George Lucas’ “Star Wars” franchise is the third-highest grossing film series of all time. It’s also a series that people around the world have passionately embraced since the original “Star Wars” opened in 1977. So why are people furious with Lucas in the new documentary, “The People vs. George Lucas”?
In the often hilarious and always passionate documentary, “The People vs. George Lucas,” director Alexandre O. Philippe and cinematographer/producer Robert Muratore tackle the on-going cultural debate about whether Lucas’ recent revisionary actions have ruined his franchise. First, fans argue that the “prequel” movies (“The Phantom Menace,” “Attack of the Clones” and “Revenge of the Sith”) were childish disappointments. Secondly, and even more damaging, is that Lucas tinkered with the beloved classic originals (“Star Wars,” “The Empire Strikes Back” and “Return of the Jedi”) with his digital “revisions,” thus forever shattering fans’ enjoyment of the films.
Philippe and Muratore interview legions of fans that live and breathe “Star Wars.” These are die-hard enthusiasts, collectors, critics, filmmakers, and even Hans Solo and Luke Skywalker wannabes. These devotees readily admit that they verge on being geeks with their passion for these sci-fi films. They also confess that they shouldn’t be soooo angry about what has happened to the recent “Star Wars” films, but they are. They once revered George Lucas as lord and master of pop sci-fi mythology. He’s now reviled as a traitor.
With interviews, film clips, fan recreations (some even created for this documentary) and side-by-side, before and after film comparisons, Philippe and Muratore build their case against Lucas. Yet never do they wallow, nor attack in a mean-spirited way. Everything said by fan or expert comes from a passionate heart, as a plea to Lucas to return the films to their original format. But Lucas has said that the original negatives to “Star Wars,” “The Empire Strikes Back” and “Return of the Jedi” no longer exist. This response obviously infuriates fans, and is hotly debated as to whether it’s even true.
The documentary also considers whether a work of art is no longer “owned” by the creator, but becomes “owned” by the public. An example presented is what if Leonardo da Vinci came back and altered Mona Lisa’s smile; the public would be outraged. But since da Vinci created and owned his work, can't he change it at any time? If so, can't Lucas do the same?
Interestingly, Lucas is seen from earlier news clips stating he didn’t want film executives to have creative control over his properties. Lucas in his younger years fought the establishment. Yet fans ask, isn’t he now the establishment? Everyone agrees that Lucas is a genius with marketing and merchandising the “Star Wars” franchise; it’s still wildly successful. The animated “Star Wars: The Clone Wars” and all the relevant books and video games do huge business; kids even love “Jar Jar Binks.” So in the end, who’s right?
“The People vs. George Lucas” entertainingly explores and even continues this passionate love-hate debate about Lucas. Yet we all know that if Lucas were to write and direct another “Star Wars” film, fans past and present would be first in line buying a ticket for the midnight show.
“The People vs. George Lucas” is 92 minutes and Not Rated. It plays Friday, May 13 for one week only at the Nuart Theatre.
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