#311: Star Wars Ep. 1 Live Commentary

Podcasts Galactic Watercooler
#41

I’m reminded of something I once heard. I think it is a JMS quote, “If you show the audience a knife in Act I, you better use it in Act III.” The whole midi-chlorian thing is that knife in the first Act. It is unfulfilled. It is never mentioned again. It is just left there. The logic behind it doesn’t surprise me though. This is the same man that does not get ‘I love you.’ ‘I know.’ This is the same man that doesn’t have a problem with Greedo sitting two feet away from his target, gun-drawn and misses.

Here is a little something to ponder. How can I sit through and appreciate the Star Wars Holiday Special for what it was yet rant about the Prequels? Easy. The Holiday Special was a1970s TV production. Spun together at the last minute to capitalize on the fame of Star Wars. The Prequels had years of preparation, an incredible budget, and a plethora of talent. All they needed was a screenplay that made some sense and was entertaining.

It’s all about the Star Wars universe. It is magic. Case in point, I’ve played the LEGO Star Wars games and love them. The worlds and surroundings are so fantastic. The characters don’t speak and here within lies the problem with the Prequels. It is a beautiful fully established universe. You believe it exists but then someone speaks and you wince.

#42

Well said, sir!

#43

One thing really stuck out to me re-watching the movie this time: It would have been so much better without Jar Jar. (Yeah yeah, I know I’m the one billionth person to say that).

Aside from that, it’s not a bad movie. And it is Star Wars. There’s a part of me that even admires George Lucas for having the balls to do it his way, even though it was flawed in so many ways.

Some thots:

  1. Qui Gon was a great character. Loved everything about him in the movie.

  2. Padme was fine, but I would have preferred the movie took time away from her and gave more time to Obi Wan.

  3. Obi Wan as acted fine by Ewan McGregor but I wish he had more to do.

  4. That kid playing Anakin. Let’s face it. He was a weak actor. I’d have gone with an slightly older actor and I’d prefer to see a friendship sparked between Anakin and Obi Wan from the beginning.

  5. In keeping with all my statements above, I would have liked it better if the whole SW 1, 2, 3 episode arc centered around Obi Wan’s friendship with Anakin and the slow rift between them ending with a deadly fight that leaves Anakin dismembered at the end of Movie #3. There’s something nice and dramatic and heartbreaking about a buddy movie that ends in them become enemies that have to face off in the end.

So that’s what I wished happened. But since it didn’t, I’m NOT upset that the prequels were made. It is by definition Star Wars because it is George Lucas’s vision. And with its spectacle and many cool moments and aspects, it’s movie that I’m glad was made.

#44

I’m actually OK with MidiChlorians. I don’t think they said MidiChlorians are what gives a person Force sensitivity. I prefer to look at them as microorganisms that are drawn to Force-sensitive individuals, and the stronger the person is, the more that are drawn to them.

I have heard this explanation before, and I like it more than “midi-chlorians are the Force”. Still does not need to be in the movie.

The whole midi-chlorian thing is that knife in the first Act. It is unfulfilled. It is never mentioned again. It is just left there. The logic behind it doesn’t surprise me though.

Well, they were mentioned once more, but it was just as clunky and unnecessary as in The Phantom Menace.

Palpatine: “Darth Plagueis was a Dark Lord of the Sith so powerful and so wise, he could use the Force to influence the midi-chlorians to create…life. He had such a knowledge of the Dark Side, he could even keep the ones he cared about…from dying.”
Love that scene and the possible implication that Anikin was created by a Sith, who may have been killed by Palpatine. But remove the words “to influence the midi-chlorians” and it makes just as much sense.

Poor directing, bad script, bad dialog, stiff acting from Oscar caliber actors…and there’s no reason for the hate? Are you serious?

There are plenty of other well liked films, even films that have been covered on GWC that fit this description. Movies can be cheesy and still be enjoyed. Unfortunately, most films are not saddled with being part of the greatest movie franchise in history. There is no way any films could live up to the expectations. Had Ep.1-3 not been Star Wars films, I have a feeling they would have been mostly forgotten but enjoyed by the intended audience at the time.

#45

Am I really the only one in the world who truly enjoyed the film?? I admit - I saw TPM 11 times in the theater. Because of the time lapse between ROTJ and TPM, I never saw a need to compare the two sets. I found the political atmosphere and the contrast before and after the Empire takeover to be really interesting. I guess I did not mind the clunky dialogue and bad acting. Heck, Jar Jar did not evern bother me that much. It was just like adding the Ewoks to Jedi.

#46

You’re not. I enjoyed the film also. I loved the podrace, the lightsaber battles, all the intrigue surrounding the chess match between Palpatine and Amidala. I saw TPM seven times in the theatre. When it was released on VHS…yep…V.H.S. I purchased it on its release date. When the DVD was released, I purchased that on its release date. I watched it almost everyday for weeks.

As I mentioned earlier, I ain’t hatin’. The Prequels are what they are…at least for now… Anyway, I’m a geek. I want what I enjoy to be the best it could possibly be. I’m just pointing out what could have been done better and IMO should have been addressed. There are some outrageous uncomfortable moments in the Prequels that just got passed over and approved. That was a huge oversight. It’s not the end of geekdom, it’s just a MO-vie!!

#47

Scopehound just tweeted this article.

http://www.nomachetejuggling.com/2011/11/11/the-star-wars-saga-suggested-viewing-order/

It proposes an alternate watching order for the films. The piece has nothing good to say about Episode I – in fact, it suggests you skip it entirely, and makes a good case for doing so. And there are references to a couple edits of the prequel trilogy that many find preferable to the theatrical cuts.

Even if you don’t agree, it’s a good read.

#48

It’s almost the exact structure of The Godfather and The Godfather, Part 2. The story revolves around Michael. In the first film, we see Michael accept his destiny and calling. In Part 2, we witness the rise of Vito and the cost of power. At the end, Michael bears the burden, guilt, and anguish of corruption and power.

A while back, we discussed viewing order of the Star Wars franchise and came the same conclusion. The best viewing order is IV, V, II, III, and VI.

#49

We here at The Oddball Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences heartily endorse this “Jar Jar Minimizing” approach :slight_smile:

OB

#50

I gave the article a read and I have to admit I am quite intrigued. I almost wish I was able to show the movies to my kids in this order. But then again, they love Jar Jar and little Ani so what do I know. :slight_smile:

#51

Topher Grace edited together another new, greatly condensed – yet embellished – 85-minute version of the prequels.

http://www.avclub.com/articles/topher-grace-edited-all-the-star-wars-prequels-int,70527/

#52

Hmmm … I wonder if he did it in a room at Rusty’s Hotel :slight_smile:

//youtu.be/yr8GLx5LcCI