The Star Wars Universe is something of an inspiration in that it has such a wide and diverse world within and without.
On the inside it is a world that has 6 movies, 2 Tv Movies, 4 Animated TV series, (Even a Christmas Special in a world without a Christmas) a good number of comic book runs, and more novels than any other series has ever spawned.
On the outside we have the largest social network of fans with one common thread. Their love and hate for this series.
Now let’s leave the money out of it. I don’t think Lucas “needs” the money. I am sure that had some motivation in the begining, but after the original trilogy his world was pretty self sufficient. So lets leave all that out of the equation. Ok?
In a quoteabout aging by an author unknown
In his late years Pablo Picasso was not allowed to roam an art gallery unattended, for he had previously been discovered in the act of trying to improve on of his old masterpieces
John may have given up the faith on Star Wars, but frankly I have no issue with Lucas returning to the blackboard to bring out a “new” version of his own work.
I am talking more about the special editions and the improvements offered therein. Some people argue that the Special Editions were not required, but being the artist that he is, he has the right to fix it. But those who think they know better will argue the point. Say he shouldn’t. Leave well enough alone.
This is where the illusion lies.
The thing is that these films belong to Lucas. They were born of his imagination. Influenced by his own favourite films and breathed life into a vast universe of tyranical military leaders and a fledgling rebellion. And the mystical Jedi and their Force.
Its not yours.
Like it or not, Lucas can move, create and breath more life into any part of this world. He even has the right to enlist others to do the same under his watchful eye.
I used to be in the camp of hating change. But I long ago discovered that change can be good. Things change in an effort to be better. Add more. Provide more enjoyment. Its the best of intention.
The Star Wars Saga started with a New Hope, but then the Empire Struck Back and then the Jedi Returned. But as ground breaking as all that was, 20 years later technology caught up and Lucas thought it would be a good idea to do what he envisioned in the 70s and people both applauded and criticized him for it.
But keep in mind that Lucas himself opposed change too. It was far too long a wait to see the Original Trilogy on DVD – a format comfortably adopted by all studios.
Then Lucas returned to his fantastical world with the prequels and all bets were off.
Clearly this man had lost his mind. This artist was told to stay out of the gallery. Your “improvements” are not welcome.
I have to tip my hat to him for trying. And thank him as well.
You know, it may not have turned out the best for everyone’s tastes but for the most part its more hit than miss.
Notice how the Medichlorians were not mentioned again after Phantom Menace? Notice how JarJar was reduced to a cameo role? – a tool of Palpatine’s ambition. Even Lucas had to admit his own misses and steers around them from that point on.
I love Star Wars. The franchise is very dear to me. Every chapter and every chance I get to escape this world and venture into his is a treat for me. But just like this world, there is no guarantee I will love it all.
I don’t defend the flaws in Star Wars however I love it enough to overlook them. And I don’t mind the artist wandering his gallery considering his own works.
