The subject of Star Wars conjures up a multitude of topics for discussion. The usual suspects are fans’ most fond scenes, quotable dialogue, memorable characters, or debating which chapters reign supreme in the legendary franchise. Other notables are childhood memories recalling an individual’s first viewing of the original trilogy, the toys they owned, or how their own children are now the space opera’s new generation of devotees. However, with even the most feeble hint or mere inkling of reference to the person primarily responsible for the absolute creation of materials that some fanatics have literally built their entire lives around, the solitary theme quickly and most passionately converts to, “everything that is wrong with Star Wars.”
The People vs. George Lucas premiered at the 2011 Florida Film Festival this week and will be screened again at the Enzian Theater on Saturday, 4/16 at 9:30pm. The documentary takes an in-depth look at the in-depth love/hatred for one of the most famous storytellers in the history of film. Packed to the brim with clips and interviews ranging from renowned Star Wars and Indiana Jones aficionados to unsung enthusiasts hailing from across the globe armed with nothing more than a web cam, the film leaves no amount of uncombed desert covering the cataclysm of adulation and disgust for their sci-fi deity. Even some who work in the film industry, and were directly involved with the making of Star Wars and Indiana Jones, share their own philosophies on how George Lucas ironically turned to the very "dark side" that main protagonist/antagonist Anakin Skywalker struggled with throughout the series.
Though to its credit, the documentary is not all doom and gloom for Mr. Lucas. Some of the criticism is actually very constructive and brings forth some interesting questions about the ethics involved with creative properties. The attention to detail in this documentary is shocking even for the most keen Star Wars admirer, breaking down subtle, yet important differences between the original and special edition episodes while shining a spotlight on hidden nods to its own audience. It also includes remarks from Lucas’ defenders, declaring his right to adapt, complete or enhance the films in whatever fashion he sees fit. Some contributors even turn the tables on themselves, holding the fans responsible for their own shortsightedness; possibly losing the childlike perspective in which they originally viewed the films.
The overall theme of this documentary may focus on how George Lucas forever tainted his beloved franchises, but the film’s plethora of footage exemplifies fans’ unsurpassed devotion towards the sagas, showcasing tribute films, comedic parodies, spirited commentary and colossal memorabilia collections. All which end up taking center stage and reiterating how those original tales Mr. Lucas created a long time ago in a home office not too far away, remain firmly embedded in today’s world culture.
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