Born in 1959 in the 15th arrondissement of Paris, Luc Besson developed his cinematic interests after a diving accident at age 17 precluded a career in marine biology. Transitioning from set assistant work to directing, he became a central figure in the Cinéma du look movement during the 1980s, eventually building a prolific career as a writer, producer, and director.
Early Career and Cinéma du look
Besson returned to Paris at 18 to gain experience, working as an assistant for directors such as Claude Faraldo and Patrick Grandperret. He gained notice for his early films Subway (1985), The Big Blue (1988), and La Femme Nikita (1990). Critics Raphaël Bassan and Guy Austin identified these projects as part of the Cinéma du look movement, characterized by a focus on high visual style.
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In 1980, Besson founded his first production company, Les Films du Loup, later rebranded as Les Films du Dauphin. In 2000, he co-founded EuropaCorp alongside Pierre-Ange Le Pogam to facilitate his large-scale projects. Over his career, he has participated in the production, writing, or direction of more than 50 feature films, spanning genres from sci-fi action to fantasy and documentary.
Notable Works and Recognition
Besson achieved significant success with The Fifth Element (1997) and Léon: The Professional (1994). His documentary work includes Atlantis (1991), while his children's literature output features the Arthur series. His industry contributions earned him the César Award for Best Director in 1998 for The Fifth Element, a Sitges Film Festival Best Director award in 1983, and an Inkpot Award in 2016. In 2000, he served as the President of the Jury at the Cannes Festival.
Fast facts
- Born: 1959, Paris
- Citizenship: France
- Occupation: Director, screenwriter, producer
- César Award for Best Director: 1998
- Cannes Jury President: 2000
- Key movement: Cinéma du look
- Languages: French, English
Questions readers ask
What was Luc Besson's early career ambition?
Before entering the film industry, he planned to become a marine biologist but shifted his focus after a diving accident at age 17.
What is EuropaCorp?
EuropaCorp is a film production company co-founded by Besson and Pierre-Ange Le Pogam in 2000.
What is the Cinéma du look?
It is a stylistic movement from the 1980s and early 1990s, where critics like Raphaël Bassan grouped Besson with directors who favored visual spectacle.
Achievements
- César Award for Best Director — 1998
- Notable work: Léon: The Professional
- Notable work: Arthur and the Minimoys
- Worked as film producer, film director and screenwriter
