Besson's Valerian vs the Star Wars Prequels?

[Karha of Honor]

Which one was the biggest artist led dud?

At which one do you point at that when someone tells you producers should never overrule movie directors?

[CharlesPhipps]

I liked both.

*is pelted with oranges*

[Karha of Honor]

I liked both.

*is pelted with oranges*

Because of their flaws?

Despite their flaws?

[CharlesPhipps]

They're flawed but fun.

Valerian is clearly a labor of love for Besson and his attempt to create a bizarre amazing world to travel through is one that I had no end of fun with.

The Prequels are....too much...but George also wanted to build multiple new worlds beyond anything one could imagine.

And yes, the acting is wooden blocks talking to wooden blocks.

But that's what happens with pure crazy behind you.

[Karha of Honor]

.

But that's what happens with pure crazy behind you.

Plenty of directors who specialize in crazy would disagree.

[PerrySimm]

Valerian is disjointed and offbeat, but you can feel the passion and energy behind it. If Besson had shot the film in French it'd probably be an arthouse darling by now -- still wouldn't have made any money, though.

Star Wars may be in the same genre, but you're not comparing works of the same calibre. Yes, Lucas had full creative control for the prequels. But they are not the works of an auteur.

[clearspira]

The Prequels made a ridiculous amount of money; Valerian was a box office failure. The Prequels are controversial but still have plenty of fans and defenders; Valerian can at best hope to become a cult classic. The Prequels had Ewan Mcgregor, Samuel L Jackson, Natalie Portman, and Liam Neeson. Valerian had Dane Dehann, Cara Delevigne and Rihanna - who are just not in the same league. They may be one day, but not yet.

I think this really comes down to what you found most enjoyable, because on paper it is night and day imo. And I didn't even particularly like the Prequels.

[Karha of Honor]

The Prequels made a ridiculous amount of money; Valerian was a box office failure. The Prequels are controversial but still have plenty of fans and defenders; Valerian can at best hope to become a cult classic. The Prequels had Ewan Mcgregor, Samuel L Jackson, Natalie Portman, and Liam Neeson. Valerian had Dane Dehann, Cara Delevigne and Rihanna - who are just not in the same league. They may be one day, but not yet.

I think this really comes down to what you found most enjoyable, because on paper it is night and day imo. And I didn't even particularly like the Prequels.

Prequels had the benefit of being part of the most popular franchise on Earth.