Star Wars

Directed by George Lucas (1977)

Science fiction (Sci-Fi) was already an established genre, but Star Wars (directed by George Lucas, 1977) introduced new themes into the genre, and was visionary for understanding how these would resonate with multi-generational and international audiences. The established Sci-Fi genre dealt with the potential threat from alien races, arriving with highly advanced technology to threaten great conflict. However, Star Wars established a Manichean conflict between good and evil. The conflict between the ‘Rebellion’ and the ‘Empire’ was not simply political and martial, but theological; with one ‘good’ religion (the Jedi) locked in eternal conflict with one ‘bad’ religion (the Sith). Yet it avoided a dull simplicity by introducing the theme of temptation – the messianic Luke is tempted to ‘turn to the dark side’ by its leader Darth Vader, arguably the most iconic villain in cinema history – and the theme of disobedience: Han Solo is free of spiritualism and has profited from smuggling, yet becomes increasingly committed to the Rebellion and the cause of good. Moreover, beyond this Manichean theme, Star Wars was visionary in anticipating our desire for ever grander special effects – from laser battles in space to a gamut of alien species, each with its own physical features and technology. Star Wars did not only spawn a series of sequels, then prequels, and then side stories, but its visionary status is underscored by the film franchises it gave rise to. The themes George Lucas brought to Star Wars are evident in the modern Star Trek films (where Kirk echoes the disobedient Solo, and Spock echoes the committedly spiritual Luke), the Dune trilogy now underway (where the Fremen rebellion is led by the messianic Paul), and even the Lord of the Rings trilogy – which dramatizes a novel that considerably predates Star Wars, but one wonders if this novel would have made a three-part film, with its spiritually committed Frodo, his rule-breaking hobbit companions, and the messiah-figure Aragorn – had Star Wars not proven the cinematic appeal of these themes and characters.