The Creator Talks about Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace
If you think Star Wars is an epic saga, then you have George Lucas to thank for that. His original Star Wars trilogy remains a timeless classic. But, like a movie that ends in a cliffhanger, not all stories in a saga get the same love. Today, we’re going back to 1999, to the first episode of the Star Wars prequel trilogy, The Phantom Menace. Even Lucas himself admits that he may have gone overboard with it.
The Phantom Menace – Expectations vs Reality
When The Phantom Menace hit the big screens, fans were beyond excited. It was the beginning of a brand new Star Wars journey. However, the excitement faded fast, leaving fans rather let down. This movie was criticized for being way too stuffed, filled to the brim with rushed dialogue that jammed the brakes right on the captivating Star Wars charm.
Lucas Reflects on His Work
Surprisingly, Lucas is not ignoring the critics or fans. Instead, he agrees that the movie didn’t feel as smooth as it should have. Putting it simply, he admitted that he may have indeed pushed the envelope a bit too far.
Adding to this, Lucas shared his thoughts on The Phantom Menace in a documentary. He referred to the film as ‘disjointed’. He acknowledged that he might have rushed some scenes in a bid to fit them all in.
Comparing the Old and New
Lucas’ recognition extended to the very structure of his film. He realized that he had compacted the climax, which was brimming with heroics, comedy, escapes, and a triumphant return – all in less than two minutes! Even when he caught this flaw, he decided to go with it, pushing ahead with the film’s final cut.
In his own words, Lucas pointed out that some parts of the movie were so glued together that it was impossible to pull them apart, let alone trim or adjust. When he compared The Phantom Menace to the much simpler 1977 original Star Wars movie, he described the former as an ‘extreme’ version. But, he hinted that its grip could be loosened just a tad bit over time.
Living with the Choices
Even though Lucas would have liked to fine-tune the movie, he found himself limited by practical constraints. It wasn’t really possible to rewrite or reshoot huge parts of the film. Instead of giving up, Lucas chose to do his best with what he had. He decided to tidy up the climax as much as he could, given the draft he had.
Embracing what’s already done, Lucas accepted that The Phantom Menace had a style that was a bit too out there. But no matter what, it’s a crucial part of the Star Wars story and can’t be erased. To the fans, he suggested the thought of reducing its impact.
Wrapping it Up
Lucas coming out and saying that he overdid The Phantom Menace is something that strikes a chord with both critics and fans. Despite the movie’s shortcomings, Lucas holds out hope for viewers to lessen its perceived effects. So even with all its quirks and somewhat messy scenes, The Phantom Menace is here to stay in the Star Wars universe, all ready for viewing on Disney+.
So there you have it. The man behind Star Wars, George Lucas, reflecting on his ambitious approach with The Phantom Menace. Who knows, maybe understanding his perspective might just make watching it a little more exciting! After all, every story has its flaws, no?
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