This paper explores the visual storytelling, world-building, and cultural reception of Luc Besson’s 2017 space opera, Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets.
The Architecture of Imagination: Analyzing Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets
IntroductionLuc Besson’s Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets (2017) represents one of the most ambitious undertakings in independent cinema history. Adapted from the influential French comic series Valérian et Laureline by Pierre Christin and Jean-Claude Mézières, the film attempts to translate a sprawling, decades-old universe into a singular cinematic experience. While the film faced significant hurdles in North American markets, its contribution to the science fiction genre lies in its uncompromising visual maximalism and its departure from the tonal "grittiness" that dominated 21st-century blockbuster sci-fi.
Visual Maximalism and World-BuildingThe core achievement of Valerian is the titular "City of a Thousand Planets," known as Alpha. The film’s opening sequence—a montage set to David Bowie’s "Space Oddity"—functions as a historical primer on the evolution of Alpha from a human space station to a multi-species megacity. This sequence establishes the film’s central theme: the necessity of multicultural cooperation and the physical manifestation of diplomacy.
Unlike contemporary franchises such as Star Wars or the Marvel Cinematic Universe, which often utilize standardized color palettes and familiar landscapes, Valerian embraces a "Baroque" aesthetic. From the bioluminescent landscapes of the planet Mül to the "Big Market" (a multidimensional bazaar existing across overlapping planes of reality), Besson prioritizes sensory overload. This approach forces the viewer into the position of a true alien, emphasizing the sheer scale and incomprehensibility of the cosmos.
The Protagonist ParadoxA significant point of critical contention involves the casting and characterization of Valerian (Dane DeHaan) and Laureline (Cara Delevingne). In the source material, the duo operates with a level of professional parity and romantic tension that defined the "space-agent" archetype. In the film, however, the chemistry is often described as discordant.
Valerian is presented as a cocky, somewhat traditional hero, yet his performance is intentionally subversive; he lacks the physical imposingness of a typical action star. This choice highlights a recurring Besson theme: the "hero" is often less important than the environment they inhabit. Laureline, conversely, serves as the emotional and moral anchor, reflecting the comic’s progressive roots in portraying female characters with high agency and intellectual superiority.
Environmentalism and Colonial CritiqueBeneath the neon surface, the film’s narrative is a sharp critique of colonialism and military industrialism. The plight of the Pearls—an indigenous species whose planet was destroyed as collateral damage in a human war—mirrors real-world histories of displaced populations. The film’s refusal to paint the human military (represented by Clive Owen’s Commander Filitt) as a purely benevolent force complicates the traditional "space police" trope. Instead, Valerian argues that the preservation of a peaceful status quo often hides systemic injustices against "lesser" civilizations.
Cultural Reception and LegacyDespite its technical brilliance, the film struggled with "brand recognition" outside of Europe. For many international audiences, the visual language of Valerian felt derivative of films like The Fifth Element or Avatar, despite the fact that the original Valérian comics served as the primary inspiration for those very works.
ConclusionValerian and the City of a Thousand Planets remains a polarizing masterpiece of visual design. It is a film that values the "wonder" of the unknown over the mechanics of a tight plot. By prioritizing the ecological and sociological complexity of its universe, Besson created a vibrant alternative to the monochrome aesthetics of modern sci-fi, ensuring the film's status as a cult classic for years to come.
Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets is a 2017 space opera film written and directed by Luc Besson. Based on the influential French comic series Valérian and Laureline, the film is recognized as the most expensive independent and European film ever produced, with a budget of approximately $180–210 million. Plot & Setting
Set in the 28th century, the story follows special government operatives Valerian (Dane DeHaan) and Laureline (Cara Delevingne) as they maintain order throughout human territories. Their primary mission takes them to Alpha, the "City of a Thousand Planets"—a gargantuan, ever-expanding space station where thousands of species from across the universe share knowledge and culture.
The duo must investigate a mysterious "dark force" or "radioactive zone" at the center of Alpha that threatens the station’s peaceful existence. As they delve deeper, they uncover a massive cover-up involving a forgotten genocide of the peaceful Pearl inhabitants of the planet Mül. Production & Vision
Director Luc Besson, a lifelong fan of the source material, spent decades waiting for technology to catch up to his vision, citing James Cameron's Avatar as proof that such a complex world could be realized.
Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets is a 2017 space opera written and directed by Luc Besson, based on the French comic series Valérian and Laureline. The film is celebrated for its stunning visual spectacle and ambitious world-building but received mixed reviews regarding its script and chemistry between the leads. Core Premise & Plot
Set in the 28th century, the story follows Major Valerian and Sergeant Laureline, two special operatives who maintain order in human territories.
The Setting: Much of the action takes place on Alpha, a massive, ever-expanding space station where thousands of species from across the universe live together and share knowledge.
The Mission: The duo is tasked with retrieving a rare creature called a "Mül converter"—a small animal capable of replicating powerful pearls.
The Mystery: During their mission, they uncover a dark secret involving the destruction of the planet Mül and a government cover-up led by Commander Arun Filitt. Valerian must eventually choose between following orders and doing what is morally right for a displaced alien race. Cast & Key Characters
The film features an international cast with several high-profile cameos: Valerian And The City Of A Thousand Planets - E...
Valerian: City of Alpha , the official mobile game prequel to the 2017 film, you serve as the architect responsible for transforming a small space station into the sprawling intergalactic metropolis known as the "City of a Thousand Planets." Core Gameplay Mechanics City Building
: You manage Alpha by constructing and upgrading habitats in hexagonal districts to house diverse alien species. Resource Management
: Collect resources to fund station expansions, build advanced spaceships, and craft equipment for your crew. Exploration & Scanning
: Dispatch ships to various galaxies and scan them to uncover missions and encounter new alien lifeforms. Diplomacy & Missions
: Complete "choose-your-own-adventure" style narrative missions where your choices determine rewards like reputation points or rare technologies. Essential Strategy & Tips Optimize Energy Recovery
: Every mission consumes ship energy. While ships slowly recover energy in space, flying them back to Alpha's docking bays significantly speeds up the recharge process. Match Crew Skills
: Assign crew members with specific special abilities that match the mission's requirements to increase your success rate and reduce risk. Build Reputation
: Focus on courting specific alien races; higher reputation unlocks advanced technologies and unique production capabilities. Check Power Ratings
: Always compare your combined ship and crew power rating against the recommended level for a galaxy before launching a mission to avoid failure. Factory Upgrades
: Regularly use your factory to craft upgrades from found schematics. Improving your gear is the primary way to survive more difficult missions in deep space. Key Game Features Stunning Visuals
: The game features high-quality artwork inspired by Luc Besson's film and the original comics. Prequel Storyline
: Set 590 years before the events of the movie, allowing you to discover the origins of major alien species. Elite Teams
: Recruit and train agents to form specialized squads for dangerous deep-space exploration. you can unlock or the best ways to earn premium currency for upgrades?
Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets stands as one of the most visually ambitious science fiction epics of the 21st century. Directed by Luc Besson, the visionary behind The Fifth Element, this film was a labor of love decades in the making. Based on the influential French comic series Valerian and Laureline, the movie takes audiences to Alpha, an ever-expanding space station where thousands of species from across the universe live together in a delicate balance of peace and shared knowledge.
The story follows Valerian and Laureline, two special government operatives charged with maintaining order throughout the human territories. Their latest mission leads them to the heart of Alpha, where a mysterious dark force threatens the very existence of the City of a Thousand Planets. As they dive deeper into the mystery, they uncover a forgotten history and a race of beings whose survival depends on the duo’s ability to see past their orders and do what is right.
What sets this film apart is its breathtaking world-building. From the bustling multi-dimensional markets of Big Market to the underwater realms of Alpha, every frame is packed with intricate detail and alien biodiversity. The visual effects, handled by industry giants like Weta Digital and ILM, pushed the boundaries of what was possible in 2017. The opening sequence, set to David Bowie’s Space Oddity, is often cited as a masterpiece of visual storytelling, tracing the history of Alpha from a contemporary space station to a galactic hub.
Despite its visual brilliance, the film received mixed reactions regarding its casting and chemistry. Dane DeHaan and Cara Delevingne brought a youthful, modern energy to the lead roles, though some fans of the original comics felt the dynamic differed from the source material. However, the supporting cast, including a memorable performance by Rihanna as the shapeshifting Bubble and Ethan Hawke as the eccentric Jolly the Pimp, added layers of camp and charisma to the sprawling narrative.
Critically, Valerian is a polarizing experience. It favors wonder and imagination over the traditional grit of modern sci-fi. It doesn't try to be a dark military thriller; instead, it embraces the vibrant, psychedelic spirit of European comic art. For viewers who miss the era of grand, colorful space operas, Valerian offers a refreshing escape. It is a film that rewards high-definition viewing, as the sheer density of the "thousand planets" represented on screen is impossible to catch in a single sitting.
Ultimately, Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets is a testament to independent filmmaking on a massive scale. As the most expensive European and non-American independent film ever made, it represents a bold risk that prioritized artistic vision over safe, formulaic storytelling. Whether you watch it for the groundbreaking CGI, the imaginative creature designs, or the sheer scale of the adventure, it remains a landmark achievement in the science fiction genre. Introduction: A haunting melody played on a solo
Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets is a 2017 space opera directed by Luc Besson. It is a visual marvel based on the 1967 French comic series Valérian and Laureline. Quick Facts Director: Luc Besson (famous for The Fifth Element).
Main Cast: Dane DeHaan (Valerian) and Cara Delevingne (Laureline).
Budget: Nearly $200 million, making it one of the most expensive European films ever made.
Visuals: Over 2,500 VFX shots created by top studios like Weta FX and Industrial Light & Magic . The Plot: A Race Against Time
Set in the 28th century, the story follows special operatives Valerian and Laureline as they protect the intergalactic city of Alpha.
Valerian And The City Of A Thousand Planets - Electronic Soundtrack Inspired Piece
Title: "Galactic Odyssey"
Genre: Electronic/Synthwave
Inspirations: The film's visual and narrative elements, particularly the City of a Thousand Planets, inspired this piece. The soundtrack aims to capture the essence of the movie's blend of science fiction, adventure, and romance.
Description: This instrumental electronic piece is designed to evoke the sense of wonder and exploration found in Valerian And The City Of A Thousand Planets. The track features a mix of pulsing synths, driving beats, and soaring melodies, creating a sense of tension and release.
Composition: The piece is divided into three main sections, each representing a different aspect of the film:
Instruments:
Sound Design: To create a more immersive experience, a range of sound design elements were incorporated, including:
DAW: Ableton Live
Software Synthesizers:
Effects Processing:
The Piece:
[Intro] (G - G7 - C - C7)
[Build-up] (Em - B7 - C - G)
[City of a Thousand Planets] (D - D7 - G - G7)
[Climax] (A - A7 - D - D7)
[Outro] (G - G7 - C - C7)
Listen:
Imagine a soundtrack that transports you to a galaxy far, far away... A blend of electronic and synthwave elements, with a dash of science fiction and adventure. "Galactic Odyssey" is a piece that will take you on a journey through the City of a Thousand Planets, with its pulsing synths, driving beats, and soaring melodies.
Code:
For those interested in recreating this piece, here's a rough Ableton Live set:
This piece is just a starting point, and I encourage you to experiment and make it your own!
Luc Besson’s Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets (2017) is a polarizing feast for the eyes—a $180 million personal gamble
that stands as the most expensive European and independent film ever made. While it struggled to find a massive audience, its sheer ambition has secured its place as a cult sci-fi artifact. The Grand Vision
The film is a lifelong passion project for Besson, who grew up reading the Valérian and Laureline comics by Pierre Christin and Jean-Claude Mézières. The Setting : Most of the action takes place on , a sprawling space station where thousands of species
from across the universe have converged to share knowledge and culture over centuries. The Mission
: Special operatives Valerian (Dane DeHaan) and Laureline (Cara Delevingne) are tasked with retrieving a "Mül converter"—the last of its kind—and uncovering a dark conspiracy threatening the heart of Alpha. A Visual Triumph : The film features over 2,700 VFX shots
handled by industry titans like Weta Digital and ILM. Its opening sequence, set to David Bowie’s "Space Oddity," is widely cited by as one of the best world-building intros in sci-fi history. Why It’s "Interesting" (and Controversial) Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets (2017) - IMDb
Upon release, Valerian was considered a financial disappointment (grossing only $225 million against its massive budget). Yet, in the streaming era, it has found a cult second life. Why?
Because no one else is making movies like this. In a Hollywood landscape dominated by IP franchises that play it safe, Valerian is gloriously, messily original. It prioritizes world-building over plot and visual wonder over character depth. For every clunky line of dialogue, there is a shot of a shapeshifting jellyfish alien or a VR marketplace that makes The Matrix look dated.
In 2017, visionary French director Luc Besson (known for The Fifth Element and Lucy) delivered what might be the most expensive independent film ever made: Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets. Based on the seminal French comic series Valérian and Laureline by Pierre Christin and Jean-Claude Mézières, the film is less a conventional blockbuster and more a $200 million love letter to the sci-fi medium itself.
Many search for "E" looking for the film’s connection to Star Wars (The Empire). While there is no direct link, the film serves as a meta-commentary on imperialism. The human Federation is the "Empire" here—well-intentioned but covering up the genocide of the Pearls to protect their reputation.
The story follows Major Valerian (Dane DeHaan) and Sergeant Laureline (Cara Delevingne), agents of the United Human Federation. They are tasked with maintaining order throughout the universe. The film opens with a stunning, wordless montage showing the International Space Station gradually welcoming alien species, expanding over generations into the metropolis of Alpha. Instruments:
The main plot kicks off when Valerian has a vision of a lost paradise planet, Mul, destroyed by a mysterious weapon. He discovers that a surviving race of peaceful humanoids, the Pearls, are hiding in the lower depths of Alpha, being hunted by a ruthless Commander (Clive Owen) who is covering up a past atrocity.
What follows is a chain of heists, chases, and dimension-hopping adventures, including a trip to the interdimensional market of "Big Market," a sequence that has already been hailed as one of the most inventive chase scenes in sci-fi history.