A Galaxy Far, Far Away...

#13-- Star Wars

The first science fiction film on AFI's Top 100 list is a film that changed cultures worldwide. Not only known for its impact on society, but for its time (1977), it was a special effects marvel. Using effects that are now common technique in film today and also the foundation on which special effects have evolved. Spurring toys, books, and even animated TV shows all based on the simplest of film ideas...good vs. evil. To be honest, deep down I don’t think that even writer/director/creator George Lucas had any idea on just how big Star Wars was really going to be.

Star Wars-Episode IV: A New Hope ( Star Wars' full title) is the start of the epic trilogy focusing on a young farm boy Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill) and his journey following in his father's footsteps to becoming a Jedi (a guardian of the galaxy). A New Hope sees Skywalker thrust into a rebellion against the evil Galactic Empire. Skywalker meets an old friend of his father's, a couple eccentric robots, a sly thief, and of course a princess (isn’t there always a princess?).

This film is near and very dear to my heart for many reasons. I think the biggest reason is that at the time I first watched Star Wars, I was in a rough place and this film sparked so much awe and wonder that I could forget my problems. I know that may sound over dramatic, but it was true.

Along with MANY other people, Star Wars took the audience into another galaxy and gave them a glimpse of something they have not really seen before. The film created spectacular new worlds, mysterious new species, and even a whole new religion (The United Kingdom recognizes Jediism as a practicing religion). However, like I mentioned, the cultural impact is not the only reason for AFI ranking Star Wars so high on its list. It is also the groundbreaking special effects.

Star Wars incorporates a lot of blue screen techniques and miniature models. Blue screen or Green screen is a backdrop that is used behind an actor while filming and during the post-production process filmmakers can then put a background behind the actor. This process wasn’t used as much as it is now. Miniature models was used more during this time, but what made these models remarkable was the detail and the combination of the blue screen that Lucas used behind them. Lucas used those models to conduct space battles and even blow up planets.

At the heart of Star Wars is a simple story, good vs. evil. With all the criticism that Lucas will eventual receive for the prequel trilogy, people (even me) must remember the amazing story that we fell in love with. Lucas produced an amazing script by taking that simple premise and adding so much more to it. Lucas was able to enrich the story with things that tugged at the audiences' imagination.

This is the film that started my love for film and filmmaking. The biased side if me thinks that AFI should have ranked this number 1, but I push that aside and agree that this ranking is fair. If you have never seen Star Wars, now is a good a time as any. My suggestion, however, is to strip every preconceived notion you have of the film and try to view the film at its core...farm boy just trying to make something of himself.

The Verdict: Of Course! Worth Your Time.