Learning from Movies: The Extraordinary Adventures of Adèle Blanc-Sec

If you’ve never heard of The Extraordinary Adventures of Adèle Blanc-Sec, it’s a 2010 period adventure from Luc Besson, don’t feel bad.

It only got a limited release in the United States.

Based on a graphic novel series by Jacques Tardi, U.S. publisher Fantagraphics describes the series on their web site:

Both a rip-roaring adventure series set in pre-World War I Paris and a parody of same, Adèle Blanc-Sec has been enchanting, thrilling, and puzzling readers worldwide through four decades.

In this premiere installment, Adèle becomes involved in an interlocking series of mysteries that involve a revived pterodactyl, a frightful on-stage murder, a looming execution by guillotine, and a demon from the depths of hell — plus of course moronic gendarmes, loyal (or perhaps traitorous?) henchmen, and a climax atop the Eiffel Tower.

However, it’s out on DVD now and you should all rush out and buy or rent copies.

Inspiration and lessons after the break.

    •    Adventure can begin almost anywhere, and with even the most ordinary characters
    •    Action beats inaction
    •    Knowledge, or information, beats fear born of ignorance
    •    A shoe, with rare exceptions, is not a telephone
    •    Listen to your instincts, not your publisher
    •    Courage cares nothing for national boundaries, ethnicities, or genders
    •    Reading enough of the right books lets you recognize true value
    •    Those pharaohs were a tricky bunch
    •    Good manners are essential for getting along with the locals during your adventures
    •    The French had breathalyzers in 1912
    •    Buck passing is a very old sport
    •    Love inspires adventures to completion
    •    You have to trust your lawyer
    •    If at first you don’t succeed, try, try again
    •    Listen to the Scottish terrier. The Scottie is probably smarter than you are.
    •    Sometimes doing the brave and noble thing is more trouble than it’s worth
    •    Be ready to recognize what you want when it shows up
    •    Don’t get so competitive with your sister that you break her
    •    Beware mummies with senses of humor.

It’s difficult to write about adventures unless you have some, so get out there and try something new!