On Luc Besson As "Film Author"

It is an indisputable fact that the works of Luc Besson are mostly featured with a mark of auteurism. However, due to the fact that Luc Besson can often obtain commercial success while other “film authors” can’t, the artistry and thought of his works have always been questioned. Is Luc Besson a film author? Reactions to this question vary widely. It is no exaggeration to say that the commercial success Luc Besson has obtained has become a double-edged sword as the habitual thinking that author films can never obtain both success of box-office and word-of-mouth has made it hard for Luc Besson to prove his identity as a “film author”.The research work of this dissertation is mainly divided into three aspects. First of all, prove the feasibility of using auteurism in film criticism. Secondly, analyze ten films that have been written and directed by Luc Besson in the aspects of style, theme, and audio-visual language, and then find out characteristics of these films. Thirdly, through the analysis of the study of these ten works, find features of auteurism in Luc Besson’s films. Finally, prove that Luc Besson is a “film author”.Through the in-depth study of auteurism, we have concluded three criteria to become a “film author”. First, a “film author” should show some repetitive, distinct and personal characteristics. These characteristics should be recognizable just like his signature. Second, a “film author” must be a creator of thoughts, rather than merely an executor. His films should have some personal meaning. Third, a “film author” needs to have absolute control of his work. That is, to be both a writer and a director of his works.Luc Besson first made sure that he got the overall control of his films. Besson wrote and directed most of his movies. He was the only creator of his movies. At the same time, he has a very high requirement about characters and actors in his films. Jean Reno, Natalie Portman, Anna Pario, Millla Jovovich and other important characters are all casted and trained by Luc Besson himself. And Eric Serra’s music has also become an indispensable logo of Luc Besson’s works.Through the study of ten films written and directed by Luc Besson, we also found the connection between the theme and connotation of the works. Besson showed his obsession for the ocean in the movie “Le Grand Bleu” and “Atlantis”. “Subway”, “Dernier combat, Le” and “The Messenger: The Story of Joan of Arc” were about exploring human nature. “Nikita”, “Léon” and “Cinquième élément” were his tribute to emotional expression. And “Angel A” and “Arthur et les Minimoys” showed his quest for purity.Luc Besson’s films are of great characteristics. Besson has a special preference for blue tone and he always make full use of the imagery of water. In addition to that, the use of close-ups and quick transition of shots, sometimes excite the audience. These close-ups also play an important role in expressing the author’s intention. Of course, the sudden change of plots is another important indicator of Luc Besson’s style. And it is the secret of the commercial success of Besson’s movies.To sum up, through the study of auteurism and ten films written and directed by Luc Besson, we can draw the conclusion that Luc Besson is truly a "film author".