The year was 1997 and movie audiences were about to be introduced to a unique science-fiction film that would leave a distinct visual impression on people for decades to come. It’s also the only film that would find Bruce Willis playing a taxi driver who stumbles upon a woman dressed in toilet paper and later watches a blue skinned alien opera singer perform an aria. Oh and Oscar winner Gary Oldman, Milla Jovovich, and comedian Chris Tucker are in there too. It’s complicated, it’s weird, it’s “The Fifth Element.” If you missed it in theaters when it first came out, you’ll have a chance to see it again soon.
Thanks to Fathom Events, “The Fifth Element” will be returning to theaters for two days in November. Fathom has done re-releases like this before, including a Fright Fest line-up from 2023 that included a bunch of classics ranging from “The Birds” to “They Live.” “The Fifth Element” falls in line with the kind of films they work with; it has a cult following with the kind of visual experience that benefits from being on the big screen.
Not to mention, getting to see those incredible costumes by the late Jean Paul Gaultier.
The film’s director and co-writer, Luc Besson was also responsible for “Leon: The Professional,” “Lucy,” and “Valerian and the City.” His critical and commercial responses have been hit and miss but the man has routinely had a flair for action and visuals. “The Fifth Element” was no stranger to this as exemplified by Roger Ebert and his review of it. The late critic gave the film three stars but admitted it’s still not a “good” movie, even though it was worth seeing for the visual spectacle. All the more reason why it would make for a good night out at the theater instead of streaming on a television.
If you’re interest in watching the film, it will be in theaters on November 17th and 20th in participating locations. The Regal Cinema chain tends to participate in them and you can always go to the official Fathom Events website to purchase tickets.
