Let me start by saying that Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith was definitely the best of the three prequals. It was definitely the darkest of all six Star Wars films. Anakin Skywalker falls from grace hard and the film doesn't hold back much. The Jedi Order gets slaughtered, even the children, though, the door closes just as Anakin draws his lightsaber. It was interesting to see the Palpatine wrap Anakin in the shroud of the Dark Side and ascend to become ruler of the Galactic Empire. I loved seeing the Emperor's physicians transform the charred body of Anakin Skywalker into the cold machine known as Darth Vader. My favorite moment was probably when they lowered the mask onto Vader's face as the camera looked outward through his eyes. I felt like I was Darth Vader, if only for a second.
However, despite all of the above coolness, none of the prequals are as good as their predecessors. I think the problem, ironically enough, is that they're so full of computer generated imagery that oft times they just don't feel real. The original films may not be as high tech, with thousands of droids and starships exploding everywhere, but it's the lack of such that makes them so believable. The droids are made of metal and plastic, not pixels. The Storm Troopers are actual flesh and blood human beings, not CG models. All three of the original Star Wars films just feel more organic. Aside from the two-on-one lightsaber duel in Episode I, not one scene in any of the prequals is nearly as exhilarating as the rebels' attack on the Death Star. It's compelling to watch human pilots flying through space, ardently trying to kill one another. When Biggs knows he's about to die, it strikes a chord because he's an actual person and not computer generated. We care about Biggs because he's real. I feel no emotional connection to CG droids and clones. Darth Vader said it best: "Don't be so proud of this technological terror you've constructed." He was talking about the Death Star, but it also applies to Lucas' film making. The prequals often feel like comic books, whereas the originals feel like genuine sci-fi films.
Posted by Mike at May 26, 2005 10:57 AM