Directed and edited by George Lucas and screenplay by Lucas and Walter Murch from a story by Lucas that is based on his own short film, THX 1138 is the story of a man who falls in love with a woman during a dystopian world run by an android police force and mandatory drug use to suppress emotions. The film is a sci-fi drama set in a dystopian world where a man comes out of this state as he deals with the chaos around him. Starring Robert Duvall, Donald Pleasance, Maggie McOmie, Don Pedro Colley, and Ian Wolfe. THX 1138 is a sprawling and engaging film from George Lucas.
Set in the 25th Century where humanity live in a dystopian underground where everyone has their head shaved, wear the same white clothes, take drugs to suppress their emotions, and all work in a factory to create androids as the police force. The film revolves around a man named THX 1138 (Robert Duvall) who becomes ill during his work as he starts to become emotional as his living partner notices as they fall in love where trouble ensues once he starts to rebel. It’s a film with a simple premise as screenwriters George Lucas and Walter Murch play into a man who works to create androids as he starts to act erratically as his mate LUH 3417 (Maggie McOmie) works in surveillance notices his illness as she starts to feel for him where the two fall in love and have sex as the latter is considered taboo. This would put both of them in trouble as another surveillance officer in SEN 5241 (Donald Pleasance) offers to be THX’s new roommate but things eventually go wrong as THX stop using drugs as it starts off a chain of events that would put himself, LUH, and SEN in trouble.
Lucas’ direction does bear some style in the way he presents this dystopian world as it is shot largely at the Zoetrope Studios in San Francisco along with a few areas nearby. Lucas maintains a world that is cold in its presentation but also futuristic as it play into a world where everyone is watched with surveillance footage being prevalent throughout the film. Yet, it opens strangely with an episode of a sci-fi TV show from the 1950s/1960s as it play to into this idea of what the future would be like yet Lucas would then showcase a future that isn’t pleasant at all. The wide shots do play into this massive dystopian world including the factories with medium shots showcasing the surveillance room and rooms that the people live in as there’s also a bit of claustrophobic feel to how small the homes that THX and LUH live in that also include a living room where they would watch holographic programming including pornography through a machine that helps THX masturbate.
Also serving as the film’s editor with additional help from his then-wife Marcia, Lucas does put in bits of style in the editing with a few jump-cuts and dissolves while also playing up to the film’s suspense that includes a tense scene of THX having a blackout of sorts during work as it is this chilling moment of him losing control and the surveillance people trying to get him back on track. Lucas also play up the idea of what happen to those who stray from the rules as the setting in this white prison where it is vast and inescapable showcase a man that is stuck in the middle of this large white room. Yet, it would serve as the catalyst for THX to make sense of the world he’s in as there are also some revelations for those he had met and befriended where they endure some serious challenges. Even in the climax where Lucas does maintain the suspense of what is out there that THX is trying to find and see if there is a world that is better than the one he and so many others are living in. Especially as there’s another character who is trying to make sense as he would encounter children and later contemplate his own fate. Overall, Lucas crafts a mesmerizing yet eerie film about a man living in a dystopian world where emotions are suppressed.
Cinematographers David Myers and Albert Kihn do amazing work with the film’s cinematography with its usage of lights for many of the interiors including bright white for the white room scene and low-key shades for some of the interior scenes in the surveillance room. Art director Michael D. Holler does brilliant work with the look of the film including some of the factory interiors and the rooms that the people live in as well as the design of the android police force. Visual effects supervisor John Andrew Berton Jr., for the 2004 restored/director’s cut edition, does nice work as it is largely minimal that includes bits of scenes in the factory.
The sound work of Walter Murch, with additional sound design by Tom Myers for the 2004 restored/director’s cut edition, does excellent work with the sound as it adds to the atmosphere of the film along with the montages that Murch has created that is an early example of sound design with Myers adding broader mixes for the 2004 edition of the film. The film’s music by Lalo Schifrin is fantastic for its wondrous orchestral score with lush strings and choirs that includes variations of classical music as it help add to the film’s suspenseful moments.
The casting by Ann Brebner is wonderful as it features a voice appearance from David Odgen Stiers as a computerized voice, Ian Wolfe as an old prisoner THX and SEN meet, the trio of Marshall Efron, John Pearce, and Sid Haig as prisoners that THX meets, James Wheaton as the voice of a god-like figure that everyone confesses to, and Don Pedro Colley as a hologram actor that THX and SEN would later meet in the film’s third act as he would be someone that would help them escape. Maggie McOmie is excellent as LUH 3417 as THX’s mate who lives with him as she falls for him only to get themselves in trouble as she also causes trouble through her own actions that would put THX in deeper shit. Donald Pleasence is brilliant as SEN 5241 as a surveillance official who watches THX and LUH where he tries to help the former to not get into bigger trouble only to get himself in trouble as he tries to understand the world he’s in as well as pondering his own existence. Finally, there’s Robert Duvall in an amazing performance as the titular character as a man who becomes ill and suddenly stops taking drugs and rebels where he deals with the world he’s in as well as his own emotional vices as it is this low-key yet mesmerizing performance from Duvall.
THX 1138 is a phenomenal film from George Lucas. Featuring a great ensemble cast, dazzling visuals, an eerie music score, and a simple yet chilling premise of a dystopian world. The film is definitely a unique sci-fi suspense drama that play into the idea of de-humanization and consumerism in which the individual doesn’t have a choice only for that individual to rebel in the hopes to find something better. In the end, THX 1138 is a sensational film from George Lucas.
George Lucas Films: (American Graffitti) – Star Wars - The Phantom Menace - Attack of the Clones - Revenge of the Sith
© thevoid99 2021
Based on the characters created by George Lucas, Solo: A Star Wars Story is the story of the early life of Han Solo and his journey to become a smuggler and how he would meet those who would impact his life. Directed by Ron Howard and screenplay by Jonathan and Lawrence Kasdan, the film is an origin story of sorts on the man who would become this famed smuggler in his early years as he takes part in a major heist as the character is played by Alden Ehrenreich. Also starring Woody Harrelson, Emilia Clarke, Donald Glover, Thandie Newton, Phoebe Waller-Bridge, Joonas Suotamo, and Paul Bettany. Solo: A Star Wars Story is an exhilarating and adventurous film from Ron Howard.
The film is about a young man who is known for being a thief where he meets a smuggler and learns the trade where they all take part in a big job that will give him a big payday as well as a new way of life. It is simply an origin story of sorts of this man who would become the famous smuggler as he would later meet a Wookie named Chewbacca (Joonas Suotamo) who would become his best friend as they would find a trade that would make the money as well as defy the Imperial Empire. The film’s screenplay by Jonathan and Lawrence Kasdan definitely play into Han Solo’s origin as he started out as a young thief living in a planet with his girlfriend Qi’ra (Emilia Clarke) as they steal the extremely-valuable hyper fuel coaxium that is the source for hyperdrive speed for many ships. Solo is able to escape a gang and its boss for refusing to give the coaxium yet he is unable to help Qi’ra get out of the planet where he would sign up with the Imperial navy hoping to be a pilot.
Instead, he ends up on an infantry line three years later where he would meet the famed smuggler Tobias Beckett (Woody Harrelson) posing as an Imperial officer as he and his team that include his wife Val (Thandie Newton) and an alien named Rio Durant (voice of Jon Favreau). Beckett would take in Solo in his team along with Chewbacca whom Solo meets at a prison as they would learn the art of smuggling as they also have to deal with a band of marauders known as the Cloud Riders. Solo would learn that Beckett works for a crime boss named Dryden Vos (Paul Bettany) who is part of a famed crime syndicate known as Crimson Dawn where Solo also learns that Qi’ra is Vos’ lieutenant. With the help of another smuggler in Lando Calrissian (Donald Glover) and his droid L3-37 (voice of Phoebe Waller-Bridge), Solo, Chewbacca, Qi’ra, and Beckett would take on a mission to retrieve a large shipment of unrefined coaxium in the mining planet of Kessel. There, Solo learns about not just the art of smuggling but also the lesson of not to trust anyone as well as what it means to survive.
Ron Howard’s direction is grand which is expected in a big space-operatic adventure as it play into a galaxy that is under the rule of the empire but also the emergence of a rebellion happening. Shot largely at Pinewood Studios in London, England along with additional locations in Italy and the Canary Islands, the film does play into this world that is dystopian and troubling where it begins with Han and Qi’ra both being thieves in an act of survival as they’re forced to work for a crime boss. Howard’s usage of wide shots capture the scope of the world that Han Solo is in as well as the rule of the Imperial Empire as it watches over so much of the galaxy. Howard’s usage of medium shots and close-ups play into some of the drama and humor as it relates to character interaction including the scene where Solo meets Chewbacca for the very first time as it is unveiled in a humorous manner. It’s among some of the scenes including the exchanges between Solo and Chewbacca that add to the many nuances that is expected in their growing friendship.
Some of the humor is likely from the film’s original filmmakers in Phil Lord and Christopher Miller who were later fired from production with Howard taking over and re-shooting much of the film. Still, Howard does maintain that air of humor throughout the film as well as a sense of adventure though the tone does change a bit in the third act as it relate to what is at stake. Largely due to the twists and turns as it relates to Solo learning about the art of smuggling and what he has to do to survive as there are lessons that had to be learned. The tonal shifts is awkward along with some major revelations of who is leading the Crimson Dawn syndicate as well as the fact that even smugglers and marauders both have to play a side in this major conflict between the Imperial Empire and the rebellion that is to emerge. Yet, it would show where Solo’s loyalties lie but also what he has to do to stay alive in this conflict that he doesn’t want to be a part of. Overall, Howard creates a fun and thrilling film about the early adventures of a young smuggler and his furry friend.
Cinematographer Bradford Young does excellent work with the film’s cinematography as it play into the blue-grey look of some of the planets in the exteriors as well as some interior shading and the brightness in some scenes set in the snow or in a sandy island. Editor Pietro Scalia does terrific work with the editing as it is largely straightforward as it also include some rhythmic cuts to play into humor and action. Production designer Neil Lamont and senior art director Gary Tomkins do amazing work with the look of the spaceships and some of the places the characters go to including the mining colony and the interiors of the ship that would become the Millennium Falcon. Costume designers David Crossman and Glyn Dillon do fantastic work with the look of the costumes including the stylish and posh look of Qi’ra for her work with the Crimson Dawn as well as the capes that Lando wears.
Makeup designer Amanda Knight does brilliant work with the look of the characters such as Vos with his facial scars as well as the look of a few human characters while special creature make-up effects supervisor Neal Scanlan does incredible work with the look of the some of the aliens and creatures in the film. Special effects supervisor Dominic Tuohy and visual effects supervisor Rob Bredow do superb work with the special effects with its mixture of visual effects and old-school practical effects to create elements of realism into the world of space including a major sequence that would play into Solo’s legend. Sound designer Tim Nielsen and co-sound editor Matthew Wood do phenomenal work with the sound in creating sound effects in the ships and weapons as well as the atmosphere of the locations that the characters go to. The film’s music by John Powell is wonderful for its bombastic orchestral score that includes pieces by John Williams from the Star Wars films as it help play into the sense of adventure that the characters embark.
The casting by Nicole Abellera, Nina Gold, and Jeanne McCarthy do remarkable work with the casting as it include some notable small roles and performances from Anthony Daniels as a Wookie Chewbacca meets at the mining planet of Kessel, Clint Howard as a robot fight referee, Warwick Davis as a marauder, Linda Hunt as the voice of a known crime boss in Lady Proxima, Erin Kellyman as the marauders leader Enfys Nest, and Jon Favreau as the voice of Beckett’s alien pilot Rio Durant. Phoebe Waller-Bridge is terrific as the voice of Lando’s droid L3-37 as this droid that is very opinionated as well as being a skilled navigator while Joonas Suotamo is fantastic as the Wookie Chewbacca as this tall furry creature that would become Han Solo’s best friend as well as a creature of great strength. Thandie Newton is superb as Beckett’s wife Val as a smuggler who isn’t initially fond of Solo as she later realizes his value. Paul Bettany is excellent as Dryden Vos as crime lord who works for the Crimson Dawn syndicate that is in charge of the planned heist that Beckett is a part of as well as hoping to profit from this heist without doing much.
Donald Glover is brilliant as Lando Calrissian as Glover imbues many of the traits of the character as a smooth and charismatic smuggler that owns the Millennium Falcon as he also knows how to hustle and get things done. Emilia Clarke is wonderful as Qi’ra as Solo’s lover from the past as she has become Vos’ lieutenant as Clarke does some fine work though her character isn’t fully realized into her motivations as it’s one of the film’s weaker points. Woody Harrelson is amazing as Tobias Beckett as a famed smuggler who takes Solo into his team and show him the trade as well as what to do as a smuggler as it’s one of Harrelson’s finest performances as this grizzled man that has seen a lot but also reveals that the smuggling game is a devious game. Finally, there’s Alden Ehrenreich in an incredible performance as Han Solo as the younger version of the famed smuggler who learns the rope in being a smuggler as his motivation was to reunite with his lover as he later deals with the many attributes of survival while also being arrogant in what he can do where Ehrenreich imbues many of the qualities that the character is known for.
Solo: A Star Wars Story is a marvelous film from Ron Howard that features top-notch performances from Alden Ehrenreich, Woody Harrelson, Joonas Suotamo, and Donald Glover. Along with its supporting cast, dazzling visuals, John Powell’s score, and moments that are exciting and thrilling. It’s a film that manages to provide enough ideas of being entertaining as well as provide some ideas about one of cinema’s most beloved characters was doing before he became this legendary figure that audiences love. In the end, Solo: A Star Wars Film is a remarkable film from Ron Howard.
Star Wars Films: Star Wars - 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
Anthology Series: Rogue One: A Star Wars Story - (Untitled Star Wars Anthology Film)
Related: The Star Wars Holiday Special - Caravan of Courage - The Battle for Endor - The Clone Wars - Fanboys - The People vs. George Lucas - Rush (2013 film)
George Lucas Films: THX 1138 – (American Graffiti)
© thevoid99 2018
Written for the screen and directed by Rian Johnson that is based on characters created by George Lucas, The Last Jedi (Star Wars: Episode VIII) is the story of a continuing conflict between the First Order and the Resistance as a young woman finds Luke Skywalker in the hopes he can help out the Resistance while being trained in the art of the Force. The second part of a trilogy that explore the chaos of war, the film is also an exploration into the evolution of the Force in which Skywalker discovers a power that drove him away many years ago as he is played by Mark Hamill. Also starring Daisy Ridley, John Boyega, Oscar Isaac, Adam Driver, Domhnall Gleeson, Lupita Nyong’o, Andy Serkis, Gwendoline Christie, Anthony Daniels, Kelly Marie Tran, Laura Dern, Benicio del Toro, Joonas Suotamo, Jimmy Vee, and Carrie Fisher in her final performance as General Leia Organa. The Last Jedi is a visceral yet rapturous film from Rian Johnson.
Picking up where the previous film left off, the film revolves around a resistance who find themselves trying to evacuate their base to find a new one as they’re forced to confront the First Order who have been tracking them. With Resistance forces dwindling and little options left, the Resistance led by General Leia Organa is on a cruiser that is damaged and running low on fuel. Meanwhile, Rey (Daisy Ridley) is trying to get Luke Skywalker back on board as he is reluctant to help the Resistance as he’s still coping with his own faults believing he failed his apprentice Kylo Ren (Adam Driver). Rian Johnson’s screenplay, with contributions from Carrie Fisher, is filled with a lot of complexities as well as a lot of narrative arcs that relate to the Resistance struggling to survive as their fleet is in tatters. Rey's character arc with Luke that include Chewbacca (Joonas Suotamo) and R2-D2 (Jimmy Vee) has her trying to find her place as well as get Luke to train her where he realizes the power that she has. Yet, Rey would find herself communicating with Ren through the Force which lead to some trouble and revelations about why he betrayed Luke.
Another narrative arc involves a leadership struggle in the Resistance following an attack on a large First Order ship where Poe Dameron (Oscar Isaac) has to deal with the Resistance’s deputy leader Vice Admiral Amilyn Hodo (Laura Dern) who is trying to decide what to do next knowing that the First Order can still track the Resistance through light-speed. Poe would strategize a plan to disable a tracking device from a Star Destroyer with Finn (John Boyega) and the droid BB-8 (voice of Ben Burtt and Bill Hader) teaming with a mechanic in Rose Tico (Kelly Marie Tran) to find a hacker to disable that tracking device. It’s an arc that showcases not just Poe’s own development as someone who is very impulsive and reckless in his actions as he needs to know how to be a leader as well as Finn trying to find his place in the Resistance where he befriends Rose who is dealing with loss. Another arc play into Ren’s rivalry with First Order leader General Hux (Domhnall Gleeson) in trying to win the approval of the First Order’s leader Supreme Leader Snoke (Andy Serkis) who wants to destroy the Resistance while that narrative also showcases Ren’s own struggle with himself.
Johnson’s direction is definitely astronomical into not just the different worlds that the characters go to but also have half the film’s narrative set in space where the Resistance is being pursued by the First Order. With much of the film shot on Pinewood Studios in London as well as scenes shot on location in Ireland, Iceland, Mexico, and Bolivia, the film showcases a world that is starting to come apart as well as see some of the darkest aspects of war. The film begins with the Resistance in evacuation mode where it is immediate as it showcases what the Resistance tries to do but also how the First Order would retaliate. It’s a massive sequence which also has elements of character development that showcases what Poe would do to confront the First Order but it comes at a great cost as there is a lot of drama that goes on where General Leia rightfully scolds Poe for his recklessness.
Johnson’s usage of the wide shots capture not just some of the damage that goes on in war but also into the vast world of the galaxy that the characters are in that include Rose and Finn’s journey to this planet that houses a casino for the galaxy’s wealthiest people. It’s a sequence that is strange as it play into a reality about war where it’s a world of decadence and riches that Rose knows and despises where she and Finn try to find this mysterious hacker where they meet this mysterious man named DJ (Benicio del Toro). There are some close-ups and medium shots that Johnson would use as it include these unique Force conversations between Rey and Kylo who are both dealing their place in the Force. It’s told with some unique reverse shots and scenes that are surreal while Johnson would also include a flashback sequence of what really happened when Kylo betrayed Skywalker.
It’s among these chilling moments as well as the scene where Rey meets Snoke for the first time as it would lead an intense sequence that is about the ideas of the Jedi and the Sith. Johnson would also infuse some humor into the film as it include moments of humility for Poe as well as Snoke’s confrontation towards General Hux. Yet, it is all about this battle between good and evil where the latter has put the former into a corner where the film’s climax is about survival with all that is left for the Resistance. It’s a majestic sequence that has a lot happening as well as characters coming together for a moment that could be the end of everything or just the beginning. Overall, Johnson crafts a riveting and gripping film about a group of resistance fighters trying to survive against an evil empire intent on ruling the galaxy.
Cinematographer Steve Yedlin does brilliant work with the film’s cinematography from the naturalistic look of the scenes set in the planet of Ahch-To where Luke has been hiding out to the low-key and stylish lighting for the scenes in the spaceships, the casinos, and at the caves in an old Rebellion fortress. Editor Bob Ducsay does excellent work with the editing with its usage of stylish dissolves and match-cuts as well as some rhythmic cutting into the action and suspense as it add some intrigue and establishing what is at stake. Production designer Rick Heinrichs, with set decorator Richard Roberts and senior art director Phil Sims, does amazing work with the look of the cruiser and transport for the Resistance in its interiors to the look of the lavish casino that Finn and Rose go to as well as Snoke’s main room inside the large Star Destroyer.
Costume designer Michael Kaplan does fantastic work with the costumes from the dresses that General Leia and Vice Admiral Hodo wears to the clothes of the people at the casino. Hair/makeup designer Peter King does superb work with the look of Vice Admiral Hodo with her purple hair as well as the people at the casino who look very posh and decadent. Creature designer Neal Scanlan does incredible work with the look of the tiny creatures at the planet of Ahch-To known as the Porgs as well as some of the inhabitants of the planet and at the casino and the caves. Special effects supervisor Chris Corbould and visual effects supervisor Ben Morris do marvelous work with the design of some of the visual effects for the scenes in space as well as in the design of some of the creatures with its mixture of old-school practical effects and computer-created visual effects.
Sound designers Ben Burtt and Ren Klyce, with sound editor Matthew Wood, do remarkable work with the sound with the sound effects in how the droids make their sounds including an Imperial BB-unit and the sounds of some of the creatures in the film. The film’s music by John Williams is phenomenal for its bombastic orchestral score that is filled with lush string arrangements and themes that range from heavy to somber as it is one of the film’s major highlights.
The casting by Nina Gold, Milivoj Mestrovic, and Mary Vernieu is great as it feature some notable small roles from Timothy D. Rose as Admiral Ackbar, Mike Quinn as Nien Nubb, Veronica Ngo as Rose’s bomber sister Paige, Billie Lourd as Resistance lieutenant Connix, Jimmy Vee as Luke’s old droid R2-D2 who is dealing with Porgs and wanting Luke to come home, the voice of Ben Burtt and Bill Hader as the droid BB-8 who provide some funny and cool moments in the film, Justin Theroux as a big-time gambler at the casino, Joonas Suotamo as Chewbacca with special consultation by Peter Mayhew who deals with trying to get Luke home and the Porgs, Anthony Daniels as the protocol droid C-3PO who frets over the situation of the Resistance, Lupita Nyong’o as the famed pirate Maz Kanata who provides Poe some information while dealing with a war involving other pirates, and Gwendoline Christie as the Stormtroopers commander Captain Phasma who has a huge grudge towards Finn as she is willing to go after him anyway she can. Benicio del Toro is superb as a codebreaker/hacker named DJ as a man who is willing to help anyone all for money to display his own cynical views on war.
Domhnall Gleeson is fantastic as General Hux as a First Order military leader that is hell-bent on destroying the Resistance and wanting to win over Snoke where he’s not afraid to be a punching bag in some of the most hilarious moments. Laura Dern is amazing as Vice Admiral Amilyn Hodo as a Resistance leader that briefly takes over for an injured Leia as she spars with Poe over what to do as she is someone that knows what is at stake and what needs to be done as it’s a very graceful performance from Dern. Kelly Marie Tran is wonderful as Rose Tico as a Resistance mechanic who aids Finn and BB-8 in a mission to find a codebreaker to help the Resistance evade the First Order as she is someone who is aware of the corruption of the galaxy as well as being someone that is willing to fight for what is right. Andy Serkis is brilliant as Supreme Leader Snoke as the mysterious Sith lord and leader of the First Order who is eager to know who Rey is and what he can do for her as well as ordering Kylo to bring her in an attempt to get back in his favor.
Oscar Isaac is excellent as Poe Dameron as the Resistance pilot who copes with the leadership struggle in the Resistance as he tries to create a secret mission as he’s forced to deal with some of the reckless decisions he’s made in his need to learn how to be a leader. John Boyega is marvelous as Finn as a former Stormtroooper who decides to take part in a secret mission created by Poe as he would see exactly what is happening and what the First Order is trying to do. Adam Driver is remarkable as Kylo Ren as Luke’s former apprentice who has turned to the dark side of the Force as he copes with failures in the past as well as his own internal conflict into the role he wants to take. Daisy Ridley is incredible as Rey as a scavenger who is trying to find out who she is and her place in the galaxy while trying to get Luke back into the Resistance while dealing with all sorts of things as it’s a powerful performance from Ridley.
Mark Hamill is phenomenal as Luke Skywalker as the famed Jedi master who has distanced himself from the art of the Jedi as there’s an air of nihilism about Luke’s view on the Jedi due to the fact that he’s consumed with guilt over Kylo and his reluctance to train Rey which lead to some revelations over his failures as a Jedi master. Finally, there’s Carrie Fisher in a radiant performance as General Leia Organa as the Resistance leader who is trying to carry a sense of hope for the Resistance as she knows how grim things are as it’s a performance of grace and elegance where Fisher delivers a performance that is one for the ages as it’s a fitting finale for the late Carrie Fisher.
The Last Jedi is a tremendous film from Rian Johnson. Featuring a great cast, dazzling visual effects, a riveting script with many revelations and character arcs, John Williams’ sumptuous score, and high-octane action. It’s a film that manages to be a lot of things expected in a sci-fi epic while also taking some risks to showcase some of the dark aspects of war and the idea of failure and redemption. In the end, The Last Jedi is a spectacular film from Rian Johnson.
Star Wars Films: Star Wars - The Empire Strikes Back - Return of the Jedi - The Phantom Menace - Attack of the Clones - Revenge of the Sith - The Force Awakens - The Rise of Skywalker
Anthology Series: Rogue One - Solo: A Star Wars Story – (Untitled Star Wars Anthology Film)
Related: The Star Wars Holiday Special - Caravan of Courage - The Battle for Endor - The Clone Wars - Fanboys - The People vs. George Lucas
George Lucas Films: THX 1138 – (American Graffiti)
Rian Johnson Films: Brick - The Brothers Bloom - Looper - Knives Out - Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery - (Knives Out 3)
© thevoid99 2017
Directed by Susan Lacy, Spielberg is a documentary film about the life and career of one of the key figures in cinema in Steven Spielberg. The film chronicles many of the films Spielberg made including some of his rarely-seen student and home movies he made when he was a kid as well as the themes of the films he made told by the man himself as well as many of his collaborators as well as film critics, filmmakers, and members of his family. The result is a fascinating and lively film from Susan Lacy.
The name Steven Spielberg is often synonymous with populist cinema as some claimed that he started the Blockbuster era with 1975’s Jaws and would continue to give the film industry a jolt in the arm financially through films such as Close Encounters of the Third Kind, the Indiana Jones film series, E.T.: The Extraterrestrial, and Jurassic Park. While he had been criticized from moving American cinema away from personal and more serious subject matter that had dominated in the 1970s. There are those that disagreed with that sentiment including Spielberg himself as he states that many of his films are personal. The difference is that they’re big personal films as his parents Arnold Spielberg and Leah Adler as well as sisters Anne, Nancy, and Sue will agree to that as there’s scenes from his films that is based on his own life and the life of his family.
Among the themes Spielberg often explored is family as it relates to the dysfunctional family life he had when he was young when his parents split up as well as his own growing pains as a child and teenager. Part of his reasons in making Schindler’s List had to do with his own issues about his Jewish faith as he felt ashamed of being a Jew when he was young and had ignored until he married actress Kate Capshaw in 1991 who got him to come to terms with his Jewish faith. Capshaw would be at his side when he made the film as he also chose not to profit from any financial success of the film in order to create a foundation that allowed Holocaust survivors to give their testimonies. It’s among the one of many stories Spielberg would tell as well as why he would make films outside of his comfort zone like The Color Purple, Empire of the Sun, and A.I.: Artificial Intelligence as a way to challenge himself but also know his limits as a storyteller.
The film also explore some of the business ventures he did such as founding Dreamworks with Jeffrey Katzenberg and David Geffen as well as producing other films for other filmmakers while remaining friends with filmmakers such as Martin Scorsese, Francis Ford Coppola, George Lucas, and Brian de Palma who are also interviewed in the film. Even film critics/historians such as A.O. Scott, Annette Insdorf, David Edelstein, J. Hoberman, and Janet Maslin talk about why his films endure and still matter as well as revealing why Spielberg has had a polarizing relationship with critics despite being championed early in his career by the famed critic Pauline Kael. Collaborators such as cinematographer Vilmos Zsigmond and screenwriter Melissa Mathison are both interviewed in the film before their respective deaths in 2016 and 2015 as well as Spielberg’s mother who died in February 2017 as the film is dedicated to her as they all talk about Spielberg’s gift in telling stories as well as stories about children. While films such as Always, Hook, The Terminal, and The Adventures of Tintin aren’t mentioned with the other films that are discussed in the documentary at the time Spielberg was in production for his 2015 film Bridge of Spies. Susan Lacy does provide a great insight into his body of work with the aid of editor Deborah Peretz in compiling footage from those films as well as some rare making-of footage.
Cinematographers Ed Marritz and Samuel Painter would film many of the interviews what were filmed which would feature many of the actors who worked with Spielberg along with collaborators who are often part of Spielberg’s filmmaking family. Sound editor Steve Borne would compile some of the audio from other interviews including clips from other films as much of the music that is played on the film is from many of Spielberg’s films which is mainly the music composed by John Williams.
Spielberg is a marvelous film from Susan Lacy. Not only is the film essential for fans of the filmmaker but also an engaging documentary that explore many of the filmmaker’s methods in making films as well as the kind of stories he want to tell. Even as it offers some rare footage of his personal life without revealing too much and give the man the chance to speak for himself as he’s still a vital force in the film industry. In the end, Spielberg is a remarkable film from Susan Lacy.
Steven Spielberg Films: (Duel (1971 TV film)) – (The Sugarland Express) – (Jaws) – (Close Encounters of the Third Kind) – (1941) – (Raiders of the Lost Ark) – (E.T.: The Extraterrestrial) – (Twilight Zone: the Movie-Kick the Can) - (Indiana Jones & the Temple of Doom) – (The Color Purple) – (Empire of the Sun) – (Always) – (Indiana Jones & the Last Crusade) – (Hook) – (Jurassic Park) – Schindler's List - (The Lost World: Jurassic Park) – (Amistad) – Saving Private Ryan - (A.I. Artificial Intelligence) – (Minority Report) – Catch Me If You Can - (The Terminal) – (War of the Worlds (2005 film)) – (Munich) – (Indiana Jones & the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull) – (The Adventures of Tintin: The Secret of the Unicorn) – (War Horse) – (Lincoln) – (Bridge of Spies) – (BFG) – (The Post (2017 film)) – (Ready Player One)
© thevoid99 2017
Directed by Alexandre O. Philippe, The People vs. George Lucas is a documentary of sorts that explores the life and career of George Lucas as well as some of the controversies he created in revising and re-editing some of his films including the Star Wars franchise that he created. While it is presented in a comical manner, the film plays into Lucas’ desire to make changes into his work and how fans of the franchise are upset and such. The result is a fascinating and very entertaining documentary about the world of geek culture and their love/hate relationship towards George Lucas.
In the summer of 1977 amidst a troubling period in the world, Star Wars came out and the world was transfixed by what George Lucas has created where it became a pop culture phenomenon that spawned two sequels and lots and lots and lots and lots and lots and lots and lots of merchandising. Over the years, Star Wars and Indiana Jones had created a fandom that was unstoppable until the late 1990s when Lucas made controversial revisions of the original trilogy and then followed-up with a new trilogy of prequels that angered fans. The film plays into this love-hate relationship between George Lucas and the people who went to see his films and bought his merchandise. Especially as it traces into why he was beloved by the geeks and then feel betrayed with what he’s done as it led to this very contentious and complicated relationship.
Through interview with fans, filmmakers, and notable figures of geek culture including novelist Neil Gaiman, Star Wars producer Gary Kurtz, Chris Gore, and several others. The film explores not just Lucas’ own life and early on and the events that led him to make Star Wars but also reasons into why he didn’t make more films as a director following the success of the film in 1977. Much of it would involve creating Lucasfilms and other things as in a cruel sense of irony where the man who rebelled against corporations and studios for tinkering with his films suddenly became the head of his own corporation and would revise his own films. During this time in the 1980s and 1990s came a culture of fan-made films that served as a tribute to Lucas which played into this growing sense of excitement when it was announced that Lucas was re-releasing the original trilogy in a new special edition in theaters.
With the aid of editor/visual effects composite artist Chad Herschberger, Alexandre O. Philippe explores the many fan-made films that was made as it showcased a culture where some filmmakers learned their craft out of these tributes. Even as it includes a strange version of Misery in which George Lucas is being trapped by a woman who forces him to make the prequels in the way that she wants to see them as a lot of them are comical. With the aid of cinematographer Robert Muratore and sound recordist Keiron Wolfson, the interviews are very engaging as some of it is funny where fans express their disdain over the changes and other things including Jar-Jar Binks which include footage from the British show Spaced where Simon Pegg’s character reveals his hatred for that character.
The film’s music by Jon Hegel would add to the humor which is very upbeat and bouncy as it would play into that strange world of fandom. Especially as Philippe would go around the world to meet these fans where many ponder what will happen when Star Wars will be out of Lucas’ hands which would eventually happen just a few years after this film’s release.
The People vs. George Lucas is a sensational film from Alexandre O. Philippe. It’s a documentary that doesn’t just explore the world of Star Wars fandom and its influence on pop culture but also in its love-hate relationship with its creators. It’s a film that is very entertaining while not afraid to take shots at itself for its own obsession. In the end, The People vs. George Lucas is a hilarious film from Alexandre O. Philippe.
Star Wars Films: Star Wars - 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 Star Wars Holiday Special - Caravan of Courage
- The Battle for Endor - The Clone Wars - Fanboys
Star Wars Anthology Films: Rogue One - Solo: A Star Wars Story - (Untitled Star Wars Anthology Film)
George Lucas Films: THX 1138 - (American Graffiti)
© thevoid99 2015
Directed and shot by John Korty and teleplay by Bob Carrau from a story by George Lucas, Caravan of Courage: An Ewok Adventure is the story of two human children who find themselves lost in the moon of Endor as they are aided by Ewoks to find their parents. The film is a TV movie which revolve around the adventures of the little Ewoks creatures who would help a couple of kids find their parents in a journey that is narrated by Burl Ives. Starring Eric Walker, Warwick Davis, Aubree Miller, Fionnula Flanagan, and Guy Boyd. Caravan of Courage: An Ewoks Adventure is a decent but messy TV film from John Korty.
Set between the events of The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi, the film revolves around a family whose star-cruiser has crashed on the moon of Endor as the children go on an adventure with the Ewoks to find their parents who had been captured by a monster. While it’s a simple story of teamwork and family, it’s a film that plays into two children dealing with their new surroundings as well as the fact they’re trying to find their parents. Bob Carrau’s script is quite formulaic in terms of scenario but it does have some development as it relates to the character of Mace (Eric Walker) who goes from this whiny young teen into someone who would embrace the Ewoks. Yet, the script doesn’t really have a lot of surprises and at times would meander into elements of Ewoks mysticism and other strange things that makes the story less engaging.
John Korty’s direction is quite simple in terms of compositions yet does manage to have some amazing shots as it relates to not just the locations in the Redwood Forests in California but also in some of the sets that is created. There are moments that are quite exciting but some of it does drag where Burl Ives’ narration doesn’t help matters as it’s largely just exposition to help flesh out the story as well as say what the Ewoks are saying. Also serving as the cinematographer, the film does have a nice look in terms of its visuals in day and night though as Korty also create things that are adventurous but there’s also moments where some of creature effects and such look very cheesy as is the big monster that captured the parents of Mace and Cindel (Aubree Miller). The climax does have some unique moments but it never ends up being engaging despite its payoff. Overall, Korty creates an OK but somewhat dull film about Ewoks helping a couple of kids save their parents from a monster.
Editor John Nutt does nice work with the editing in terms of using rhythmic cuts for its action scenes and moments of humor along with transition wipes. Production designer Joe Johnston and art director Harley Jessup do amazing work with the set design from the look of the cave where the monster lived in as well as some of the creature designs. Costume designers Michael Becker and Cathleen Edwards do terrific work with the costumes from the clothes the humans wear to the design of the Ewoks. Sound editor Sue Fox and sound designer Randy Thom do superb work with the sound in some of the sound effects that were created for the film. The film’s music by Peter Bernstein is pretty good as it’s mostly an orchestral-based music that plays into a lot of the action and sense of adventure that occurs.
The film’s cast includes appearances from Tony Cox, Debbie Lee Carrington, Kevin Thompson, Bobby Bell, and Daniel Frishmann as Ewoks while Warwick Davis is superb as the Ewok Wicket who befriends Cindel. Fionnula Flanagan and Guy Boyd are alright as Mace and Cindel’s parents who are captured by the monsters as they aren’t seen much. Eric Walker is OK as Mace as a teenage kid who just wants his parents back as he spends half of the film being very whiny and such. Finally, there’s Aubree Miller as Cindel as it’s a decent performance for a child but one that doesn’t really do much but pout and play with Wicket.
Caravan of Courage: An Ewok Adventure is a worthwhile but cheesy TV movie from John Korty. While it is a fine film for families and kids who like Ewoks, it is something that Star Wars fans might have mixed feelings about as the Ewoks are very polarizing creatures. In the end, Caravan of Courage: An Ewok Adventure is just an OK TV movie from John Korty.
Star Wars Films: Star Wars - 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 - (Episode IX)
Related: The Star Wars Holiday Special - 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, Revenge of the Sith (Star Wars: Episode III) is the third and final film of the prequels trilogy in which Anakin Skywalker is tasked to watch over Chancellor Palpatine during the final days of the Clone Wars where he would descend further into the dark side of the Force. The film plays into the events where the Jedi would finally learn the identity of the Sith Lord but also cope with his new apprentice which would change everything including the galaxy. Starring Ewan McGregor, Natalie Portman, Hayden Christensen, Ian McDiarmid, Anthony Daniels, Kenny Baker, Peter Mayhew, Jimmy Smits, Samuel L. Jackson, Christopher Lee, and the voice of Frank Oz. Revenge of the Sith is a stellar yet flawed film from George Lucas.
Set during the final days of the Clone Wars between the Galactic Republic and a separatist movement where the Republic is on its way to victory. The film revolves around Anakin Skywalker (Hayden Christensen) and his growth as a respected Jedi but certain events relating to his own personal life, his sense of fear, and not being granted the rank of Jedi master would force him into a descent of darkness. Adding to this growing list of problems is when he is assigned by the Jedi council to watch over Chancellor Palpatine (Ian McDiarmid) who has raised suspicion of the Jedi for his growing power. Once Anakin learns who Palpatine really is, he becomes conflicted until Palpatine claims that he can be the one to give him the powers to prevent death where things would unravel. It’s a film that does play to a classic rise-and-fall scenario but it is more about a young man whose good intentions to save those he loves from death only to descend further into fear and anguish.
George Lucas’ screenplay does start out on high note where Anakin and Obi-Wan Kenobi (Ewan McGregor) go on a mission to save Palpatine from Count Dooku (Christopher Lee) in a confrontation that would have a lot of foreshadowing while its aftermath would reveal some big news for Anakin and his secret wife Padme Amidala (Natalie Portman) which would only drive Anakin’s fear of Padme dying. While the script does have a more linear storyline with a few subplots that relates to Kenobi chasing after one of the separatists’ generals in a droid named Grievous (the voice of Matthew Wood) while Yoda (the voice of Frank Oz) goes to another planet to aid the Wookies in a battle. Yet, the focus is on Anakin’s descent towards the dark side of the Force where it is his friendship with Palpatine that would become the catalyst into the decisions he made. All of which were driven by fear and desperation to save those he loves as its third act would force Anakin to be confronted by those who care for him.
Lucas’ direction is quite vast from the opening sequence where it features this unbroken shot that goes on for a few minutes to play into a battle in space where a lot is happening as the camera would follow two little spaceships flying through the battle. It’s a moment that does kick the film off in a high note where Lucas’ approach to wide and medium shots are thrilling as well some of the close-ups. There are also moments where the action and adventure are always engaging and thrilling though much of it is presented through visual effects which is overwhelming at times. Still, Lucas is able to keep things in focus while adding some suspense and intrigue as it relates to Anakin’s friendship with Palpatine with its usage of wide and medium shots to play into Anakin’s descent. Many of the scenes are very exciting and engaging which is a total contrast to the scenes involving Anakin and Padme as it’s not just that the love story between the two is bad but its horrific dialogue just makes it very uninteresting.
The direction would also include a lot of political commentary where some of it is handled very heavy-handedly such as a piece of dialogue that Padme says in response to the end of the Galactic Republic during a Senate meeting. It’s another of the flaws that is laid upon the film along with Anakin and Obi-Wan’s eventual confrontation as it is also hampered by some of its dialogue. Though it’s ending is sort of grim, it is filled with a bit of hope where Lucas is able to create something that is ambiguous that would set up the stories for the original trilogy. Overall, Lucas creates a thrilling though very messy film about a young man’s descent into darkness.
Cinematographer David Tattersal does excellent work with the cinematography to play into the looks of the different places along with some unique lighting schemes and moods to play into those worlds. Editors Ben Burtt and Roger Barton do brilliant work with the editing to capture the sense of energy in the action scenes while providing some stylish transition wipes that are actually fun to watch. Production designer Gavin Bocquet, with supervising art director Peter Russell and set decorators Piero Di Giovanni and Richard Roberts, does fantastic work with the design of some of the sets including Palpatine‘s office and the room where he was in during being captured by Count Dooku. Costume designer Trisha Biggar does nice work with the costumes from the lavish clothes of Padme to the robes of the men.
Makeup designers Dave Elsey and Nikki Gooley do superb work with the look of some of the alien characters as well as Palpatine in the film‘s second half. Visual effects supervisors Roger Guyett and John Knoll does incredible work with the visual effects to play into the look of the planets and its different locations along with the design of the creatures and droids. Sound designer Ben Burtt and sound editor Matthew Wood do superb work with the sound from the sound effects the droids make to the layer of sounds in the battle scenes along with eerie moments in other intense moments of conflict. The film’s music by John Williams is wonderful for not just its orchestral score with soaring strings and operatic choir arrangements but also in low-key moments to play into the drama and bombast of the story.
The casting by Christine King is very good as it features notable small roles from Silas Carson in a dual role as the voice of separatist leader Nute Gunray and Jedi master Ki-Adi-Mundi, Temuera Morrison as Clone leader Commander Cody and various clones, Matthew Wood as the voice of General Grievous, Joel Edgerton and Bonnie Piesse in their respective roles as Owen and Beru Lars, Christopher Lee as the Sith lord Count Dooku, Peter Mayhew as the Wookie Chewbacca whom Yoda is friendly with, and Jimmy Smits as Senator Bail Organa as a friend of the Jedi who would witness the death of a young Padawan as he would rescue Yoda and Obi-Wan. Anthony Daniels and Kenny Baker are fantastic in their respective roles as the droids C-3P0 and R2-D2 with the former providing some funny lines while the latter gets to do some scenes where he manages to take care of a few droids. Frank Oz is superb as the voice of Yoda as a Jedi master who is concerned with Palpatine’s growing power as well as its eventual outcome where he would eventually confront the man who is the leader of the Sith.
Samuel L. Jackson is excellent as Jedi master Mace Windu who becomes uneasy about the role Anakin is in with Palpatine where he would have a confrontation with Palpatine. Ian McDiarmid is brilliant as Palpatine as the Galactic Republic’s chancellor who is given more power as his meetings with Anakin show a much darker side to the man as it relates to his real identity. Natalie Portman is wonderful as Padme Amidala as Naboo’s representative who deals with her pregnancy as well as Anakin’s strange moods as she realizes what is happening to him. Hayden Christensen has some decent and good moments as Anakin Skywalker whenever the character is restrained but becomes very annoying and overwrought once he emotes as it’s a very messy performance. Finally, there’s Ewan McGregor in an amazing as Obi-Wan Kenobi who would be assigned to target General Grievous as he tries to help Anakin with issues over the Jedi council while later having to confront him for his actions.
Revenge of the Sith is a very good yet flawed film from George Lucas. While it does feature an excellent cast and some amazing visual effects, it’s a film that has a lot of moments that are good but elements that keep it from being great. Most notably in its writing as it is clear that Lucas should never involve himself with romance or politics. In the end, Revenge of the Sith is a terrific film from George Lucas.
Star Wars Films: Star Wars - The Empire Strikes Back - Return of the Jedi - The Phantom Menace - Attack of the Clones - 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 George Lucas and written by Lucas and Jonathan Hale, Attack of the Clones (Star Wars: Episode II) is the story of a growing dissension between many galaxies breaking away from the Galactic Republic as the Jedis cope with a growing conflict as it marks the beginning of the Clone Wars. The film would also explore Anakin Skywalker’s growth as a Jedi knight as well as the beginning of his own descent where he copes with his emotions and duty. Starring Ewan McGregor, Natalie Portman, Hayden Christensen, Samuel L. Jackson, Anthony Daniels, Kenny Baker, Temura Morrison, Ian McDiarmid, and the voice of Frank Oz as Yoda. Attack of the Clones is an enthralling but very sappy and bloated film from George Lucas.
A decade after a dispute between the trade federation and the planet of Naboo, the Galactic Republic learns that members of the trade federation and other star systems are seceding from the Republic. The government asks the Jedi to step in following an assassination attempt on Naboo’s former queen Padme Amidala (Natalie Portman) where Obi-Wan Kenobi (Ewan McGregor) and his apprentice Anakin Skywalker (Hayden Christensen) are given the job where Kenobi would follow the trail of a mysterious assassin while Skywalker accompanies Padme home where the two fall for each other. Just as the Galactic Senate is to vote on whether or not it should build an army to respond to this separatist movement, Skywalker would also begin his own descent as he starts to have nightmares about his own mother Shmi (Pernilla August) who is captured in Tatooine by Tusken raiders.
While the premise is intriguing, the problem is that George Lucas and Jonathan Hale have no idea what story it wants to tell as there’s this sense of mystery into the identity of the assassins trying to kill Amidala and who they’re working for but there’s also this story of political turmoil and a love story. It is clear that Lucas and Hale want to put in so much there’s no consistency into what it wants to do which would eventually culminate into this battle between separatist robot forces and an army full of clones. The narrative would often move back and forth for much of its second half that plays into Obi-Wan’s discovery of a bounty hunter named Jango Fett (Temura Morrison) and who is he working for while the other narrative would follow Anakin and Padme in their relationship while they travel to Tatooine to find Anakin’s mother.
Though its third act would have a strong outcome which would start the Clone Wars, there are still some issues as it relates to some of the dialogue as it is often very poor. The characterization of Anakin is intended as someone who is quite arrogant and immature in his own powers but some of the issues with that isn’t just due to the dialogue but also in the development of who he is and his struggle to find good in a world that is very complicated. It’s a characterization that has promise but it’s execution however isn’t very good as Lucas wants to play into his descent in a major way but it comes off as annoying and childish. Even characters like Obi-Wan and Padme are stifled by the dialogue while the script’s attempt at ambiguity is mishandled in not just the way Chancellor Palpatine (Ian McDiarmid) is portrayed but also in the main antagonist in a former Jedi-turned-Sith lord in Count Dooku (Christopher Lee) as the latter would recite dialogue about something that the audience seem to already know but that the Jedi doesn’t know. It’s just a bad attempt at baiting while a lot of the film’s discussions on politics comes across as very heavy-handed and overly liberal.
Lucas’ direction is quite vast as it is expected to be in the world that he create where it set in multiple planets to play into a galaxy coming undone by a conflict that is happening. Most notably in sequences that play into a world where things are complicated and the only resolution for this is war as the film’s climax is quite spectacular to play into not just an old world order in the Jedi fighting against the machines but also the new world order they have to be part of with the clones that they unknowingly had ordered against this separatist threat. Lucas does manage to keep some of the elements of suspense under control with some unique compositions and camera angles though much of it is presented with everyone acting behind a green screen surrounded by visual effects which does become overkill at times.
With some of the film shot on location in Spain and Lake Como, Italy for scenes set in Naboo and parts of Tunisia as Tatooine, Lucas does manage to show a world that is interesting but the visuals don’t help some of the drawbacks in the scenes involving the growing yet forbidden romance between Anakin and Padme. Lucas clearly has no idea in how to flesh out some of the dramatic elements where it sometimes comes off as very sappy and forced while having some of the dialogue in the film just makes things worse. Even much of the film’s politics is poorly handled where Lucas’ attempt at ambiguity isn’t very good as it is obvious into who the real villain is. Though things do pick up in its third act that includes a long-awaited moment where the Jedi master Yoda (the voice of Frank Oz) finally showcases his full skills in the Force. Overall, Lucas creates a visually-exciting but very messy film about a group of peacekeepers dealing with a conflict that had been building for years.
Cinematographer David Tattersall does excellent work with the cinematography to play into some of the interior lights in some of the settings including the interior in the caves at the desert planet of Geneosis as well as the look of the planet of Coruscant at night. Editor/sound designer Ben Burtt and sound editor Matthew Wood, with additional editing by George Lucas, do superb work with the editing with its approach to fast-paced rhythmic cuts for the action though some of the transition wipes do get overused while the sound work is amazing to play into the sense of chaos and the sound effects that are used in the film. Production designer Gavin Bocquet, with set decorator Peter Walpole and supervising art director Peter Russell, does brilliant work with the set design from the interior look of the Jedi council room to the secret home where Padme and Anakin would live in at Naboo.
Costume designer Trisha Biggar does fantastic work with the costumes from some of the lavish clothes that Padme wears to the robes of the Jedi. Makeup supervisor Lesley Vanderwalt does terrific work with the makeup of some of the alien characters including a few of the Jedis along with the look of Naboo‘s new queen. Visual effects supervisors Pablo Helman, John Knoll, and Dennis Muren do some spectacular with the visual effects from the film‘s climatic battle scene as well as the design of some of the planets though much of it is overkill in terms of the fact that it feels like it‘s more artificial rather than something that is supposed to look real. The film’s music by John Williams is great as it features some very bombastic themes to play into its sense of adventure along with scenes that play into its suspense though the romantic themes aren’t very memorable.
The casting by Robin Gurland is wonderful as it features some notable small appearances from Jay Laga’aia as Padme’s security chief, Veronica Segura as Padme’s decoy, Leeanna Walsman as the assassin Zam Wesell, Oliver Ford Davies as Naboo governor Sio Bibble, Ayesha Dharker as the new queen of Naboo, Pernilla August as Shmi Skywalker, Jack Thompson as Shmi’s husband Cliegg Lars, Joel Edgerton as Cliegg’s son Owen, Bonnie Piesse as Owen’s girlfriend Beru, and Rose Byrne as Padme’s handmaiden Dorme. Other notable performances in the voice department feature Silas Carson in a dual role as trade federation leader Nute Gunray and as the Jedi master Ki-Adi-Mundi in full makeup, Ron Falk as an old friend of Obi-Wan in Dexter, Anthony Phelan as Kamino’s prime minister, and Frank Oz in a phenomenal performance as Yoda who would be the film’s real scene-stealer.
Then there’s Jar-Jar Binks, as the character who annoyed everyone in the previous film, is thankfully used to a minimum where he would provide a key moment that would set the stage for the Clone Wars as Ahmed Best was able to make him tolerable despite being an idiot. Anthony Daniels and Kenny Baker are fantastic in the respective roles as the droids C-3P0 and R2-D2 where the former is presented in finished form while he finds himself in a droid battle while Baker provides some humor for the latter. Daniel Logan is terrible as Jango Fett’s young son Boba as he spends much of the film pouting and making stink faces while Temura Morrison is pretty good as the bounty hunter Jango Fett who provided the people of Kamino his blood to make the clone army. Christopher Lee is brilliant as Count Dooku as a former Jedi who has become a Sith lord as he helped organize the separatist movement against the Republic.
Ian McDiarmid is excellent as Chancellor Palpatine as the Republic’s leader who is trying to deal with separatist movement where he is later given emergency powers that would give him more control of what he wants to do as well as behind the scenes into his true identity. Samuel L. Jackson is fantastic as Jedi master Mace Windu who aids Yoda in what is happening with the Jedi as he would finally showcase his skills against Windu and the droid army. Natalie Portman is quite good as Padme Amidala despite some of the awful dialogue she had to recite while giving Padme a bit of an edge in dealing with the droids while looking very sexy in that tight, white thing she is wearing. Hayden Christensen is fucking atrocious as Anakin Skywalker where much of Christensen’s acting has him trying to emote as if he’s about to fart while being very whiny and wooden as it is clear that it’s not just the dialogue that hurts him but it’s also the fact that he just plainly fucking sucks. Finally, there’s Ewan McGregor in a superb performance as Obi-Wan Kenobi as the Jedi master who is tasked to track down Jango Fett where he would make a discovery that would set the course for the Clone Wars.
Attack of the Clones is a decent but very messy film from George Lucas. While it does feature some amazing visual effects and some good performances from its cast. It is a film that showcases what happens when visual effects would overwhelm the story to a point while the film is also hindered by its poor writing and some horrific acting. In the end, Attack of the Clones is a terrible film from George Lucas.
Star Wars Films: Star Wars - The Empire Strikes Back - Return of the Jedi - The Phantom Menace - 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, The Phantom Menace (Star Wars: Episode I) is the story of two Jedi knights who are asked by the Galactic Republic and a queen to settle a tax dispute where things go wrong as they land on a planet where they would meet a young boy who might be part of a prophecy to bring balance to the Force. The film is a prequel to the original Star Wars trilogy back in the late 1970s and early 80s where Lucas explore the origins of Anakin Skywalker and his eventual descent. Starring Liam Neeson, Ewan McGregor, Natalie Portman, Ian McDiarmid, Ahmed Best, the voice of Frank Oz, Anthony Daniels, Kenny Baker, Jake Lloyd, Ray Park, Pernilla August, and Samuel L. Jackson. The Phantom Menace is a visually-thrilling but extremely messy film from George Lucas.
The film revolves around two Jedi knights who are asked by Galactic Republic and its senate to negotiate a treaty involving a trade federation who refuses to bring shipment to small planet called Naboo. There, things go wrong where they meet an alien creature and help a queen escape while landing on a planet where they meet a young slave boy whom one of the Jedi knights believes is the one person that can bring balance to the Force as darkness looms. It’s a plot that is interesting but the fact that the story begins with a tax dispute is a pretty dumb way to open a story. It would set the tone for a story that doesn’t become uneven in its involvement of politics but also in the myth of the Jedi where there’s a lot of expositions that occur where it definitely raise more baffling questions than answers.
George Lucas’ screenplay does play into a traditional structure where it’s first act involves the Jedi master Qui-Gon Jinn (Liam Neeson) and his apprentice Obi-Wan Kenobi (Ewan McGregor) trying to negotiate terms with the trade federation led by Nute Gunray (Silas Carson) where things fall apart. Upon landing on Naboo, they meet an exiled Gungan named Jar-Jar Binks (Ahmed Best) who would aid them in saving Queen Amidala (Natalie Portman) as they try to go to Coruscant to talk with the Senate. Its second act is set in Tatooine where Qui-Gon, Jar-Jar, an astromech droid named R2-D2 (Kenny Baker), and the queen’s handmaiden Padme (Natalie Portman) try to find parts for their ship where they would meet the young slave boy Anakin Skywalker (Jake Lloyd) where Qui-Gon senses a strong surge of the Force in Anakin as he hopes to free him. Lucas’ scenario does try to keep things forward but there’s too many things as the character of Jar-Jar is this unnecessary comic relief that doesn’t really do anything for the story.
Instead, he’s a buffoon that is made to entertain kids except that he’s not funny nor is he engaging. It is among some of the problems with the script as well as the dialogue as Lucas is notoriously known for writing poor dialogue. Especially in the second act where the story moves to Coruscant as it plays into the world of politics and corruption where it does drag the story immensely to the realm of boredom. When its third act returns to Naboo where Obi-Wan and Qui-Gon confront a Sith lord named Darth Maul (Ray Parks, with the voice of Peter Serafinowicz) while Jar-Jar leads the battle against the trade federation’s army of robots where Anakin is in the action during a star fight between the forces of Naboo and a trade federation’s spaceship that controls the robots. It’s a moment where a lot goes on yet it is never meshes coherently since Lucas wants to really go for something that is intense. The result only works somewhat but it is handled very clumsily.
Lucas’ direction is quite sprawling in terms of the visual language that he creates to establish a world that is very diverse but is on the verge of becoming tumultuous due to greed and corruption. Shot on various locations such as Tunisia as Tatooine and Watford, Hertfordshire in Great Britain as Naboo with much of the production shot in studios in Britain, the film does play into something that is very diverse but it has elements of racial profiling in the way some of the alien characters are depicted. It’s among the negative aspects of the film that really shows how Lucas perceive the alien creatures as either bumbling idiots or greedy creatures with very little complexity into who they are. At the same time, Lucas’ direction also tries to create elements of foreshadowing and irony as it relates to the character of Senator Palpatine (Ian McDiarmid) who would talk about the greed and corruption of politics to get Queen Amidala to get a new Supreme Chancellor to head the Galactic Senate.
It is among some of the issues in the way Lucas directs his actors where he definitely states the obvious as it relates to Palpatine while it sort of kills the suspense for anyone that hadn’t seen the original trilogy. While Lucas’ approach to some of the scenes involving the pod race in Tatooine where Qui-Gon would make a gamble to free Anakin from slavery as well as the lightsaber and battle scenes are engaging to watch in terms of his compositions and the shooting styles he uses. He’s really unable to do the same to other scenes such as the moments of suspense as well as the scenes involving the political issues in the film which comes across as very boring. Overall, Lucas creates a very uneven yet nonsensical film about a dispute between two factions in the galaxy.
Cinematographer David Tattersall does excellent work with the film‘s cinematography to capture the hot and sunny look of Tatooine to the lavish lights of the city planet of Coruscant to play into the different worlds of the galaxy. Editors Ben Burtt and Paul Martin Smith do nice work with the editing to capture some of the action in the film though its usage of transition wipes does get overused very quickly. Production designer Gavin Bocquet, along with set decorator Peter Wapole and supervising art director Peter Russell, does brilliant work with the look of the different places from the palaces of Naboo and the Gungan palaces underwater as well as the look of Coruscant and the Jedi temple. Costume designer Trisha Biggar does terrific work with the costumes from the lavish clothes that Queen Amidala wears to the robes of the Senate along with the clothes of the Jedi knights.
Makeup artist Paul Engelen does fantastic work with the look of Queen Amidala in her fully-realized regalia along with the look of some of the aliens who are part of the Jedi council. Visual effects supervisors Dennis Muren, John Knoll, and Scott Squires do amazing work with the visual effects for some of the sequences in space and some of the battles though the design of some of the creatures aren‘t so great since many of them aren‘t engaging to care for. Sound designer Ben Burtt, along with sound editors Tom Bellfort and Matthew Wood, does superb work with the sound to play into the sound effects for some of the droids along with the laser cannons and other sound textures. The film’s music by John Williams is phenomenal for not just the usage of old themes but also some new ones with its approach to bombastic orchestral music for the pod races and the lightsaber battles along with some low-key pieces for the dramatic moments.
The casting by Robin Gurland is pretty good as it features notable appearances from Warwick Davis as a pod-racer spectator, Ralph Brown as the Queen’s starship pilot, Keira Knightley as the queen’s decoy, Oliver Ford Davies as Naboo’s governor who is forced to deal with the trade federation, Hugh Quarie as the queen’s security chief Captain Panaka, Pernilla August as Anakin’s mother Shmi, and Terence Stamp in a superb performance as Supreme Chancellor Valorum who tries to settle things between Naboo and the trade federation which shows how weak he is at his job. The voice performances of Anthony Daniels as an early version of C-3P0 and Frank Oz as the Jedi master Yoda are terrific for what they provide for the story. Other voice roles from Andy Secombe as the junk dealer Watto and Lewis McLeod as the villainous pod racer Sebulba are quite good despite the dialogue their given while Silas Carson as trade federation leader Nute Gunray and Brian Blessed as the Gungan leader Boss Nass aren’t given strong material to work with for their characters.
Kenny Baker is excellent as R2-D2 as the droid who would help the Queen’s starship during an escape as he becomes a close friend to the major characters. Ray Park is fantastic as the Sith lord Darth Maul as someone who is very skilled in the dark side of the Force with Peter Serafinowicz provides a brooding voice for the character. Ian McDiarmid is brilliant as Senator Palpatine as a Naboo government official who tries to deal with the Senate while being very shady in his dealings as he conceals a much darker identity. Samuel L. Jackson is wonderful in a small but crucial role as the Jedi master Mace Windu who, like Yoda, is suspicious about taking Anakin to be trained as a Jedi as it relates to Anakin’s own upbringing and feelings for his mother. The film’s worst performance is Ahmed Best in the voice performance as Jar-Jar Binks as this clumsy and idiotic Gungan who does nothing but make a full of himself and cause trouble as he is really one of the most atrocious characters ever created in the history of cinema.
Jake Lloyd is OK as the young Anakin Skywalker as a young slave boy who is very talented in making things and being a great pod racer as he copes with the new world he is to face where Lloyd shows a lot of energy but some of his line delivery isn’t very good. Natalie Portman is decent as Queen Padme Amidala as a queen who disguises herself as a handmaiden while dealing with the chaos in her homeland where Portman has some good moments but also suffers from the script’s weakness and poor dialogue. Ewan McGregor is amazing as a young Obi-Wan Kenobi as a Jedi apprentice who is in the final stages of his own training as he tries to reason with his master about taking Anakin as he speaks for the Jedi council while dealing with his development as a Jedi. Finally, there’s Liam Neeson in a remarkable performance as Qui-Gon Jin as a Jedi master who is wise while being a bit reckless where he believes that Anakin is the chosen one and hopes to train with or without the approval of the Jedi council while coping with the presence of the Sith.
Despite all of its amazing visuals, top-notch technical work, and some thrilling sequences, The Phantom Menace is a terrible film from George Lucas. Though it does have moments that are worth watching, it is hampered by a poor script as well as characters that serve no purpose to the film at all. Even as it features elements of political allegory and things that has no business being in a sci-fi adventure film. In the end, The Phantom Menace is mess of a film from George Lucas.
Star Wars Films: Star Wars - The Empire Strikes Back - Return of the Jedi - 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)
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