I’m a fan of companion books, mostly because I’m usually interested in behind-the-scenes stories, original conception art, and costume design sketches, especially for films I love and am passionate about. While Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets does not fall into either one of those categories, I can’t deny that the visuals of the film were on point, even if the story was not.
Thus, Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets: The Art of the Film by Mark Salisbury has some stunning art and inside scoops on the inspiration behind the film and the time it took to develop this story from the classic graphic novel series to the big screen. And if you’re a person interested in how these creators essentially created the movie, then you won’t be disappointed.
Director Luc Besson goes into detail with stories and anecdotes on the challenges of taking a story he’s loved for a long time and finally getting the opportunity to turn it into a film. The entire book is approximately 190 pages, but the vast majority of them are filled with pictures from the set, original storyboard images, and the film’s official artwork.
The companion book features concept designs for Alpha and Alpha spaceships, details surrounding the development of spacesuits, details of the creative processes behind the film, and much, much more.
Click here to buy Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets: Art of the Film.
Disclaimer: I received an advanced reader copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
