Star Wars FAQ by Mark Clark

Author:Mark Clark
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: film, pop culture
Publisher: Applause
Published: 2015-10-22T16:00:00+00:00

Star Wars for Grown-ups

Despite the many ways that it equaled or surpassed the original, however, many viewers—initially, at least—could only see the ways in which Empire was different from Star Wars. While still sprinkled with humor, the sequel was more somber in tone. Though by no means slow-moving, its pace was more deliberate. Perhaps most importantly, it built to a conclusion less definite and more fraught than the triumphant finale of the original. As a result, The Empire Strikes Back delivered a very different emotional experience than Star Wars. It was a movie more likely to inspire philosophical reflection than cheers of exultation.

Many of these differences were part and parcel of being the middle third of a trilogy. Things inevitably go badly for the heroes in the second part of any three-act story. Other differences stemmed from the more adult, character-driven approach Kasdan and Kershner applied to the material. All the major themes of Star Wars remained present, but they were internalized. If anything, the overarching conflict (Dark Side versus Good Side/fear versus compassion—see Chapter 29) becomes more overt in Empire. But it’s fought out not in a massive space battle, but within hearts and minds of Luke Skywalker and other characters. Luke’s climactic showdown with Vader is more than just a laser sword fight. Luke’s own fear and hatred are his greatest opponents. Those are things that may lure him down the dark path; Vader can only kill him. Yoda urges Luke to avoid conflict with Vader not because he fears that his Jedi skills aren’t good enough, but because he fears his commitment to the Jedi way is not yet strong enough to survive the temptation of the Dark Side. Meanwhile, Luke and Leia struggle to overcome another sort of fear, which has driven both of them to lead lives of emotional isolation. And Lando Calrissian, afraid of losing everything he has built on Bespin (and, charitably, of seeing harm come to the thousands of people under his employ or care), tries to protect himself by striking a bargain with the forces of evil.

When viewed through this lens, the cliff-hanger conclusion of The Empire Strikes Back remains wholly satisfying. That’s because—although Han is carried away in carbon freeze by Boba Fett, Vader survives, and the fate of the rebellion remains in the balance—all of the dramas-within-the-drama are resolved. Luke faces Vader, receives a potentially spirit-crushing revelation, yet refuses to surrender to either hate or ambition. He remains firm in his understanding of right and wrong, and chooses the path of justice rather than vengeance. Han and Leia, even in the face of death—or worse—commit to each other with a kiss and a vow. And Lando, quickly realizing that a bargain with the devil provides no protection at all, turns the tables on the imperials and begins to make amends with his friends.

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