A Magical Shift
The 70s were like a magic potion for Hollywood. It witnessed a revolutionary shift with legendary directors like Steven Spielberg and George Lucas. These two gave birth to blockbuster movies we still love today. Ever heard of Jaws or Star Wars? Yes, that’s them!
Friends since University: Spielberg and Lucas
Spielberg and Lucas were not just filmmakers. They were best friends since their university days. Even though they were in the same line of work, their bond was stronger than any professional rivalry. They admired and respected each other’s work, and this mutual admiration played a huge role in the magic they created on-screen.
The Big Invite: Star Wars Rough Cut Screening
One day, Lucas invited Spielberg for a private screening of a rough cut of his film Star Wars. It was a raw, special effects-free version of the movie. Unfortunately, without the special effects, the audience was less than impressed. Spielberg, although hugely in love with cinema, found it hard to make sense of the story without the visual effects. However, he knew that this raw gem had immense potential once polished with special effects.
The Underestimated Scene: C-3PO and R2-D2
In the unfinished version, Spielberg found one scene particularly interesting. It was when the droids, C-3PO and R2-D2, were ejected from the pod. According to him, this pointed to what the movie would become once the visual effects were added. Spielberg believed that this scene was a sneak peek into the magic that Star Wars would eventually become.
Lucas, Stress and VFX: The Road to Star Wars
Creating a visual marvel like Star Wars wasn’t a smooth ride for Lucas, though. Industrial Light & Magic (ILM), the company responsible for the movie’s visual effects, initially fell short of Lucas’s expectations. This caused stress for Lucas, who even ended up in the hospital.
Refusing to give up, Lucas decided to take matters into his own hands. He hired new editors and took an active role in shaping the visual narrative of Star Wars. This influenced ILM to up their game and work harder to match Lucas’s vision.
The Final Result: A Blockbuster Star Wars
Despite the initial hiccups, this change of approach turned out to be just what ILM needed. They made a comeback and delivered a visual masterpiece. The rest is history as Star Wars, upon release, became an instant classic.
Star Wars Episode IV – A New Hope, set in a universe far away, changed the way audiences perceive science fiction. Spielberg’s faith in Lucas’s potential and Lucas’s vision made all the difference.
In Conclusion: An Era of Change
The 70s was indeed a transformative decade for Hollywood. Spielberg and Lucas brought a fresh wave of storytelling that was received with open arms by the audience worldwide. Their friendship, collaboration, and shared love for cinema are what made Star Wars an unforgettable phenomenon.
Now, all that’s left for you to do is grab some popcorn, get comfortable on your couch, and stream Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope on Disney Plus. Experience the sci-fi magic that changed Hollywood forever!
Article: Spielberg and Lucas: The Duo that Redefined Hollywood
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