Luc Besson

Biography

Luc Besson was born on March 18, 1959, in Paris, France. Raised in a family passionate about film and the arts—his father, François Besson, was a filmmaker and his mother, Françoise, a teacher—Luc developed an early fascination with cinema. Initially training to be a scuba diving instructor, a near-fatal diving accident at the age of 17 left him hospitalized for several months. During his recovery, he decided to pursue filmmaking, enrolling at the prestigious Institut des hautes études cinématographiques (IDHEC) in Paris.

Early Career
Besson began his career as a screenwriter and assistant director, working on French films in the late 1970s and early 1980s. His debut as a director came with Le Dernier Combat (1983), a post-apocalyptic film notable for its nearly wordless narrative and striking visuals. This film established Besson as a unique voice in French cinema. He followed it with Subway (1985), which became a cult hit and showcased his signature style blending action, romance, and music.

Breakthrough and International Success
Luc Besson gained international fame with The Big Blue (1988), a visually stunning drama about free diving that solidified his reputation as a filmmaker capable of combining breathtaking visuals with emotional storytelling. His 1990 film, La Femme Nikita, about a female assassin trained by a secret government agency, became a worldwide success and inspired remakes and television adaptations.

Besson further cemented his global status with Léon: The Professional (1994), starring Jean Reno and a young Natalie Portman. The film received critical acclaim for its intense action sequences and complex character dynamics.

Notable Works
Besson is known for his stylish, high-energy films, often blending action, science fiction, and visually striking storytelling. Some of his most notable films include:

The Fifth Element (1997) – a sci-fi cult classic starring Bruce Willis and Milla Jovovich

Lucy (2014) – a science-fiction action film starring Scarlett Johansson

Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets (2017) – a visually ambitious adaptation of the French comic series Valérian and Laureline

Anna (2019) – a spy thriller exploring themes of espionage and identity

Producer and EuropaCorp
In addition to directing, Besson founded the production company EuropaCorp, which has produced numerous successful films, including the Transporter series, Taken, and The Lady (2011). Through EuropaCorp, Besson has supported both French and international filmmakers, influencing the global action and thriller genres.