Directed by Richard Marquand and screenplay by Lawrence Kasdan and George Lucas from a story by Lucas, Return of the Jedi (Star Wars: Episode VI) is the third and final film of the original trilogy in which the Imperial Empire and the rebellion go out for one final battle in space as Luke Skywalker copes with the identity of the man who is Darth Vader. The film isn’t just another sci-fi adventure film where many of the characters of the previous film get ready for one final battle but also do whatever it takes to save the galaxy from this evil empire. Starring Mark Hamill, Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher, Peter Mayhew, Billy Dee Williams, David Prowse with the voice of James Earl Jones, Kenny Baker, Anthony Daniels, Alec Guinness, the voice of Frank Oz, Sebastian Shaw, and Ian McDiarmid as Emperor Palpatine. Return of the Jedi is a thrilling and exhilarating film from Richard Marquand.
The film revolves the final showdown between the Galatic Empire led by Emperor Palpatine and Darth Vader (David Prowse, with the voice of James Earl Jones), and the rebellion representing the former Galactic Republic as its heroes Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill), Han Solo (Harrison Ford), Chewbacca (Peter Mayhew), and Princess Leia (Carrie Fisher) get ready for the final battle. Yet, things become very tense as Palpatine arrives in a newly-constructed Death Star in which he personally oversees its completion while he and Vader both seek Skywalker. The film also plays into Skywalker’s own discovery of who Darth Vader is as he turns to a dying Yoda (the voice of Frank Oz) and the spirit of Obi-Wan Kenobi (Alec Guinness) for the truth where another revelation is unveiled.
The film’s screenplay by Lawrence Kasdan and George Lucas does have a more traditional structure than the previous films as its first act involves Vader arriving to the Death Star telling his officers that the Emperor is coming while Luke, Leia, Chewbacca, C-3P0 (Anthony Daniels), R2-D2 (Kenny Baker), and Lando Calrissian (Billy Dee Williams) go on a personal mission to retrieve Han from the clutches of the reputed gangster Jabba the Hutt (voice of Larry Ward) and the bounty hunter Boba Fett (Jeremy Bulloch) at the planet of Tatooine. Its second act is set in Dagobah where Luke meets with Yoda while joining in the plan to destroy the Death Star’s shield in the nearby moon of Endor where the rebels are aided by a tribe of creatures known as Ewoks. The structure doesn’t just play into the development of the characters but also into Luke’s own understanding about Darth Vader’s identity and realize who the man used to be.
It’s not just Luke, Leia, and Han that become more realized in their development but also Darth Vader as it is clear that he is the good cop for the Imperial officers while it’s Palpatine that is far less forgiving. There is also tension that looms in the film between Palpatine and Vader where the latter does sense Luke’s presence while the former doesn’t where it plays into an internal conflict with Vader who has no choice but to follow his master. It would force Luke to find the good in Vader where the two would have another battle with light sabers as it is clear that they’re really pawns into the game that Palpatine wants. That conflict would parallel the battles that Han, Leia, Chewbacca, R2-D2, and C-3P0 would have against the Empire in Endor with the aid of the Ewoks while Lando Calrissian would lead the attack on the Death Star. It is there where the film’s third act and climax does come to ahead as something has to happen where it’s everything or nothing.
Richard Marquand’s direction doesn’t really do anything new in comparison to the previous films but he does manage to maintain some visuals and compositions that are very engaging. Shot partially on location in Tunisia as Tatooine and at the Redwood Forest in California as Endor, the film definitely goes for a mixture of not just a darker tone but also something that is light as it plays to the conflict over the two sides of the Force. The usage of wide and medium shots do play into the vastness of the story not just in the locations of its planets but also in space that includes some very entrancing shots of the Death Star in its final construction phase. Marquand’s close-ups do play into Luke Skywalker’s own realization about who Darth Vader is but also into the revelations that he would discover which added bigger stakes into what he has to fight for.
The scenes set in Endor are quite playful as it does bring in some humor as well as something that is more accessible to children in the form of the Ewoks. While it’s not everyone’s cup of tea, the Ewoks do serve a purpose as it plays into their own brand of fighting which is primitive yet effective. The mixture of playfulness and adventure does give the film a liveliness in its third act where Han, Leia, Chewbacca, C-3P0, and R2-D2 would square off against the Empire in Endor with their own soldiers and the Ewoks. It is in sharp contrast to the more thrilling sequence in space where Lando is leading the rebellion in an all-out assault on the Death Star while Luke and Vader would have their own battle. Yet, their battle would really play more into what Palpatine wants as it would force one of these two men to do something to save the galaxy. Overall, Marquand creates a phenomenal and exhilarating film about a group of rebels going into one final battle against an evil empire.
Cinematographer Alan Hume, with additional work by Alec Mills, does excellent work with the look of many of the exteriors from the naturalistic look in the scenes at Endor as well as some of the interior lighting for the scenes inside the Death Star and in the rebel ships. Editors Sean Barton, Duwayne Dunham, and Marcia Lucas, with additional work by George Lucas, do amazing work with the editing with its stylish approach to transition wipes and rhythmic cuts to play into the action and suspense. Production designer Norman Reynolds, with set designers Michael Ford and Harry Lange and art directors Fred Hole and James L. Schappe, does fantastic work with the look of Palpatine‘s main room in the Death Star as well as the room in the rebel ship where the plan of attack occurs as well as the home of Jabba the Hutt. Costume designers Aggie Guerard Rodgers and Nilo Rodis-Jamero do terrific work with the costumes from the slave bikini that Leia would wear at Jabba’s home but also the black suit that Luke would wear to express his sense of loss.
Makeup designers Stuart Freeborn and Phil Tippett do brilliant work with the look of some of the alien creatures including the Ewoks and some of that characters at Jabba the Hutt‘s palace including some puppetry for the Jabba character. Visual effects supervisors Richard Edlund, Dennis Muren, Ken Ralston, and Phil Tippett do incredible work with the visual effects look for the scenes in space as well as the designs for scenes in Tatooine and in Endor such as the Imperial walkers with its usage of stop-motion animation. Sound designer Ben Burtt does superb work with the sound from the layering of sound effects for the battle scenes as well as in some of the sound that occurs for the droids. The film’s music by John Williams is wonderful for its thrilling and soaring orchestral score that plays into its sense of adventure and humor along with some of its brooding and melancholic moments.
The casting by Mary Selway is great as it features notable small performances from Denis Lawson as the rebel pilot Wedge, Jeremy Bulloch as the bounty hunter Boba Fett, Timothy M. Rose as the rebel military leader Admiral Akbar, Caroline Blakiston as the rebel alliance co-founder and leader Mon Mothma, Larry Ward as the voice of Jabba the Hutt, Michael Pennington as the Death Star commander who oversees the Death Star’s construction, Kenneth Colley as the Imperial Admiral Piett, Warwick Davis as the young Ewok Wicket that Leia befriends, and Sebastian Shaw as the unmasked Darth Vader. Frank Oz is superb as the voice of the great Jedi master Yoda who would tell Luke some startling news and some revelations while Alec Guinness is fantastic as the late Obi-Wan Kenobi who would also provide some revelations to Luke about Darth Vader.
Ian McDiarmid is great as Emperor Palpatine as the Galactic Empire’s leader who tries to steer Luke to join the dark side of the Force in the hopes he can gain another apprentice. David Prowse, with voice of James Earl Jones, is amazing as Darth Vader as the Empire’s great warrior who would also try to steer Luke into the dark side while displaying the sense of conflict from within him as it relates to whom he once was. Billy Dee Williams is brilliant as Lando Calrissian as an old friend of Han who would help free him from Jabba the Hutt while leading the attack on the Empire and the Death Star. Kenny Baker and Anthony Daniels are excellent in their respective roles as the droids R2-D2 and C-3P0 as the former would provide some key moments in the film’s first act and its climax while the latter would be responsible for forging an alliance between the Ewoks and the rebels.
Peter Mayhew is marvelous as Chewbacca as the Wookie who helps rescue Han Solo as well as provide a key role in battling the Empire in Endor. Carrie Fisher is sensational as Princess Leia Organa as a rebel leader who gets more hands-on in the fighting while making a major discovery about who she is as well as a bigger role she has to play for the rebellion. Harrison Ford is remarkable as Han Solo as the former smuggler who was imprisoned by Jabba the Hutt as he later leads an attack on the Empire in Endor with the help of the Ewoks where Ford brings some humor to his role. Finally, there’s Mark Hamill in an incredible performance as Luke Skywalker where Hamill brings a more reserved performance to display Skywalker’s grief and maturity as he copes with Darth Vader’s identity while knowing what he has to do to save the galaxy as it’s a dark but engaging performance from Hamill.
***The Following is Based on the 1997 Special Edition and its Subsequent Revised Editions***
Of the versions that George Lucas would get involved in, it is in this film where there’s a lot of changes with the aid of editor T.M. Christopher, sound designer Ben Burtt, and various visual effects people that would change things from the original. Among them is the pit of Sarlacc scene where there’s more arms added via computer-based visual effects as well as additional scenes near the film’s ending. Most notably scenes where other planets celebrated that featured the voice of a much-maligned character from the prequels. There’s also some changes in the visual effects in the battle scenes that are distracting yet the biggest change from its 2004 DVD release is one of the most controversial. It relates to its ending where Sebastian Shaw’s appearance in the end would be replaced by Hayden Christensen who would play Anakin Skywalker in the prequels. It’s an ending that is very disrespectful to Shaw as well as the series itself. While Lucas claims he’s trying to make the film better, it just shows how out of touch he is with his audience.
***End of Special Edition Tidbits***
Return of the Jedi is a phenomenal film from Richard Marquand. Featuring a great cast, sprawling visual effects, and an offbeat yet effective tone. The film isn’t just a worthy end to the original trilogy but it’s also an adventurous and fun film that manages to do a lot and more. In the end, Return of the Jedi is a remarkable film from Richard Marquand.
Star Wars Films: Star Wars - The Empire Strikes Back - The Phantom Menace - Attack of the Clones - Revenge of the Sith - The Force Awakens - The Last Jedi - The Rise of Skywalker
Related: Holiday Special - Caravan of Courage - The Battle for Endor - The Clone Wars - Fanboys - The People vs. George Lucas
Star Wars Anthology Films: Rogue One - Solo - (Untitled Star Wars Anthology Film)
George Lucas Films: THX 1138 - (American Graffiti)
© thevoid99 2015
Directed by Irvin Kershner and screenplay by Lawrence Kasdan and Leigh Brackett from a story by George Lucas, The Empire Strikes Back (Star Wars: Episode V) is the story where the Empire tries to find the small band of rebels who had destroyed their most powerful weapon as the group of rebels each go into different journeys where one of them would seek his destiny to become a Jedi. The second part of a trilogy about a civil war between an evil empire and a resistance group, the film plays into characters trying to evade the Empire as its evil leader is trying to pursue the young man who could destroy that empire. Starring Mark Hamill, Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher, Peter Mayhew, Anthony Daniels, Kenny Baker, David Prowse with the voice of James Earl Jones, the voice of Frank Oz, Billy Dee Williams, and Alec Guinness as Obi-Wan Kenobi. The Empire Strikes Back is a riveting and intense film from Irvin Kershner.
Set three years after the events of the previous film, the film is a vengeance story of sorts from the point of view of its antagonists in the Imperial Empire led by Darth Vader (David Prowse with the voice of James Earl Jones) as he is trying to hunt down the group of rebels that had managed to defeat them in a big way. Most notably in Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill) who has become a top pilot for the rebellion while having the abilities to become a Jedi where his journey would lead him to be trained under one of the Jedi’s great masters in Yoda (voice of Frank Oz). Meanwhile, Han Solo (Harrison Ford) tries to leave the rebellion in order to pay some long-standing debts to a criminal as he is chased by the Empire along with Princess Leia (Carrie Fisher), his sidekick Chewbacca (Peter Mayhew), and the protocol droid C-3P0 (Anthony Daniels). It’s a film that has a lot that is happening as it shows exactly how angry the Empire is in their pursuit to crush the rebellion. At the same time, it also plays into the sense of hope that the former Republic longs for in the hands of a young man who needs to learn the ways of the Force.
The film’s screenplay not only explores the complexity of what the Empire is trying to do in the aftermath of their major defeat but also into who is really running things where Vader is revealed to be under the orders of its leader in Emperor Palpatine (Elaine Baker with the voice of Clive Revill). While Darth Vader is still a very dangerous and cunning antagonist, the script allows to reveal much more into who he is as he’s not a man that is totally evil as he’s willing to give those who work for him second chances. Even in the film’s climax where he and Luke Skywalker have a battle with lightsabers where Vader offers Luke the chance to join him where it reveals an ambiguity into Vader. The character of Luke Skywalker also becomes more layered in the film but as someone who is more unsure about the ways of being a Jedi as he travels to the swampy planet of Dagobah to meet Yoda with the astromech droid R2-D2 (Kenny Baker). Upon learning who Yoda is and Yoda’s reluctance to train him because of Luke’s lack of patience.
Luke would go through a rigorous training as he would also learn about the dark side of the force where a vision he would have would become the catalyst for the film’s climax. A climax that would involve Han and Leia where their storyline involves the two finally realizing their attraction for one another after years of tension where they seek shelter in a friend of Han in Lando Calrissian (Billy Dee Williams) who is an ambassador in a planetary city known as Cloud City. Calrissian is a unique character who is someone that is loyal to Han but is forced to reveal that his city had been taken by the Empire as he becomes consumed with guilt into what Vader is doing. The climax at Cloud City wouldn’t just be a moment where many of its protagonists would come together but also would create a resolution which would bring more motivation to destroy the Empire.
Irvin Kershner’s direction maintains the vast tone of its predecessor by not just setting it into different worlds but also create something that is very dark as it relates to Darth Vader’s pursuit of Luke Skywalker. Shot partially on location in Norway with much of it shot in studios in London, the film has a very broader look in terms of how diverse the galaxy is. The film would begin in a snowy and icy planet where the rebels are in hiding where Luke’s encounter with a monster would play into his evolving powers with the Force. Kershner’s usage of wide shots not only plays into the ground battle between the rebels and the Empire but also in some medium shots and close-ups that add to the sense of suspense and drama. Even in the action where many of the scenes set in space such as the chase between the Star Destroyers and the Millennium Falcon through asteroid fields and such do play into the vast tone of the story.
There’s also some humor in the film as one of the running jokes involves the Millennium Falcon’s attempt to jump into hyperdrive where it is this great attempt at dark humor. The scenes set in the planet of Dagobah where there’s all of these creatures and such play into Luke Skywalker not just being out of his comfort zone but also in a land that is quite damp and desolate which is the last place he would expect to find someone like Yoda. Some of the visual effects that are used aren’t just miniatures and puppets but also in stop-motion animation for the battle scenes in Hoth as it adds a realism to the film. The film’s climax as this sky-based city known as Cloud City isn’t just one of the most chilling moments in the film but it would also feature a moment that is very shocking. Overall, Kershner creates a gripping and exhilarating film that explores a group of rebels trying to escape and defy an evil empire.
Cinematographer Peter Suschitzky does brilliant work with the film‘s cinematography with the damp look of the scenes set in Dagobah as well as the usage of orange lights for some of the exteriors in Cloud City as it creates something that is gorgeous as well as eerie. Editor Paul Hirsch, with additional work by George and Marcia Lucas, does amazing work with the editing with its usage of dissolves, transition wipes, and other stylish cuts to play into the action and suspense. Production designer Norman Reynolds, along with set decorator Michael Ford and art directors Leslie Dilley, Harry Lange, and Alan Tomkins, does fantastic work with the look of the rebel base at Hoth as well as the bridge inside the Star Destroyer Excelsior Class and the rooms inside Cloud City. Costume designer John Mollo does nice work with the clothes from the look of the Imperial uniforms as well as the clothes the main protagonists wear in their journey.
Makeup designer Stuart Freeborn does excellent work with the look of Emperor Palpatine as well as some of the alien creatures that appear in the film. Visual effects supervisors Richard Edlund, Brian Johnson, Dennis Muren, and Bruce Nicholson do phenomenal work with the visual effects from the look of the AT-AT Walkers with its usage of stop-motion animation to the design of the scenes in space. Sound designer Ben Burtt does superb work with the sound in not just the sound of the droids but also in the creatures and other aspects in the sound. The film’s music by John Williams is incredible for its bombastic orchestral score that includes some lush and soaring string arrangement pieces as well as some low-key orchestral moments to play into the drama.
The casting by Bob Edmiston, Irene Lamb, and Terry Liebling is marvelous as it features notable small roles from John Ratzenberger and Bruce Boa as a couple of rebel military leaders, Julian Glover as General Veers who leads the attack at Hoth, Michael Culver as Captain Needa who tries to capture the Millennium Falcon, John Morton as Luke’s gunner at Hoth, Michael Sheard as the Imperial Admiral Ozzel who would make a fatal mistake at Hoth that angers Vader, Kenneth Colley as Ozzel’s replacement Admiral Piett who would be the one to find the rebels at Hoth, Denis Lawson as rebel pilot Wedge, and Jeremy Bulloch, with the voice of Jason Wingreen, as the bounty hunter Boba Fett who is tasked to capture Han Solo for a major reward. Clive Revill is terrific as the voice of Emperor Palpatine with Elaine Baker as the character in physical form as it displays a figure that is truly evil.
Alec Guinness is superb as the late Obi-Wan Kenobi who appears as a spiritual guide of Luke through the Force while Frank Oz is fantastic as the voice of Yoda that is an alien figure who would teach Luke the ways of the Force and show him that nothing is impossible. Anthony Daniels and Kenny Baker are excellent in their respective roles as C-3P0 and R2-D2 as the two droids who both endure separate adventures with Daniels being the comical protocol droid who complains about what is happening to him while Baker brings a more whimsical yet low-key approach to his role as he would play a crucial part for the film’s ending. David Prowse is great as Darth Vader as he maintains a dangerous presence with James Earl Jones providing the voice that would show glimpse of the humanity that makes Vader a very interesting antagonist. Peter Mayhew is amazing as Chewbacca as Han Solo’s Wookie sidekick who often brings some comical commentary to Han’s attempt to woo Leia while being the guy that everyone can count on.
Billy Dee Williams is brilliant as the smooth-talking Lando Calrissian as an ambassador of Cloud City who is an old friend of Han while being forced to work with the Empire over Han’s capture. Carrie Fisher is remarkable as Princess Leia Organa as a top rebel leader who copes with her feelings for Han while dealing with the chaos that is surrounding her as she tries to keep things calm. Harrison Ford is incredible as Han Solo where he brings in some charm and humility into his anti-hero character that is being chased by the Empire while dealing with his feelings for Leia. Finally, there’s Mark Hamill in a sensational performance as Luke Skywalker as he displays not just an immaturity and naiveté in his training as a Jedi but also a determination to prove himself to become a Jedi.
***The Following is Based on the 1997 Special Edition and its Subsequent Revised Editions***
The 1997 Special Edition and its subsequent revised versions of the film not only featured new visual effects and remastered sound design by Ben Burtt along with additional edits by T.M. Christopher. What George Lucas does in this edition aren’t a lot of new things as it’s only a few subtle changes with new effects for the scenes in Cloud City as well as a fully-realized look of the monster that would attack Luke early in the film. The one big change that is most evident in the film that would emerge in later editions is the Emperor Palpatine character as he would be played by Ian McDiarmid in a 2004 revised version as McDiarmid would play the character in Return of the Jedi and its prequels. Another change is in the character of Boba Fett as the 2004 revised version would feature a new voice by Temura Morrison who would play the role of Jango Fett in 2002’s Attack of the Clones and the many storm troopers in 2005’s Revenge of the Sith. While it is a different version than the original film, the revised versions is able to at least maintain some of the heart of the film’s original story and its dark tone.
***End of Special Edition/Revised Versions Tidbits***
The Empire Strikes Back is a magnificent film from Irvin Kershner. Armed with a great cast, sprawling visual effects, and a thrilling story that is dark as well as raising the stakes. It’s not just one of the best sci-fi adventure films ever made but also a standard into what blockbuster cinema is and more. Even as it’s revised editions don’t do much to deter some of the elements of the original films. In the end, The Empire Strikes Back is an incredible film from Irvin Kershner.
Star Wars Films: Star Wars - Return of the Jedi - The Phantom Menace - Attack of the Clones - Revenge of the Sith - The Force Awakens - The Last Jedi - The Rise of Skywalker
Related: Holiday Special - Caravan of Courage - The Battle for Endor - The Clone Wars - Fanboys - The People vs. George Lucas
Star Wars Anthology Films: Rogue One - Solo - (Untitled Star Wars Anthology Film)
George Lucas Films: THX 1138 - (American Graffiti)
© thevoid99 2015
Written and directed by George Lucas, Star Wars (Episode IV: A New Hope) is the story of a young farmhand from a distant planet who finds two robotic droids that is carrying a secret plan as they seek the help of two smugglers and an old knight to save a princess from the evil empire and aid the rebellion to destroy its secret weapon. The film is a space opera that is set in planets far away in the galaxy where a young man learns about who he is and the powers he would have to help save the galaxy from the darkness. Starring Mark Hamill, Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher, Peter Cushing, David Prowse with the voice of James Earl Jones, Anthony Daniels, Kenny Baker, Peter Mayhew, and Alec Guinness. Star Wars is an enthralling yet rapturous film from George Lucas.
Set in a galaxy far away during a civil war between the Galactic Empire and a group of rebels representing the old Galactic Republic. The film revolves around a young farmhand who encounters two robotic droids as one of them carries a message as well as secret plans that would help the rebellion destroy the Empire’s newest weapon in a large space station known as the Death Star. With the aid of an old knight who was part of an elite group of peacekeepers known as Jedis, the two get the help of a smuggler and his alien first mate to not only save the princess but also give the plans to the rebel forces to stop the Empire. It’s a story that is very simple where it’s not just an entire galaxy at stake but also a world of good that has been covered by darkness for so many years.
While there are flaws in George Lucas’ screenplay as it relates to his dialogue, Lucas is able to create characters that are engaging such as the droids in the protocol droid C-3PO (Anthony Daniels) and the astromech droid R2-D2 (Kenny Baker with sound effects by Ben Burtt) as the latter is carrying a message from Princess Leia Organa (Carrie Fisher) to an old Jedi Night in Obi-Wan Kenobi (Alec Guinness) and secret plans that might help destroy the Death Star. Upon landing on this desert-planet called Tatooine where Kenobi was supposedly last seen, the droids are bought by a farmer named Owen Lars (Phil Brown) and his nephew Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill). The latter of which would discover Princess Leia’s message as he knows someone named Kenobi as he would eventually learn that a man named Ben is actually whom Princess Leia is asking for. At the same time, Luke would learn about his father who was a Jedi knight that was killed by one of Kenobi’s old pupils in Darth Vader (David Prowse with the voice of James Earl Jones).
The characterization of Luke is an interesting one as he is this young man that is eager to get out of Tatooine and become a fighter as he is an accomplished pilot. Yet, circumstances would finally realize that he does have a destiny to fulfill in not just wanting to help rebellion but also become a Jedi like his father. With Kenobi’s help, the two team up with a couple of smugglers named Han Solo (Harrison Ford) and a large dog-like creature named Chewbacca (Peter Mayhew) who would take them to a planet for a price. Solo is an unusual character as he is modeled after many Western archetypes as he has no qualms killing people if it helps him such as a scene where he kills a smuggler who wants to collect a bounty on Solo’s head. Though Solo is reluctant to save Princess Leia, he only decides to help her once he realizes how much money he can get which shows an ambiguity to who he is. Princess Leia herself is anything but a damsel-in-distress as she is quite adept in shooting with a blaster while being very opinionated and knowing what to do in tense situations. Especially where is confronted by a member of the Imperial government in Grand Moff Tarkin (Peter Cushing) to find the whereabouts of a secret base.
The character of Darth Vader is an interesting antagonist as someone who is seen wearing black with a helmet and breathes through a mask. He is someone that can pretty much get the job done and get some answers but he is also very intelligent in knowing that not everyone will be swayed easily. Like Kenobi, he is also a trained Jedi knight but leans towards the dark side and knows when to use the Force to do things. He and Kenobi would have a confrontation in the middle of the film as it would play into exactly what Kenobi would do in order for Luke to learn the ways of the Force for the film’s climax.
Lucas’ direction is quite vast for a sci-fi film in terms of not just the world that he creates but also in how he would introduce it starting with this chase between a small space cruiser and this large Imperial ship called the Star Destroyer as it comes in from above the frame. It sets the tone for what is to come though the film actually opens with some exposition about this civil war between the Empire and the rebellion. With some of the locations shot in Tunisia for the scenes in Tatooine and other locations in Guatemala, much of the film is set in space as it plays into a galaxy where it’s very diverse and very different. Tatooine is seen as this desert world where it’s sort of unruly and desolate but it is a place where things can happen. Even for someone like Luke Skywalker who feels like he doesn’t belong as he is among the small group of humans who wound interact with all sorts of aliens in the world.
The world of outer space is also quite big in terms of the way it is presented with Lucas using a lot of wide and medium shots as well as the look of the Death Star that looks like a large moon that can shoot a giant laser to destroy a planet. The way Darth Vader is first presented is among these rich compositions that Lucas creates to establish what kind of man he is. The light saber battle between Vader and Kenobi plays into the world of traditional sword fighting but involving and old man and a tall one where there aren’t a lot of big movements but rather on instinct. Many of the battles in space are presented with these very intense visual effects that mixes miniatures and optical effects to make it feel as realistic as it can. Especially for the film’s climatic battle against the Empire at the Death Star where it has a lot of thrills and moments that are just gripping. Overall, Lucas creates a spectacular yet engaging film about a group of people trying to save the galaxy from an evil empire.
Cinematographer Gilbert Taylor does brilliant work with the film‘s cinematography from capturing the sunny look of the scenes set in Tatooine as well as some of the interior lighting for some of the ships in space including Solo‘s spaceship the Millennium Falcon. Editors Richard Chew, Paul Hirsch, and Marcia Lucas, with additional work by George Lucas, do amazing work with the editing as it includes some unique rhythmic cuts for some of the film‘s action scenes along with a few dissolves and some stylish transition wipe that play into the film‘s mixture of adventure and action. Production designer John Barry, with set decorator Roger Christian and art directors Leslie Dilley and Norman Reynolds, does fantastic work with the design of the Death Star and some of its interiors along with the Millennium Falcon and its interiors plus some of the places in Tatooine such as the Mos Eisley Cantina.
Costume designer John Mollo does nice work with the look of Darth Vader as well as the Imperial officer uniforms and the look of the its soldiers in the Stormtroopers. Makeup designers Rick Baker and Stuart Freeborn do excellent work with the look and design of the creatures in Tatooine including the little Jawas and some of the aliens at the Mos Eisley Cantina. Special visual effects supervisors John Dykstra and John Stears do phenomenal work with the special effects in the way the lightsabers look and the way lasers are presented as well the battle scenes set in space.
Sound designer Ben Burtt and sound editor Sam F. Shaw do incredible work with the film‘s sound work from the way R2-D2 and other droids sound as well as some of the sound effects of how TIE Fighters sound in space as well as other aspects in the film‘s sound work. The film’s music by John Williams is great as it is one of the defining film scores with its orchestral bombast filled with lush string arrangements and vast brass section to play into its many themes along with a few playful pieces.
The casting by Diane Crittenden, Irene Lamb, and Victor Ramos do wonderful work with the film’s casting as it includes notable small roles from Phil Brown and Shelagh Fraser in their respective roles as Luke’s uncle Owen and aunt Beru, Denis Lawson as the rebel X-wing pilot Wedge Antilles, Garrick Hagon as Luke’s friend/rebel X-wing pilot Biggs Darklighter, and Jack Purvis as a chief Jawa. Peter Cushing is superb as the Death Star commander Grand Moff Tarkin as an Imperial governor who tries to get Princess Leia to reveal vital information into the rebel base as well as keep Vader in line.
Anthony Daniels and Kenny Baker are fantastic in their respective roles as C-3P0 and R2-D2 with Daniels providing some unique movements and dialogue that makes the character a fun and sometimes annoying persona while Baker provides just movements that makes R2 such a loveable droid. Peter Mayhew is excellent as the Wookie named Chewbacca as Mayhew brings a unique physicality to the role as well as creating some of his own language that makes him sort of a moral compass for Han Solo. David Prowse is brilliant in bringing the sense of physicality and presence that is Darth Vader that is added by the phenomenal voice work of James Earl Jones who adds a lot of eerie textures to the role of Vader. Alec Guinness is amazing as Obi-Wan Kenobi as a former Jedi knight who helps Luke in saving Princess Leia and carry out the Death Star plans to the rebels as he would also teach Luke the ways of the Force.
Carrie Fisher is incredible as Princess Leia Organa as a princess who is captured by the Empire as she refuses to give information while being a badass with a blaster that makes her a far more compelling character. Harrison Ford is remarkable as Han Solo as this anti-hero who takes part in the journey for money to pay a debt while being someone that is reckless and funny. Finally, there’s Mark Hamill in a marvelous performance as Luke Skywalker as a young farmhand who dreams of flying and being part of the rebellion as he learns about his father and the destiny he is to take part in.
***The Following is Based on the 1997 Special Edition and its Subsequent Revised Editions of the Film***
The film’s 1997 special edition and its subsequent versions not only would feature some new scenes under Lucas’ direction with the contributions of editor T.M. Christopher and sound designer Ben Burtt, along with visual effects supervisors Dave Carson, John Knoll, Joe Letteri, Bruce Nicholson, Alex Seiden, and Stephen Williams,. The changes and added scenes aren’t just controversial but also play into the debate of film revisionism. One notable change that is controversial is a scene where Han shoots Gredo in cold blood as it plays into his anti-hero persona. In the special edition and later versions to follow, it would have Gredo shooting first and Han firing afterwards. It is a change that isn’t very good and certainly messes with Han’s development from anti-hero to hero.
While some of the visual effects do help polish the film as well as new sound effects and design by Ben Burtt to add more layers. There’s elements in the film that don’t work such as the Jabba the Hutt character who would be seen in Return of the Jedi as he appears in a computer-animated format in a scene with Han Solo that was originally deleted from the original film. In this special edition, the scene is restored but with Jabba the Hutt as this creature who is trying to get Solo to pay the debt that he owes him. There’s other scenes that are restored such as a brief conversation between Luke and Biggs before the climatic battle which is a good scene that was added. Then there’s the explosion of Alderaan in the scene where the Death Star displays its power as the original explosion was big but primitive in its 1977 release. In its revised and subsequent versions, it is much bigger with a force field that actually makes it look ridiculous.
***End of Special Editions Tidbits***
Stars Wars is a tremendous film from George Lucas. Armed with a great cast, amazing visual effects, a phenomenal score, and a thrilling story. It is a film that isn’t just one of the finest sci-fi adventure films ever made but it’s also cinema that manages to appeal to audiences of all ages. While the 1997 special edition and its following revised versions are a mixed bag, the original version is still a fascinating yet engrossing film that still holds up and proves to be just as fun to watch as it did back in 1977. In the end, Star Wars is a glorious and sensational film from George Lucas.
Star Wars Films: The Empire Strikes Back - Return of the Jedi - The Phantom Menace - Attack of the Clones - Revenge of the Sith - The Force Awakens - The Last Jedi - The Rise of Skywalker
Related: The Hidden Fortress - Holiday Special - Caravan of Courage - The Battle for Endor - The Clone Wars - Fanboys - The People vs. George Lucas
Star Wars Anthology Films: Rogue One - Solo - (Untitled Star Wars Anthology Film)
George Lucas Films: THX 1138 - (American Graffiti)
© thevoid99 2015
Based on the poem by Lewis Carroll, Jabberwocky is the story of a young cooper’s apprentice who founds himself dealing with a mysterious creature through some very accidental situations. Directed by Terry Gilliam and written by Gilliam and Charles Alverson, the film is a humorous take on Carroll’s poem as it plays Gilliam’s absurd approach to humor as the film stars his fellow Monty Python cohort Michael Palin in the lead role of Dennis Cooper. Also starring Harry H. Corbett, John Le Mesurier, and Warren Mitchell. Jabberwocky is a strange yet witty film from Terry Gilliam.
The film is an offbeat tale about a young cooper’s apprentice who leaves his village to make a new life for himself where he enters the city kingdom through accidental means as he reluctantly becomes a squire and the object of affection for a princess. Yet, the kingdom is still being haunted by the mysterious creature known as the Jabberwocky as merchants and bishops continue to profit from the fear of the creature while its king (Max Wall) is trying to figure out how to defuse the crisis as he holds a tournament so a champion can fight the creature. It’s a film that is about a lot of things such as a young man’s desire to make a good life for a woman who doesn’t really love him as he does have ideas to improve commerce despite dealing with the indifference of merchants and other people.
The film’s screenplay is very strange where even though it has a simple structure and a story about a young man who accidentally finds himself in situations where he would face the Jabberwocky. It’s a story that is often quite messy as the themes of bureaucracy and commerce are explored where in the former, it involves these merchants who are trying to ensure that the creature stays alive so that money can be made. For the character of Dennis Cooper, he has ideas that he believes can help efficiency in the work place only to cause trouble where some of his accidental encounters puts him in places he didn’t want to be as all he wanted a simple life.
Terry Gilliam’s direction is a bit uneven at times where it’s obvious that he’s trying to refine his vision in what he wants to create. While he does create a lot of strange set pieces and visual motifs that are amazing to watch that includes the climatic appearance of the Jabberwocky. He also tries to infuse a lot of humor that is very eccentric and offbeat that is reminiscent of his work in Monty Python. These elements don’t really mesh together though Gilliam creates some unique compositions and moments that has some dark humor as well as recurring gags that play to the absurdity of the Dark Ages. Overall, Gilliam creates a pretty inconsistent yet entertaining film about a man who unwittingly finds himself facing off a monster.
Cinematographer Terry Bedford does excellent work with the grimy photography style for much of the film‘s exteriors with its smoke and fog as well as the lighting schemes in the castle interiors. Editor Michael Bradsell does nice work with the editing as it‘s mostly straightforward with some rhythmic cuts for its humorous moments. Production designer Roy Forge Smith and art director Mily Burns do fantastic work with the set pieces from the castle the king and his people live in as it‘s in ruins to the merchant homes and pubs surrounding the castle. Costume designers Charles Knode and Hazel Pethig do fine work with the period costume as it‘s often ragged at times as well as the look of the king.
The hair/makeup work of Elaine Carew, Scott Rakison, and Maggie Weston do terrific work with the look of some of the characters in their ragged look. Monster creators Clinton Carvers and Valerie Charlton is superb for its imaginative look as it‘s terrifying but also strange. Sound recordist Garth Marshall does amazing work with the sound from the use of sound effects and the way the creatures sound. The film’s music consists of pieces by Modest Mussorgsky, Hector Berlioz, and Jacques Ibert is brilliant as it plays to the humor and horror that occurs in the film.
The film’s cast features cameo appearances from director Terry Gilliam as well as fellow Python cohorts Terry Jones as a poacher and Neil Innes as a herald late in the film. Other notable small roles include David Prowse in a dual role as two knights in the Red Herring and the Black Knight, Bernard Bresslaw as a landlord, Alexandra Dane as the landlord’s wife, John Bird as the first herald who annoys the king and his council, Derek Francis as the bishop, Paul Curran as Dennis’ father, Harry H. Corbett as a mischievous squire, and Deborah Fallender as the princess who mistakes Dennis as a prince.
Annette Badland is funny as Dennis’ dismissive girlfriend Griselda while Warren Mitchell is terrific as her father who agrees with Dennis’ ideas about commerce. Max Wall is excellent as the aloof king who tries to figure out what to do while John Le Mesurier is fantastic as his chamberlain who aids him in how to defuse the situation. Finally there’s Michael Palin in a marvelous performance as Dennis Cooper as a young man just wanting to make something of himself as he deals with a new world as well as accidental situations that has him baffled about his place in the world.
Jabberwocky is a good though meandering film from Terry Gilliam. While it features a funny performance from Michael Palin and some cool visual moments that Gilliam would refine in his later work. It’s a film that wants to be all sorts of things but doesn’t mesh together with the themes that Gilliam wanted to explore with humor. Still, it has moments that are enjoyable and witty. In the end, Jabberwocky is a messy though decent film from Terry Gilliam.
Terry Gilliam Films: Time Bandits - Brazil - The Adventures of Baron Munchausen - The Fisher King - 12 Monkeys - Fear & Loathing in Las Vegas - The Brothers Grimm - Tideland - The Imaginarium of Dr. Parnassus - The Zero Theorem - The Auteurs #38: Terry Gilliam
© thevoid99 2014
