In almost every way, “The Fifth Element” is unlike many other movies. Based on a story French director Luc Besson created as a kid, the 1997 movie was only made when he was 38 years old. Since its premiere, this unusual and unconventional science fiction film has maintained its popularity. Un-bah-lievable, to quote Ruby Rhod.
In the 23rd century, New York City is home to Korben Dallas, a cab driver with a military background who is played by Bruce Willis (who had his own unusual casting tale). A crew of aliens with the fabled “Fifth Element” have the capacity to avert the disaster as an ancient evil threatens to destroy Earth. However, when the Fifth Element’s transport ships are unexpectedly shot down, researchers must act quickly to reconstruct the planet’s rescuer from its remnants. Dallas is required to assist Milla Jovovich’s ideal being known as Leelo (who they construct) in saving the earth after the being makes a daring escape and falls into his taxi.
On the planet Fhloston, where Korben wins a lavish vacation hosted by the riotous Ruby Rhod (Chris Tucker), a flamboyant game show host with a distinctive high-pitched voice and limitless energy, the movie’s climax is set, the action is set. Although Tucker wonderfully captures Rhod’s strident and larger-than-life personality, he wasn’t the actor Besson had in mind for the role, it seems. Tucker’s casting may have been been a purely aesthetic choice, according to Entertainment Weekly’s oral history of the movie. Besson hoped to enlarge Bruce Willis’ appearance.
Quiver ladies, quiver
Prince was originally supposed to play Ruby Rhod, but things didn’t work out for a variety of in-character reasons. “Actually, Prince was meant to do the portion before Chris. However, it was a nightmare because every time he gave you an appointment, he would arrive seven days later “Besson laughed as he continued. “And occasionally he turns up when you least expect him to. You do realise you can’t grasp him? He was free and wants to continue to be free.”
Prince’s resignation was followed by the hiring of Chris Tucker. Besson did give Jamie Foxx some thought, though, for the part. Anyone who is familiar with the two individuals is aware of their differences. While Jamie Foxx is a more serious performer whose impressions and singing skills reveal he is one of the most well-rounded talents in the world, Tucker excels at playing motormouthed funny characters. The character of Ruby Rhod undoubtedly would have been significantly different if Foxx had been cast in the role.
Besson’s choice ultimately boiled down to something very straightforward: size. I met Chris Tucker and Jamie Foxx on the same day for Ruby, claimed Besson. The filmmaker went on to say, “I adored them both because they were both adorable and nice. But the truth is that Jamie was already really muscular at the time. Chris, he appears like a shrimp in comparison to Bruce, and it’s far funnier to have a character that is more frail and weak. So I went with him.”
Size matters
A standout in the movie, Chris Tucker’s acting gives the grim science fiction plot the dash of humour that sets it apart from other similar sci-fi productions. Even though many American critics weren’t lovers of his performance, he injects excitement and vitality into the film.
Although it could seem like an extremely straightforward justification for choosing a particular actor to play a key role in your film, I believe Besson’s justification makes sense. The use of actors with radically different proportions to create a comic contrast is a comedic cliche that is as old as comedy itself. It looks like Besson made the perfect decision when you take it into account in addition to Tucker’s comedic skills and persona, which are immediately introduced into Ruby Rhod.
Although Besson was never able to match the critical acclaim of “The Fifth Element,” his impact on cinema history will never be forgotten. And Tucker’s comic act is a crucial component of what Besson produced. Chris Tucker’s career was also given a boost by it. In 1995, Tucker was chosen from relative obscurity to star in “Friday,” and after “The Fifth Element,” he was able to land what is arguably his most well-known part in the “Rush Hour” series with Jackie Chan. Tucker may have simply been given a little role because of this, but this is what made him big.
