Music & Movies

star wars is NOT the only movie in the world!

The reason he wins that award for me is that in every interview he basically says he doesn't care what people think about his movies. He refused to even read reviews of the Phantom Menace and is so protected from outsiders on Skywalker Ranch that anyone who utters less than praise for every element of Star Wars is summarily thrown off the ranch and permanently un-invited. He thinks his biggest mistake was letting someone else direct The Empire Strikes Back, which was by far the best movie of the entire bunch. I think this is basically a Michael Jackson type figure here with some talent and definitely imagination, but not the right stuff to pull off a believable script that avoids soap-opera overdramatizations and simplifications and pissy dialogue. And it wouldn't hurt him to remember the first rule of fiction: show, don't tell.

Sorry, obviously you liked it a lot, I just feel like just about anyone with a college degree, let alone one in Film, could have improved the movie a lot in the first 1.5 hours, and likewise with Episode I (I know it was background, but that doesn't mean the dialogue has to be shit, and yeah, could've chosen a better kid actor too).

Well the reason Lucas doesn't care about what people think of it is because he has enough money. He doesn't shun people that think badly of it, he just doesn't go looking for opinions. He's focusing on telling a good story. I guess the "good" part is left to be decided, and it wouldn't hurt if Lucas paid more attention to what the fans thought of it, but I think Star Wars is still awesome when it comes to what the series does well.

What the series does well is maintain a fanbase so devoted that no matter what Lucas churns out for the rest of his life, it's guaranteed to both make money and be declared brilliant by a given number of people.

Right -- even though it was clear it was gonna suck in at least two respects, there was never any question but that I was going to spend my $10 and see it. Though I stop well short of then calling it "brilliant".

I'll see the next one too. And unless he *really* pissed me off I'd see episodes 7, 8, and 9 if they ever made them (maybe after Lucas is dead). But you're right Rex to attribute that power to the series rather than to Lucas himself. Let's take a vote -- if Episode III were being done by another writer and director, would you see it?

Yeah, I'd still see it, though the thing is, even if Lucas doesn't cut it in the screenwriting/directing department anymore, it's still his universe. If he wasn't at least producing it would feel like a forgery.

*sniff, sniff, blows nose* you mean star wars is not all there is to life?

Another writer and director... I'd be daunted. I'd likely end up seeing it though.

For me it would depend entirely on the reviews.

I thought episode two was really good, one of the best. The series seems to do better in darker times, and I think Empire was one of the better ones, too.
"Show, dont tell" would be a good lesson for Lucas to practice, and dialogue, of course. I think the guy playing Anakin in Episode II did a really great job. Portman/Padme was awful, though. She was so.. wooden. Man, that kiss was so passionless.. the "I love you now" so from out of nowhere. Like speaking lines, not believing them.

And what's with the S&M outfit she wore when she decided to tell Anakin she couldnt love him. That was just cruel. Breasts heaving, flesh under black leather. Hey, I'd be pissed, too.

In regards to Skywalker Ranch, he shouldnt insulate himself entirely from criticism, but certainly he can keep his focus better that way. Look at J.K. Rowling. She's over two years behind schedule on the next book because she's running around working with the movies and being totally immersed in the success of her last books. It makes me wonder what kind of influence the merchandising and movies will have on the next books. Take a look at book 4- an evil reporter is introduced (as she reaches increasing fame after book 3), and that doesnt surprise me a bit.

I missed that part. *snaps fingers* darn.

Difference is Rowling's got something important to work on other than the movies. Lucas doesn't. Though I hear he's doing a new Indiana Jones installment. Those have all been pretty good.