This isn’t really a review, but some random thoughts on a groggy morning-after of the midnight show. I haven’t really liked a Star Wars movie since Empire Strikes Back, but when invited, I still go to the midnight show with my hardcore friends, if only to marvel at the Anakin costumes and light sabers. I have begun to think of it as a generational obligation rather than an actual pleasure. That said, I must say that this one really makes up for the last two in many respects.
First thought:
Lucas has never been known for character development or directing actors, but still. The last movie suffered from the hollow acting of, well, everyone, but I am thinking in particular of Anakin and Padme. The interactions between these two in the second movie made me want to gag. Ditto with this one, but at least they were fewer and shorter.
2nd thought. Politically speaking, this film is less racist than the previous two, but still naively hamhanded in political analogy. Here’s one version of the plot: The Jedi Council, an independent branch of the government as far as I can tell, fears that the Senate has given too much power to the executive branch (the Chancellor/Emperor). The executive appoints a representative to the Council, who is expected to spy on both sides, more or less. In the end, the executive branch ascends into an all-powerful position via an orgy of evil. Anakin/Vader begins to see the world in Good/Evil, where Good is represented by the Republic/Empire, and Evil by the judiciary/Jedi who want to curb power. There’s even a point where he says to Obi-Wan “Either you’re with me, or…” he doesn’t say “against me” but something close. You get the idea. And Obi-Wan chastises him with “Only the Sith see things in absolutes” before drawing his light saber. While the Bush-as-Vader analogy and the rejection of absolute positions that lead to imperial pursuits is provocative and resonates with a large portion of the populace, it seems heavy-handed and awkward. [Incidentally, check out this headline in today's Yahoo! news: "Reid: Bush, GOP seek to Reinvent Reality". It's about the fight over judicial nominees and seems appropriate to these reflections.]
3. Yoda rocks.
4. All of the battle scenes are imaginative, with a touch of humor, and save you from more hollow acting and excruciatingly forced dialogue. (One of my friends observed that it would be nice if Lucas made a silent film, with title cards for “Anger,” etc.)
5. no Jar-Jar.
6. Have I mentioned Yoda?
Update: I am always behind the Times. The day I posted this, the NY TImes had already run an article on the political dimensions of the film. Also, check out Mel’s post on the movie, also posted before mine. It’s good to see that others share my sense of generational obligation.
Uncategorized 