8 Facts From Luc Besson's Career

1. #001

   In 1977, a young Luc Besson applied to La Fémis, France's prestigious national film school, and was unexpectedly rejected. Besson, then 18, recounts that during the preliminary interview he was asked to name the directors he admired most and cited Steven Spielberg, Martin Scorsese and Miloš Forman. Before he could finish, the interviewer cut him off with 'Enough. I don't think you belong here' and ended the interview. The episode became a turning point in Besson's career: despite never receiving a film education, he went on to forge his own path and become a director known worldwide.

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2. #002

   Luc Besson frequently casts Gary Oldman in his films, and the friendship between the two goes far beyond their professional collaborations. Besson produced the widely acclaimed 'Nil by Mouth' (1997), which Oldman directed, cementing that closeness. Their collaborations on films such as 'Leon' and 'The Fifth Element' (1997) left their mark on cinema history and hold an important place in Oldman's career. The partnership is one of the clearest examples of both Besson's directorial vision and Oldman's acting talent.

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3. #009

   Alongside his film career, Luc Besson made significant contributions to children's literature. He wrote four 'Arthur' children's books, including 'Arthur and the Minimoys'; the series was a great success, selling more than 1 million copies in over 30 countries. Besson later adapted the book series into films, uniting his literary and cinematic worlds. These adaptations showed that he is a versatile artist with command of different forms of storytelling.

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4. #010

   Luc Besson served as president of the jury for the Official Competition at the 53rd Cannes International Film Festival in 2000. This prestigious role reinforced his standing and authority in the film world. The Cannes Film Festival is regarded as one of the most important meeting points of world cinema, and Besson's presidency there is an indication of his international reputation.

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5. #011

   Two of Luc Besson's films had the honour of opening the Cannes International Film Festival, one of the world's most prestigious film festivals. The first was 'The Big Blue' (1988) and the second was 'The Fifth Element' (1997). A director opening Cannes with two different films shows his influence in the film world and how highly his productions are regarded internationally. These films are proof of how ambitious Besson has been in both visual and narrative terms.

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6. #012

   For many years Luc Besson frequently said that he would quit directing after making 10 films. But when 'Arthur and the Invisibles' (2006) became his tenth directorial effort, he did not keep his word and continued his career. This shows how strong his passion for cinema and his desire to tell stories are. With this decision, Besson proved that directing is not merely a job for him but a way of life.

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7. #017

   Luc Besson presided over the jury of the Official Competition at the 32nd Moscow International Film Festival in 2010. This role once again confirmed his standing in the international film community. The Moscow Film Festival is regarded as one of the major events of world cinema, and Besson's presidency there shows his connection with filmmakers from different cultures and his universal outlook.

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8. #019

   Luc Besson was at one time in a relationship with the French director and actress Maïwenn. A daughter named Shanna was born from the relationship in 1993. Maïwenn later achieved significant success in her own directing career. This union is part of the complex web of relationships in Besson's private life and shows how wide his artistic circle is.

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