Fifth Element's Director Luc Besson Makes His Last Film

September 12, 2006
by Alex Billington

French producer/screenwriter/director Luc Besson, of The Fifth Element and The Professional fame, has decided to end his career in film with his 10th and final film, Arthur and the Invisibles, that will be released in the U.S. on January 12 (and France on December 13, 2006). Arthur and the Invisibles is a half-animated, half-live-action fantasy film about a young boy who goes in search of treasure in the land of the Minimoys, a tiny people living in harmony with nature.

For all of us out there that had hoped to see another fantastic movie made by Besson similar to how great The Fifth Element was, that hope is now gone forever. Besson was a fantastic filmmaker and has directed, written, or produced some great films in his career. He announced on Monday (via The Associated Press) that he has decided to rather "devote himself instead to civic projects, including starting a foundation to help youths in France's depressed inner cities."

"They are my 10 little babies," he said. "I love them all. I am pleased to have completed this cycle. That is finished."

"I want to take a little care of my fellow citizens. I want to take a little care of my planet. I want to act in favor of the inner cities, in favor of the environment. I want to do lots of things," he said.

Luc Besson's 10 films include the following selection of greats:

10) Arthur and the Invisibles (2006)

9) Angel-A (2005)

The Messenger: The Story of Joan of Arc (1999)