled, with the fifth element being "love," embodied by Leeloo. Leeloo crashes into Corbin Dallas's cab, and her unique language and initial containment are depicted, leading to her escape and encounter with Dallas.

00:27:52

Corbin Dallas as Protector and Bruce Willis's Archetype

Corbin Dallas is positioned as Leeloo's protector, despite her powers. His reluctance as a hero is highlighted. The recurring theme of Bruce Willis playing a working-class hero is discussed, linking it to his appeal in "The Fifth Element."

00:30:32

Gary Oldman's Performance and Leeloo's Portrayal

Gary Oldman's portrayal of Zorg is praised. Leeloo's character is discussed as problematic due to her objectification and lack of agency, despite being the "ultimate supreme being." The film's attempt to address consent is noted.

00:34:05

Leeloo's Age, Visuals, and the Quest for Element Stones

The protagonist Leeloo's age (22) is mentioned as a positive aspect. The film's visual execution and practical effects are praised. To stop the doom, Corbin Dallas and Leeloo must retrieve the four element stones, aided by Ruby Rhod.

00:36:11

Zorg's Philosophy and Film Resolution

Zorg delivers a speech arguing that destruction leads to new life and innovation. The film concludes with Leeloo and Corbin Dallas finding love, saving the world, and engaging in intimacy, emphasizing life and love.

00:37:13

Chris Tucker's Impact and Gary Oldman's Zorg

Chris Tucker's performance as Ruby Rhod is highlighted as iconic and scene-stealing. Gary Oldman's portrayal of Zorg is further discussed, focusing on his Southern accent and technological gadgets.

00:40:41

The Stones, Zorg, and Core Themes

The quest for the element stones is central, with Zorg seeking to destroy life and the priest protecting it. The movie's core themes revolve around the value of life, the importance of love, and who cherishes these aspects.

00:43:57

Genre Classification and Entertainment Value

Siri Dahl questions if "The Fifth Element" fits the cyberpunk genre, concluding it's a space opera. The film is seen as highly entertaining due to its visual execution, despite plot issues and a lack of deep cultural criticism.

00:47:46

Appreciation for Visuals and Tactile Filmmaking

Sam Cole finds "The Fifth Element" to be "eye candy," appreciating its details, acting, and humor. The hosts express a preference for tactile filmmaking, where elements are crafted by hand, contrasting it with modern CGI-heavy productions.

00:52:46

Motion Smoothing, Visual Preferences, and Nostalgia

The detrimental effect of motion smoothing on visual perception is discussed. Nostalgia is expressed for films where actors were physically present in scenes, unlike modern productions. The tactile nature of practical effects is lauded.

00:54:03

Practical Effects and "Tricky" Appearance

A vivid description of a scene involving "slime" and practical effects is shared. The appearance of musician Tricky as one of the "dog lizards" is noted.

00:56:21

Awards and Final Question: The "Daddy" of "The Fifth Element"

The film received various award nominations, highlighting its polarizing reception. The final question asks to identify the "daddy" of "The Fifth Element," with interpretations offered for various characters.

01:00:03

The Bruce Willis "Daddy Verse" and Episode Wrap-up

The discussion humorously explores Bruce Willis's filmography, coining the term "daddy verse." The hosts express gratitude to guests and listeners, announcing a bonus episode for subscribers.

Keywords

Q&A

• What is "The Fifth Element" about?

  "The Fifth Element" is a 1997 French science fiction film directed by Luc Besson. Set in the 23rd century, it follows Corbin Dallas, a taxi driver, who becomes involved in protecting Leeloo, the supreme being and "fifth element," who is essential to saving Earth from a great evil.

• Who are the main actors in "The Fifth Element"?

  The main actors in "The Fifth Element" include Bruce Willis as Corbin Dallas, Milla Jovovich as Leeloo, Gary Oldman as Zorg, and Chris Tucker as Ruby Rhod. Ian Holm also plays the priest Vito Cornelius.

• What is the significance of the "fifth element" in the movie?

  In the film, the four elements are Earth, Wind, Water, and Fire. The fifth element is revealed to be love, embodied by Leeloo. She is a supreme being necessary to counteract the great evil threatening the universe.

• What is the role of Chris Tucker's character, Ruby Rhod?

  Chris Tucker plays Ruby Rhod, a flamboyant and energetic radio DJ and host of a space opera show. He becomes an ally to Corbin Dallas and Leeloo, providing comic relief and assistance in their quest. His performance is widely considered iconic.

• How is "The Fifth Element" categorized in terms of sci-fi subgenres?

  While it contains elements that might suggest cyberpunk, "The Fifth Element" is primarily categorized as a space opera due to its grand, adventurous plot, dramatic themes, and setting in outer space.

• What is the philosophy presented by the villain, Zorg?

  Zorg, the film's antagonist, espouses a philosophy that destruction leads to new life and innovation. He argues that by causing chaos and disorder, he is actually encouraging life and progress, a viewpoint that resonates with certain corporate or technological ideologies.

• What are some of the notable aesthetic and thematic elements of "The Fifth Element"?

  The film is known for its unique blend of high fashion, futuristic design, and a distinctive visual style influenced by trip-hop music. It explores themes of love, life, destruction, and the nature of humanity, often with a campy and over-the-top sensibility.

• Why is "The Fifth Element" considered a formative film for some viewers?

  For many, "The Fifth Element" was formative due to its striking visuals, memorable characters, and its blend of action, humor, and sci-fi concepts. It presented a unique vision of the future that left a lasting impression, particularly on younger audiences.

• What is the "Bruce Willis Daddy Verse"?

  The "Bruce Willis Daddy Verse" is a humorous fan-created concept that imagines all of Bruce Willis's characters existing within a shared, interconnected universe, celebrating his iconic status in the action genre.

• How do the hosts thank their audience?

  The hosts express deep gratitude to their listeners for supporting the podcast through Patreon and Apple Podcast subscriptions, emphasizing that the show couldn't be made without their contributions.

Show Notes