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In Reply to: Now the reviews are REALLY in! It's official, "Attack of the Clones" is permanently rotten... posted by Audiophilander on May 16, 2002 at 16:02:33:
What is it that people expect from star wars?I was 3 years old when the first star wars movie was released into theaters. My mother told me that in the years following the release I must have watched the film 40 times in various forms while growing up to the age of 7 or 8 (broadcast television, borrowed laserdisc players, videotapes, theaters etc.) I imagine that my age grouping is a large section of the current SW fanbase as well as those slightly older and younger. The SW saga became part of what this age group grew up with. Instead of imagining you were a firefighter, cowboy, indian, astronaut or whatever you were imagining you were a character in SW. For better or for worse, the values of the story were instilled and emulated by those in my generation. “The Force” has become religious in reference for those in this generation. Now, before you dispute this, look up religious in the dictionary and observe the behavior. It doesn’t necessarily mean it’s profoundly spiritual but it is religious. Mannerisms are universally understood, movie script lines are quoted and used just like bible scripture in conversations, and there are heated conversations on the exact canon of the SW “universe.” Just like the bible, as time passes, facts and generally accepted truths changed with public opinion. When Empire Strikes Back was first released, it was panned harder than EP1 by both fans and critics because of the “dark” storyline. Now, Empire is used as a comparative standard of quality for the new films because of how “fresh” it was. The SW saga has become tools for persecutions and a whipping post for personal frustrations.
Where am I going with this? The negative backlash of reactions from “devoted fans” and “movie critics” from the EP1 and now EP2 only prove out that what these people were semi-consciously looking for was a spiritual experience. When faced with the grim reality that SW is just a movie (and as admitted by Lucas several times, a high budget Saturday matinee movie), people decide to “crucify” the film itself along with the creator(s) because their expectations were not met. Jesus was crucified, was he not? Now, please don’t construe that I’m saying the film or Lucas is the second coming. All I’m saying is that the negative backlash from not meeting what is expected is observable in both situations.
In short, people expected to be spiritually enlightened or to be bequeathed with power of the force (or the word of god). It’s too bad that all that SW ever was is that it’s just a movie. For me, it’s an entertaining movie and it’s fun to forget that you’re twentysomething and just be a kid again, glued to the movie seat, watching a space fantasy.
Tom §.
Follow Ups:
I was 25 when the first one came out (Episode IV) and watched it 7 or 8 times myself; it was great fun. Unfortunately for the Star Wars saga, that first film seems to have aged much better than Lucas' ability to cast and direct his vision. BTW, I don't expect to be "enlightened" or "bequethed with power of the force", but when I go to see an overhyped mega-million dollar feature I do expect to be entertained without wincing at corny cliche` dialogue and bad acting. Note: If I wanted that, I would stick strictly with the serials of the 30's and 40's! When viewed in the context of the times they were filmed those classic 12-15 Chapter cliffhangers have a great deal more heart and are loads of fun.My suggestion, if you haven't seen Spidey, "Clone" yourself and go to that instead. :o)
AuPh
> > Unfortunately for the Star Wars saga, that first film seems to have aged much better than Lucas' ability to cast and direct his vision. < <1) He never had such ability to begin with. Take a look at his "illustrious" directing attempts other than star wars. Did you also happen to notice that Empire and ROTJ (the #1 and #2 films regarded by fans) are not directed by him?
2) The first films were panned by critics during their original theatrical release. Yes they've aged well. What makes you think these new 3 won't? Time will answer that question.
> > How old are you anyway, Tom? < <
I didn't check the release date of the original star wars before I posted my response. I was > 1 year old when the first movie was released in 1977. I only saw the original on home video formats while the other "first 2" I saw in theatres after nagging my parents incessantly.
> > but when I go to see an overhyped mega-million dollar feature < <
And who created this hype? Who said it was going to the greatest thing in the world? Probably the same people who waited in line for 12 hours then left in the middle of the showing.
> > feature I do expect to be entertained without wincing at corny cliche` dialogue and bad acting. Note: If I wanted that, I would stick strictly with the serials of the 30's and 40's! < <
Hello!? What do you think Lucas has admitted to emulating time and time again? Why is this suprisingly offensive now? If you work off of preconcieved notions, you may be attempting to interact with something that isn't there (insert CG blue screen quip here).
Tom §.
I consider the first Star Wars a great film followed closely by The Empire Strikes Back. Even though he didn't direct the second and third features in the series, both were his "vision." Unfortunately, the wheels started falling off of that vision in the third film (i.e., it was to neatly tied up and had some serious "groaner" elements including the cute furry creatures that had TM marketing written all over them).FTR, Lucas was at one point in his life viewed as a great visionary director (even before SW) from the same class as Spielburg, Scorsese and others who came into prominence in the early 70's; of course, you are correct in your assessment that he hasn't lived up to those expectations.
As for what he is emulating, well if it's the serials of the 30's and 40's he is doing it badly or picking the worst ones to emulate. You may recall that Spielburg's Raiders of the Lost Ark also based it's theme and structure on the classic serials and pulled it off handsomely. Granted, Lucas had a hand in the concept, but Spielburg created a beautifully directed homage to a classic form of cinema that WILL stand the test of time. His second effort fell short and he recognized the fact that he'd let his audience down somewhat and corrected the failure by turning in another classic in the third film in the series.
My point here is that Spielburg has respect for his audience while Lucas is gotten wrapped up in the minutiae of creating special effects to the point where he no longer connects to the movie going public outside of the drooling SW fan base.
As I indicated your loyal fan above, may the farce be with you!
AuPh
> > My point here is that Spielburg has respect for his audience < <LOL! He panders to and manipulates the audience just like Lucas. He just pulls different strings. To me, the indy jones series is just as hokey as star wars. Although, It doesn't make it less entertaining.
Tom §.
... and far less hokey. Spielburg DOES pander to certain audience expectations dependent upon the type of film he's making, but as a director, Spielburg still has an artist's heart and coninues to redefine himself creatively; no such luck with Lucas.AuPh
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