Luc Besson talks movies, football and Chinese cinema

Before Luc Besson left Shanghai after heading the jury panel at the Shanghai International Fim Festival he sat down with the Shenzhen Daily and talked about movies, including possibly do more than 10 movies himself and the importance of Chinese cinema both in China and abroad.

SD: You have a tight schedule during your China trip. Was it difficult to concentrate and watch all 17 movies competing for the Golden Goblet Award? And is the ongoing World Cup acting as a distraction?

LB: No. I just want to tell everyone that we will work hard. As for football, I’m not interested in any game played with feet. I’m only interested in the work that uses hands. 　

SD: What is your criteria for judging each movie? 　　

LB: All jury members are equal. They vote on what they feel is good. And their votes will be based on the artistic value of the movie and their personal feelings about the movie. A movie which has touched each member’s heart will definitely be a good movie. 　　

SD: The Shanghai International Film Festival is a young festival. What advice can you give to the committee? 　　

LB: I don’t think I have any advice to give, but I do think the Shanghai film festival is a promising one. It’s young, and youth means beauty. I’d like to say to it: “Long live Shanghai film festival.” 　　

SD: A couple of years ago you were reported to have said you were only going to make 10 feature films. Is “Arthur and the Minimoys” the last one? 　

LB: Yes. I said that. But to tell you the truth, “Arthur” has three installments. Each one is two hours long. In the last 15 years I have received a lot of proposals from Hollywood, and you have to find a good reason to say no, because some are worth a lot of money. So I limit myself to saying “OK, I want 10 bullets!” My legacy is more important to me than short-term profit. I want every movie I direct to be an elaborate one. The greatest wealth of a person is his thoughts and sentiments, not his deposit in the bank. 　　

SD: What do you think of Chinese movies? 　　

LB: Ten years ago, most Chinese movies imitated Hollywood too much. But now Chinese movies are getting better and better. They have their own style. 　　

SD: Would you like to shoot films in China or work with Chinese artists? 　　

LB: I think it is very important that national cinema exists in each country. If a film can travel around the world it is great, but don’t forget who you are and this is the representation of who you are. 　　

SD: As an increasing number of Hollywood companies seek cooperation with China to reduce costs, add exotic appeal and win over audiences in the country, more Chinese directors and actors are also trying to carve a niche in Hollywood. 　　

LB: I suggest young Chinese filmmakers shoot films in their own country. Nobody can make better films about China than the Chinese... You have to fight for your national cinema.

I read an interview like this and it further compells me to think that Europeans have a greater understanding, respect and appreciation for Asian cinema than their American counterparts do. I also like the idea of Besson getting behind the camera again. He's got a tonne of things going on right now but if he wants to free up some time to direct again then I have no problems with that.

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