Had the good fortune of seeing the Jean Paul Gaultier exhibit this year in Paris. His original 1992 sketches for Prince's character in the film, "Fifth Element" were displayed. The part was later given to Chris Tucker. Anybody know why Prince didn't take the role?

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S3V3N said:

Anybody know why Prince didn't take the role?

He knows that he's not a good actor. Please watch the kissing scene in Under the Cherry Moon.

[Edited 10/12/15 12:01pm]

Why? just look at the costume!

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[Edited 1/24/17 16:37pm]

Found the answer, from JPG here...

http://www.themarysue.com/fifth-element-original-cast/

Gaultier writes Prince didn't like the designs:

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When the singer was giving a series of concerts in Paris, Luc Besson wanted us both to meet with him to show him my sketches. Prince had already attended my runway shows, but he came and went very quickly every time, so we had never been formally introduced. While I was waiting for Luc in his office, I saw this huge bodyguard appear, with Prince trailing behind him. As Luc hasn’t yet arrived, I thought he must have wanted me to meet with Prince alone, so we could get to know each other a little bit.

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Still not saying anything, Prince gave me this Charlie Chaplin kind of look. I could see that something had just happened, but I didn’t know what, only that he had indicated to his body guard that he wanted to leave right then and there. I thought he was going to go and see Luc. Later, Luc told me that Prince had been very surprised and amused — by my presentation, but that he found the costumes a bit too effeminate. And, most importantly, he had thought he heard [sic] “Fuck you, fuck you!” when I was saying in my terrible English accent “faux cul, faux cul” [fake ass]!

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[Edited 10/12/15 12:33pm]

Makes a bit of sense. Around 1992, Prince seemed to become preoccupied with projecting a very hetero image. That year he released the Symbol album and the story he told with it, visually at least, was "Aladdin".

[Edited 10/12/15 12:39pm]

S3V3N said:

Found the answer, from JPG here...

http://www.themarysue.com/fifth-element-original-cast/

Gaultier writes Prince didn't like the designs:

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When the singer was giving a series of concerts in Paris, Luc Besson wanted us both to meet with him to show him my sketches. Prince had already attended my runway shows, but he came and went very quickly every time, so we had never been formally introduced. While I was waiting for Luc in his office, I saw this huge bodyguard appear, with Prince trailing behind him. As Luc hasn’t yet arrived, I thought he must have wanted me to meet with Prince alone, so we could get to know each other a little bit.

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Still not saying anything, Prince gave me this Charlie Chaplin kind of look. I could see that something had just happened, but I didn’t know what, only that he had indicated to his body guard that he wanted to leave right then and there. I thought he was going to go and see Luc. Later, Luc told me that Prince had been very surprised and amused — by my presentation, but that he found the costumes a bit too effeminate. And, most importantly, he had thought he heard [sic] “Fuck you, fuck you!” when I was saying in my terrible English accent “faux cul, faux cul” [fake ass]!

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[Edited 10/12/15 12:33pm]

I'm mystified by this. Surely Prince has always wanted to appear on film looking as if an ostrich exploded on his ass.

Genesia said:

I'm mystified by this. Surely Prince has always wanted to appear on film looking as if an ostrich exploded on his ass.

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[Edited 1/24/17 16:38pm]

I never get tired of hearing this story. Oh, imagine being a fly on the wall at that meeting.

that outfit looks like something that Cher would wear during her concerts

eyewishuheaven said:

I never get tired of hearing this story. Oh, imagine being a fly on the wall at that meeting.

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My favorite part... Prince gives a silent quizzical look, then communicates telepathically w/his bodyguard. Sounds like something straight out of Chapelle. But we all know it's true.

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The funny thing about Gaultier is that he's as rebellious as Prince. His nickname is the "Enfant terrible". He designed Madonna's very masculine pinstripe suit look for Vogue/Express yourself. But he designed that fishnet and ostrich bodystocking for Prince.

[Edited 10/12/15 16:46pm]

Truly, truly hideous. Had he appeared in that get-up, he'd look like Divine's malnourished sister

I don't really understand why he was considered. He's not really that kind of loud flamboyant character.