How Gary Oldman Really Feels About The Fifth Element

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Gary Oldman had decades of filmmaking under his belt, with dozens of memorable roles during that time. Many love his Jim Gordon in Christopher Nolan’s beloved “The Dark Knight” trilogy to his Oscar-winning performance as Winston Churchill in “Darkest Hour”, but for a lot of viewers, his role as the villainous Zorg in the 1997 sci-fi classic “The Fifth Element” stands out more than anything else he’s done.

Directed by Luc Besson and with Bruce Willis in the lead role of Korben Dallasthe film is set in the distant future of 2257. It centers on a taxi driver (Willis) who is unwittingly given the task of saving a young girl who is part of the key that will ensure humanity’s survival. It was a defining moment for Milla Jovovich, who plays the young girl in question, Leeloo.

Although “The Fifth Element” is considered a ’90s favorite among fans of the genre, it’s not a film that Oldman was particularly proud of. He didn’t have much nice to say about it for many years. But why? And have the actor’s feelings changed after almost 30 years of distance between him and Zorg?

At the time, Gary Oldman was directing his own film “Nil by Mouth”, which was also released in 1997. But the actor had to take time off from that project to film “The Fifth Element”, which required a lot of work for him to get into the role of the character. As he explained in an interview with the German press of the time:

“I took about eight weeks off from my film, shaved my head again, wore a funny plastic helmet with a little bit of hair hanging out, false teeth, a scar, a limp and rubber. And, you know, I traveled around the 23rd century for eight weeks.”

The actor didn’t seem excited about it in the interview, but he called it a “very spiritual” film, which is about “the good old game, good conquers evil.” Although “The Fifth Element” is widely considered one of Besson’s best filmsOldman just didn’t see it that way.

“Oh no, I can’t stand it,” the actor responded when asked about the film in an interview with Playboy in 2014 (via AV Club). Although he didn’t elaborate much at the time, all the rubber and hair shaving didn’t seem to help Oldman cherish the experience.

Oldman gives a wild performance as Zorg; from his distinctive look to his wacky Southern accent, he stands out in the same way that a Nicolas Cage performance can stand out when he turns 11. That’s a big part of why people love it. As for why Oldman isn’t interested in the film? We must understand that he only made this film to be of service to Besson.

“I was making a film and Luc Besson was one of the producers and initially helped me find financing,” Oldman explained in an interview with Magazine away. “I was singing for my dinner. [Luc] called. He said, ‘I need you to make a movie.’ I didn’t read the script, that was a favor.”

Not only was there Besson and Oldman worked together on “Leon: The Professional”, but they were friends. Besson helped direct Oldman’s film, and as a result, the actor felt he owed the director a favor. Besson told his version of the facts to Weekly Entertainment in 2017, saying the following:

“With Gary [Oldman, as the villain]it was a friendship and a collaboration. I wanted to produce his film Nil by Mouth on the one hand, and I had the role for him in “Fifth Element” on the other. I ask, “Do you want to do Zorg?” » and he said yes, he was happy to do it. »

Whether or not Oldman is “happy” to do so might be a bit of a stretch. At the very least, Oldman felt it was the right thing to do since Besson helped get “Nil by Mouth” off the ground. But it’s not like it’s a role he wants to play, other than that feeling of obligation.

Mind you, Oldman’s “I can’t stand it” comments were ten years ago. As the actor reflects on retirementhave his feelings changed at all? A little, yes. While it would be difficult to accuse Oldman of praising “The Fifth Element,” he has certainly found a way to appreciate it more in recent years.

“Let’s put it this way, if I watched it with my wife, Gisele, we’d probably stick around. And she’s convinced me that it’s a better movie than I think it is,” Oldman told the show. “Happy Sad Confused” podcast earlier this year. The actor then explained why his vision for the film and his performance as Zorg is a bit tainted.

“All I take away from it is that I’m contaminated because I was the one who had that haircut, and I was the one wearing rubber. So other people may experience it in a different way. I’m a little bit triggered when I see it. And I go back to that place of Jean Paul Gaultier and rubber. Which Bruce didn’t like either. You know, the orange vest he’s wearing in it? [whispers] He hated it. He hated it.”

In all honesty, it’s not always easy to judge your own work. Oldman is also not a fan of her performance in “Sid & Nancy.” another movie that many people enjoy. If nothing else, time has softened the actor a bit on this beloved relic of ’90s sci-fi. He may not love it, but he can certainly, at least, handle it now.

You can grab “The Fifth Element” on 4K, Blu-ray, or DVD from Amazon.