Dir- Irvin
Kershner
Year – 1980
Running
Time – 124 Mins
Screen
writing Genre – Golden Fleece (Epic)
The Film
The Empire
Strikes Back is the most critically popular Star Wars film and also the one
with the darkest edge. Our epic space trilogy becomes a bit smaller here and relationships
and issues are worked out in place of space battles. It also features one of
the best reveals of all time and was nominated for technical awards at the
Oscars, Baftas and Golden Globe ceremonies. It picked up wins for sound and
music.
What’s in a name?
The
second Star Wars movie has a great and fitting title. It is indeed the film
where the Empire takes revenge on the Rebel Alliance for the destruction of the
Death Star. It hints at a more serious and dangerous film and one where the
heroes may be under greater threat than before.
What makes it great?
Aside
from all the Star Wars magic the thing that really sets it up as an all-time
classic is the atmosphere and tone. The music plays a huge part as sinister
scores sweep across the scenes building tension and creating a more sombre and
down beat sound. The dramatic opening battle and the epic final light sabre
dual between Luke and Vader bookend a strong piece of Sci-Fi where the
characters are placed at the forefront.
The Empire Strikes Back as an (Epic) Golden Fleece
Movie
It’s a
fairly straightforward one here. It’s an epic journey across time and space for
our hero Luke which has constant stops and bumps along the way. Friendship and
companionship is the key ingredient and the group of heroes all have different
skill sets to aid in the quest of our much duller main hero. The key thing to
remember is that this is Luke’s film and the others are the supporting cast.
Time Line
Opening Image – A Star Destroyer sends out probe droids looking
for the Rebels. We see the Empire is very much still around, strong and looking
for revenge.
Theme Stated – The theme throughout the film is one of
companionship and friendship. Continual sacrifices and risks are taken by the
main characters as the film progresses to save the friends they love.
Set-Up – We see the Rebels on Hoth trying to regroup, The Empire
looking for them and the friendship between our main protagonists. The Han and
Leia romance is hinted at and we see Luke showing some new Jedi powers.
Catalyst – When Luke lies in the snow and sees a vision of
Ben Kenobi he is given a new direction to head in. Luke now knows what the next
step is he must take.
Break into Two – The Rebels evacuate Hoth after the Empire
assault and Luke heads to his new destination away from the fleet. We are now
entering a new and strange world unlike what we have experienced before.
Debate – This happens
later than usual but concerns Luke’s faith in his Jedi training. Numerous times
he ponders on what he is doing and why he is there. The debate section keeps
recurring throughout Luke’s training as he doubts his abilities, culminating in
the ‘All is Lost’ Moment later on.
B Story – Hiding in the asteroid Han and Leia’s love story
begins properly and they kiss before being interrupted by C3PO
Fun and Games – We have a game of follow the leader between Luke
and Yoda and the Millennium Falcon crew play hide and seek with the Empire.
Midpoint – The Emperor reveals himself for the first time
and the plot to convert or kill Luke gets underway. Luke gets Yoda to agree to
train him and says “I’m not afraid” to which Yoda replies “You will be”.
Everything just got even more serious.
Bad Guys Close In – The Falcon runs from the asteroid
as it’s revealed to be a big worm thing and immediately back into danger. Luke
encounters the Vader phantom in the dark hollow. Things are beginning to fall
apart.
All is Lost – Luke can’t lift the X-Wing, loses faith and
considers it an impossible task.
Dark Night of the Soul – Yoda lifts the X-Wing and Luke now understands the power of the force. He also senses his friends in danger.
Break into Three – We arrive in another new environment – Cloud
City. All the pieces are in, or heading to the same place and we are set for
our final run down to the end of the movie. C3PO is blasted to add a bit of
danger and Luke runs to save his friends.
Finale – Luke fights Vader and barely escapes with his
life and the big secret is revealed. The rescue mission to save Han fails and
our heroes are in a bad place. As the film acts as the run in to the ‘All is
Lost’ moment across the trilogy this is to be expected.
Final image – The Rebel fleet, now back together, with Luke
and friends damaged but recovering. The Rebellion is preparing for the final
assault and has re-gathered their strength. The ‘Dark Night of the Soul’ moment
of the trilogy has now passed.
No comments:
Post a Comment