Star Wars Review

 

        Now that we’re done with looking at comedies, we can pivot to talking about sci-fi. That genre has been around since film has been introduced in the early 1900s. It’s more or less about the wonders and possibilities about going and experiencing what that galactic environment has for us. Now, there’s two types of sci-fi: science fantasy is what I usually attribute Star Wars, and you have, well, science fiction like Star Trek where it tries to be grounded with hypothetical theories about space. But enough about that, here’s what I think. 

1. Hero’s Journey

        What hasn’t been said about this movie. You and I know that it’s one of the best sci-fi movies around, and an influential one. Just in case you are out of the loop here’s the story, a young farmboy gets roped into an intergalactic war when he finds two droids carrying a secret. Meanwhile, the Galactic Empire with their new weapon, threaten to destroy the Rebel Alliance. It’s about as straightforward as you can get.

        Luke is probably the most interesting character in the whole cast. He’s the definition of the people’s hero, an underdog who we root for. Like, it’s clear that he doesn’t belong with his family who are farmers. Compounding it is one of my favorite moments in the film that doesn’t involve action. It’s him looking on at the twin suns, communicating to us his hopes and dreams. John Williams music just absolutely nails the moment. 

        Skywalker’s whole character arc is attributable to a piece of work in the past. Joseph Campbell’s The Hero with a Thousand Faces describes a protagonist’s journey to become the hero. It’s quite amazing to see it happen when Luke is thrown into a conflict that’s bigger than him. He’s what you call an active protagonist. Someone’s actions who change the direction of the story where he is affected. Or think of it as being a driver in a car, you decide where to go. 

        Not to overstep my boundary by talking about the sequels, but I’m glad that Luke has so many layers that he’s not perfect in the least bit. Sometimes he’s whiny, and goes against the advice of Ben Kenobi, but what makes it work is that he has room to grow. And it’s explored where he makes mistakes and becomes mature as the series goes on. So much so that he’s willing to teach a new Jed- oh wait. 

        Anyways, we can't just talk about Luke without talking about the bad guy. Tarkin is really a cunning general. He's strategic and shows no mercy when threatening to destroy Princess Leia's home planet. Did I mention that he has very distinct cheek bones?  I'm just kidding, Darth Vader is one bad mofo. Now, one has to understand that he's really not the main antagonist. It's actually Tarkin who's the main baddie since he dictates what the Empire's actions will be. 

        Vader, for better or worse is just a high ranking official. I mean people walk over him when they make fun of his ancient religion and showing off the Force. He's pretty much his own person, taking action when he senses his old master aboard the Death Star. He's an intimidating villain, but gets more fleshed out as the sequels come along. 

2. Blending of Genre’s 

        Another thing that makes the film work is that it blends two genres’ without it being too off. At it’s core the film is sci-fi but given the world that we’re dropped in it can be whatever. For instance, it’s a war movie since it has a faceless fascistic empire fighting against a rebellion. We see in the opening shot everything we need to know with where the conflict is at. And it continues throughout the sequels as it emphasizes just how massive the Empire is. 

        When the story continues in the desert world of Tatooine, we pivot to an almost western story when we follow Luke, Kenobi meeting with the smugglers Han and Chewie. It’s only for a little bit when we spend a few moments inside the cantina. It just has that vibe where anything goes, such as when Han and Greedo meet. Now, this moment has been hotly contested for a good chunk of it’s existence. Since there’s been alterations of Han shooting first and Greedo shooting first. The point is nobody bats an eye for a dead rodian. 

3. Industrial Light and Magic

        This company has had their fingertips in films for nearly 50 years now. Given the technology at the time, it’s something to be astonished at since they made the world look believable with its action set pieces and the various special effects. Looking at the behind the scenes, it required days of attempting to recreate old World War 2 plane point of view shots. We get to see those moments alluded to. 

        Easily the best moment is when we get to see the lightsaber in action. Nowadays, it’s an easy special effect that can be utilized in any movie editor. Looking at it how it was presented is quaint, but admirable. Like when Luke gets the hilt, it smash cuts to the blade turning on. There’s even another moment where Ben moves the lightsaber to the side to mirror it turning on. What I like how it’s utilized in very smart ways. 

        We see how it looks like and what it’s like in action. People can criticize the fight between Vader and Kenobi, but I feel that it adds more to the mystery between them and the reason why they fight. Moreover, having the lightsaber used sparingly makes the weapon too dangerous for anyone to use. That’s why I like it when it’s used as a last resort or when a problem arises that needs it. 

4. Complicated Legacy

        I don’t have to explain the massive success this movie had. With its various merchandising that reaches various media known to man. Right down to people cosplaying as their favorite character or species. This franchise has made a profound impact with the general audience. But I feel as though cheated when watching the film. Don’t get me wrong, I love the film with the fancy special effects. 

        I feel as the movie is a cinematic version of Frankenstein’s monster. Just a piece of work that has a 50-year-old footage stitched together with computer graphics that would come along years later. It’s jarring to say the least and distracting. Like, I would want to see the original cut of the film as it was presented when it was released. And I can understand George Lucas preferring the new cuts to the original, my point is that no one should be robbed of not seeing the original cut. Or having to spend a pretty penny just to get the elusive original cuts.

        Another thing that opened my eye is just how much behind the scene drama happened. Now, there wasn’t any actor drama, far from it. Lucas created the whole idea for the film and shot on location. Without giving too much away, I recommend watching Empire of Dreams, a documentary about the making of the Original Trilogy. It exposed me to various movie making terms and just how much one can go through with making a movie. 

5. Overall

        While this wasn’t the first Star Wars movie I’ve seen. It is one of my favorites and one of the most important films to contribute to pop culture and to cinema as a whole.