The Fifth Element
WhileThe Professionalmarked the American breakthrough of populist French director Luc Besson (and his long-time composer, Eric Serra), the ambitious, futuristic sci-fi adventureThe Fifth Elementproved to be Besson's stateside sophomore jinx at the box office.  Still, Serra's score shouldn't be overlooked. Easily the composer's most digitally daring studio concoction,The Fifth Elementoffers up a brave stew of synth beats, orchestral flourishes, and ethnic influences ranging from Middle Eastern modalities to Italian operatic arias.--Jerry McCulley