Gary Oldman's Disdain for 'The Fifth Element': A Contrasting Perspective
Gary Oldman shares his critical views on the sci-fi classic 'The Fifth Element,' contrasting sharply with its popularity among audiences. Discover his insights and reflections on his role.
Despite its enduring popularity among audiences, Gary Oldman has expressed a starkly different sentiment towards the iconic sci-fi film, The Fifth Element. While millions embraced the movie directed by Luc Besson, Oldman’s recollections are tinged with negativity.
Released in 1997, The Fifth Element captivated a massive audience, particularly in France, where it drew approximately 7.7 million viewers. Nearly three decades later, the film's reputation remains strong, with an impressive average rating of 4.2 stars out of 5 on AlloCiné. However, Oldman, who portrayed the memorable villain Jean-Baptiste Emanuel Zorg, does not share this enthusiasm.
“Oh no, I can’t stand it”
In a candid interview with Playboy in 2014, Oldman did not hold back his feelings about the film, stating, “Oh no, I can’t stand it.” This comment is surprising, considering the film's significant impact on popular culture and the fact that Zorg is one of Oldman’s most notable roles.
His involvement in this French blockbuster alongside stars like Bruce Willis and Milla Jovovich was not born from a passion for the project. Instead, it stemmed from a sense of obligation to Besson.
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He Accepted Without Reading the Script
At the time of his casting, Oldman was focused on directing his first feature film, Nil by Mouth, with Besson among the producers who helped secure its funding. When Besson later approached him to join The Fifth Element, Oldman agreed to assist the director without even reading the script.
Reflecting on his decision in a 2016 interview, Oldman explained, “I was making a film, and Luc Besson was one of the producers and had helped me find financing. I was paying my debts. [Luc] called and said, ‘I need you to do a film.’ I didn’t read the script; it was a favor.”
Filming began in January 1996, but Oldman joined the cast several months later, in late May. His experience on the film did not lead to further collaborations with Besson, indicating a lack of desire to revisit that creative partnership.
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A Broader Pattern of Regret
Oldman has been openly critical of his own body of work, and The Fifth Element is far from the only project he views with regret. He has voiced dissatisfaction with his portrayal of Sid Vicious in Sid & Nancy, as well as his performances in Prick Up Your Ears and Ludwig van B., feeling he was sometimes miscast.
Even participation in major franchises has not filled him with overwhelming pride. Reflecting on his roles as Sirius Black in the Harry Potter series and Commissioner Gordon in Christopher Nolan’s The Dark Knight trilogy, he remarked, “Well, it was just ‘work’ – even though years later, I’ll be grateful to have appeared in them.”
This critical distance stands in stark contrast to the affection audiences hold for these films, particularly The Fifth Element, which remains a beloved classic in French science fiction cinema. Nearly thirty years post-release, the film continues to enjoy a prominent place in the genre, even if its villain prefers to leave it behind.
The Fifth Element is currently available for rent or purchase on VOD.
