Find out when the boundaries of inspiration blur in cinema with The Fifth Element and two great creators end up in legal disputes.
In the vast cinematic universe where originality is both a sanctuary and a battleground, acclaimed director of The Fifth Element, Luc Besson, finds himself in a conflict that borders on creativity and blasphemy. This clash was not with a newcomer, but with two comic titans, Alejandro Jodorowsky and Jean ‘Mobius’ Giraud, who Besson says he lifted key elements from his comic master The Incal to frame the film.
Inkal, the ruins of Jodorowsky’s failed project to adapt Dune, is a phenomenon in the comic world. This work tells the adventures of John Diful, a detective who suddenly becomes the guardian of the powerful crystal of the Incal of Light. Accompanied by various partners, Difoll embarks on an adventure that challenges the realities of the world. The comic’s narrative and visual art provoke not only the imagination but deep philosophical questions, qualities that have earned him a place of honor in pop culture.
Besson’s dispute with the fifth party
Besson, whose filmography includes brilliant successes and notable failures, has always sought to impress with daring narratives and avant-garde aesthetics. The Fifth Element is no exception, with a rich visual backdrop and a narrative that intertwines the fate of humanity with the enigmatic Lilo. However, this film was overshadowed by accusations that Besson took “more than was allowed” from The Incal. Although the case was rejected, as only small fragments of the work were used, the controversy shows the complex interplay between motivation and implementation.
The legacy of Incal continues to evolve with recent announcements of a big screen adaptation by Taika Waititi, known for blending humor with serious themes. Meanwhile, Besson applied his vision in court not only to plagiarism cases, but also to advertising disputes and, in recent times, although of a very different nature, to cases of personal behavior.
The Persistence of the Fifth Element in Popular Culture
Available for streaming on platforms such as Hulu, The Fifth Element remains a pillar of science fiction cinema, showing that despite its controversies, Besson’s work has penetrated the hearts of fans. This provokes an inevitable reflection on the thin line that separates artistic inspiration from trespassing and sometimes honor.
This web of creativity, conflict and culture continues to provide a fascinating case study of the interplay between different art forms and how these sometimes clash dramatically in the legal sphere. Ultimately, both The Fifth Element and The Incal stand as testaments to the power of thought and humanity’s eternal quest to define and redefine originality in art.
In addition to The Fifth Element, Luc Besson explored other horizons in the science fiction genre, most notably with his magnum opus, Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets. Based on the French comic series Valerian and Laureline, the film attempts to capture a vast and colorful universe with creatures and technologies that defy imagination. Despite having visually stunning settings and creatures, the film did not have the same critical and commercial impact as The Fifth Element, facing criticism for its script and character development.
However, Besson has remained a cult figure in a genre known for combining visual wonder with complex narratives, although he did not always strike a perfect balance between the two elements.