Rebel. Jedi. Action Figure.
The Phantom Menace. Attack of the Clones. Revenge of the Sith. A New Hope. The Empire Strikes Back. Return of the Jedi.
With Star Wars Episodes I-VI, George Lucas told an amazingly intricate, creative and timeless story about human nature and the capacity for good (and evil) within us all.
Here you’ll find articles and features on the films that shaped generations.
Force Visions is an ongoing series of articles celebrating the greatest visual artists to work in the Star Wars universe.
With a brief like that, there’s only ever going to be one place to start. Ladies and gentlemen, I present the Star Wars art of Ralph McQuarrie.
Here’s an unpopular point of view for you for you all:
Back in 2002, the single biggest failing of Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones wasn’t as much to do with the execution of the film. Instead, it was more down to how disconnected Lucas’ vision was from his audience’s expectations.
“Wait,” I hear you cry, “it’s biggest failing is that it’s terrible!”
Hey, I hear you. And I don’t completely disagree. The self-consciously wooden dialogue, unconvincing ‘classical’ love story and sloppy editing all combine to make it the biggest slog of the Star Wars saga. The development of Yoda’s character is either great or terrible, depending on how beholden you are to George’s view of the Jedi Order. The CG hasn’t aged all that well.
Yes, the film is flawed – but it’s not as bad as Prequel Trilogy-haters might have you believe. And here’s why…
There are few scenes in the Star Wars saga more pivotal than the duel between Anakin Skywalker and Obi-Wan Kenobi in Revenge of the Sith.
It was a scene that fans had waited decades to see; the brutal final act of Skywalker’s transformation into the fearsome Darth Vader. The sense of tragedy is palpable as a friendship ends and the fate of the galaxy hangs in the balance.
EXT. TATOOINE – LARS HOMESTEAD
The giant twin suns of Tatooine slowly disappear behind a distant dune range. Luke stands watching them for a few moments, then reluctantly enters the domed entrance to the homestead.
It’s with full credit to George Lucas, Mark Hamill, John Williams, and the magic of ILM that a few short lines of screenplay could become one of the most iconic moments in cinema.
Today, May 14 2024, marks the 80th birthday of the maker himself.
George Lucas’ pioneering film work, business savvy, and humanitarian worldview have inspired fans around the world for decades. It’s thanks to his life that I personally found the direction to switch up a boring life, retrain, and find a career that I love.
Many happy returns, Mr Lucas. The Force will be with you always.
