Luc Besson’s Valerian, with DeHaan and Delevingne, has a dazzling trailer

Last Updated on August 2, 2021

I don't know anything about the Pierre Christin / Jean-Claude Mézières comic series Valérian and Laureline, the source material for Luc Besson's latest film VALERIAN AND THE CITY OF A THOUSAND PLANETS. I don't know much about the movie Besson made out of that material, and (this probably isn't a popular opinion) I wasn't fond of his previous attempt at making a sci-fi blockbuster, THE FIFTH ELEMENT. But I do know that the newly released trailer for VALERIAN is dazzling to look at, so visually appealing that it has boosted my interest in learning more about all this Valerian business and in seeing the movie. The use of The Beatles' "Because" doesn't hurt, either.

The film stars Dane DeHaan and Cara Delevingne as Valérian and Laureline, with an impressive supporting cast having been assembled around them: Clive Owen, Rihanna, Ethan Hawke, John Goodman, Rutger Hauer, and Herbie Hancock.

So, who are Valérian and Laureline anyway?

Valerian (DeHaan) and Laureline (Delevingne) are special operatives for the government of the human territories charged with maintaining order throughout the universe. Valerian has more in mind than a professional relationship with his partner- blatantly chasing after her with propositions of romance. But his extensive history with women, and her traditional values, drive Laureline to continuously rebuff him.

Under directive from their Commander (Owen), Valerian and Laureline embark on a mission to the breathtaking intergalactic city of Alpha, an ever-expanding metropolis comprised of thousands of different species from all four corners of the universe. Alpha’s seventeen million inhabitants have converged over time- uniting their talents, technology and resources for the betterment of all. Unfortunately, not everyone on Alpha shares in these same objectives; in fact, unseen forces are at work, placing our race in great danger.

You won't really glean much of that from this trailer, which is all about the audio and visuals. There's only a few lines of dialogue, but there's a ton of special effects.

VALERIAN AND THE CITY OF A THOUSAND PLANETS is set to reach theatres on July 21, 2017.