Empire Strikes Back - Why is it so effective?

CJFusco · CJFusco's Garage

Ok, so I grew up watching the STAR WARS movies, but haven't really watched them in awhile now (since the new theatrical releases, I think), so I am kinda seeing them in a new light since buying the DVD set.

I am sitting here watching THE EMPIRE STRIKES BACK, and I am struck (once again) by what a complete movie it is. It takes the mysticism, the "magic" of the first movie, loses the boyish yearning, and gains a darker and more-engrossing perspective.

Unlike the new STAR WARS films, the dialogue is natural. The music is wonderful. The special effects are still mind-blowing. Everything about this movie is compelling.... so much more so than any of the other STAR WARS movies. Why is this?

Lucas is obviously obsessed with myths... but in the new movies he seems to shove them down our throats. Here, he alludes to Taoism and Greek myths (the hero that cuts down his enemy in a dream, only to see his own face), but not in the "LOOK! IT'S A CHRIST PARABLE" obviousness of Episode I.

But it seems to me that there is more going on here... I think it has to do with Darth Vader. I'm not sure why, but I get a sort of Jungian collective-unconscious kind of feeling that Darth Vader represents something much more to the viewer than just a guy in a mask. And I am speaking specifically about THE EMPIRE STRIKES BACK here. Does else know what I mean? Or is this just a case of childhood sentimentality imposing itself upon the present?

I'm not sure where I'm going with this.

BlueSkyJaunte · 10-14-2004, 09:38 PM

It's all about the midichlorians.

Big Ed · 10-14-2004, 10:29 PM

I thought this was going to be a thread about the damn Yankees. Sox in 2005, baby!

DannoXYZ · 10-15-2004, 01:59 AM

CJFusco, you're right. The original Star Wars & Empire Strikes Back were much, much better. More for philosophical adults than the kids' entertainment which started with Return of the Jedi.

Porsche-O-Phile · Porsche-O-Phile's Garage

Damn midachlorians. . . that totally ruined a lot of it. That and STOOOPID Jar-Jar Binks. Grrrr. Episode I could have been so much and ended up being so little.

At least Episode II was somewhat better (IMO). The acting, particularly trying to "explain" the development of the relationship between Anakin & Amadala was horrible though. Just as bad as a junior high school dance with all the guys on one side of the room and all the girls on the other - it was that forced.

The battle scenes were excellent though.

CJFusco · CJFusco's Garage

if it weren't for the forced-looking scenes between Anakin and Amadala, Episode II was pretty good... nowhere near NEW HOPE or EMPIRE, but good in its own right.

I don't know if this has something to do with Taoism or if Lucas just used it as some kind of bookend-type thing... but Luke is upside down near the beginning and end of the movie, and must use the Force to get himself out of danger (he is also upside down while he is training with Yoda). Is this coincidence, or is Lucas going somewhere with this?

Jared at Pelican Parts · 10-15-2004, 06:31 AM

I still think THX-1138 is better. Except for the incredibly poor CG car chase scenes he added in to the directors cut.

I always liked how dark Empire was. plus you get the surprise ending..

BlueSkyJaunte · 10-15-2004, 06:43 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by CJFusco
[B]if it weren't for the forced-looking scenes between Anakin and Amadala, Episode II was pretty good... nowhere near NEW HOPE or EMPIRE, but good in its own right.

Damn, I wish I could pick up a bag of what you're smoking. Ep2 is the first Star Wars movie that put me to sleep while watching it for the first time! Seriously! My wife had to elbow me because I started snoring.

project935 · 10-15-2004, 07:01 AM

Lucas does best when he has a lot of story telling to cram into a single movie - Empire Strikes Back had a lot of storyline complexity. Episode I wasn't very complex ... was almost drawn out. Episode II was getting complex. There is lots of 'splaining to do in Episode III.

Have you seen any of the 5-10 minute long "Clone Wars" 20-episode series they ran on Cartoon Network? They were kind of cool - supposed to take place between Episode II and III. They were online for awhile, but I haven't been able to find them - gotta be out on DVD soon I would think.

Can ya tell I have a 3 and 1.5yo boys - little Jedi apprentices walking around the house all day with their toy lightsabers attacking anything that moves.

84porsche · 84porsche's Garage

Quote:

Originally posted by Porsche-O-Phile
That and STOOOPID Jar-Jar Binks. Grrrr.

He was actually pretty funny especially when his mouth was numbed from the speeder. It's kind of how we all talk when we come back from the dentist.