Oh where to begin with this hot mess of a movie? First it must be said that the film never quite overcomes its most serious flaw, terrible casting. Actor Dane DeHaan as the title character and model Cara Delevingne are horribly miscast and together they have so little sparkle, it dims the entire project. And let’s not even mention how cliche ridden the screenplay is or how sexist the female role was written.
The film starts promisingly with a very clever introduction to its Galaxy wide leanings with a parade of ever more outlandish alien creatures. It brings to mind the Star Wars cafe scenes with all their variety of beings from outer space. The colour palette is also overwhelming, it’s like walking into a lolly shop with all of its over-saturated colours.
The film’s premise is pretty straight forward but that’s where the comfort of familiarity ends. The film lurches from one misstep to another, all the while engendering absolutely not connection between cast and audience. It fills the screen with amazing and imaginative visuals and you can see where a large chunk of the budget went. It really is a matter of seeing it to believe it (being this much of a mystery of lost potential).
Do you remember that rumour that you could play Pink Floyd’s Dark Side Of The Moon album over the Wizard Of Oz and they strongly meshed together. Hopefully there is a piece of music or album out there that you could do the same with for this film. Until then, this movie will remain more of a question mark than an answer.
Rob Hudson
www.facebook.com/ValerianMovieAU
