Across the Scenes, Part 1
Oct. 27th, 2016 03:11 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
matrilAfter a rather aggressive defense of my favorite fictional relationship last time, I thought maybe I'd explore it in a more gushy, fluffy manner (well, as fluffy as a doomed romance can ever be) with the ever-popular format of making a list. We just love lists, don't we?
So here we are, a list of my favorite Anakin/Padmé scenes, with gushing explanations of why I love said scenes. I am not going to rank them, because they all serve varying purposes in the development of the story and I'm not really interested in attempting to say which one is "better" by some arbitrary metric. I just love them all. I'll list them in chronological order to keep it simple. And let's be honest - this is going to take several blog posts, because this is a very long list.
First, an honorable mention.
Without this scene, we wouldn't have much to anticipate about Luke and Leia's mother, aside from her basic existence. Here, in just a few brief words from Leia, we get the sense of tragedy and loss that shrouds Anakin's past and that of his yet-unnamed lost love. Sure, you could grouse about continuity and how Leia wouldn't have been able to remember Padmé, but I figure between her latent Force sensitivity and whatever bits of information Bail allowed her to know, Leia was able to form a hazy, wistful memory of her birth mother. When she realized who her father was, all the sad pieces would start coming together.
1.
Obviously, their first meeting. I wouldn't label this "love at first sight" like some do, but it's definitely the beginning of Anakin's crush. It's important that he meets her not as the grandly royal Queen Amidala, but as Padmé, dressed like an ordinary nobody. So the beauty he recognizes in her is all her own, and I'm sure she can't help being charmed by that. She's probably tired of all the insincere compliments she's received from people hoping to gain political favors, and Anakin's genuine words would definitely appeal to her. It's also interesting to note that Padmé's first meeting with Anakin is our first meeting with Anakin, so we are introduced to him from her perspective. This forces us to shift our perception from future-Vader to "a funny little boy" with a precocious mind and a fierce sense of his identity in spite of being enslaved. "I'm a person, and my name is Anakin!" gives us an immediate sense of the constant struggle he will undergo to establish who he is and what that means. But in spite of the lurking unpleasantness of his slavery, their meeting is overall a pleasant, quiet moment, and I for one enjoy the contrast between that and the sort of tumultuous and/or contentious first meetings of many other fictitious couples - including Leia and Han. Not that I don't love how they meet while screaming at each other in a detention block on the Death Star, but instead of trying to replicate that, this scene does something completely different.
2.
The first thing Anakin does after bringing his new friends home is to show Padmé his protocol droid. Along with providing a fun, unexpected origin for Threepio, this establishes that Anakin really is remarkably talented and eager to share it. And yet he seems a little surprised at Padmé's praise. No doubt his mother has done all she can to bolster Anakin's sense of worth, but he's got the opposing forces of slavery perpetually trying to crush his spirit. So when Padmé says, "He's perfect!" it must be gratifying for him.
3.
I just love how Padmé and Anakin are both smiling gleefully as the eopie brings them into the podracing hanger. It could be that the actors were simply giggling at the absurdity of pretending they were riding an animal while sitting on a blue-screened rocking horse, but whatever. For me, it really emphasizes that they are both still children, even though Padmé has taken on adult responsibilities from a very early age. It seems like she's enjoying the chance to act like a fourteen-year-old girl instead of a somber-faced, statuesque queen. (And may I just note my appreciation of her costuming, which never hints at anything sensual in this film? It's not until the next episode, when her character is 24, that this trend changes.)
Also in this scene - as pictured above, Anakin and Padmé's faces and positions mirror each other when they both glare at Watto, which is a nice visual cue of their growing connection with each other. And then Padmé gets the unpleasant news that Anakin's never won - not even finished - a podrace. Her expression as she reacts to Qui-Gon's confident assurance is priceless. She doesn't have to say anything for us to know exactly what she's thinking.
4.
Before Episode II, this was my favorite Anakin and Padmé scene. I loved how it establishes what their relationship means to them long before it becomes romantic. They're both sad, and they both do their best to comfort each other. The blanket Padmé offers Anakin is like a physical representation of the warmth and care she will bring to his life. And of course, the japor snippet from Anakin is the symbol of his innocent affection that Padmé will cling to right till the very end. SOB. So many lines in this scene foreshadow points of their relationship. "So you'd remember me." It is, indeed, an emblem of remembrance, both happy and sad. "It'll bring you good fortune." Oh, if only. There is no talisman to protect Padmé against every pain, least of all the pain that he will bring her. "Many things will change" - she is trying to prepare him for the change she can't explain, of the identity she must reclaim when they reach Coruscant, which will require Padmé to disappear. But there are also bigger changes coming for Anakin's fate and for hers. "My caring for you will remain." Till death.
5.
Just a quick moment here, but amidst all the pomp and grandeur of their arrival on Coruscant, Padmé still takes the time to offer Anakin a reassuring smile, which he shyly returns. In the extended DVD sequence, she also makes sure that he comes along with their party while Qui-Gon is busy. She must have a thousand other things on her mind as she prepares to reassume the role of queen, but she hasn't forgotten Anakin.
6.
"We are sure her heart goes with you." That's all that Amidala can offer Anakin without betraying her secret identity, but it seems to be enough. And it's another great foreshadowing line for their relationship.
7.
We go through the remainder of their time on Coruscant and the subsequence battle of Naboo without any significant Anakin/Padmé moments, as they are focused on other concerns, but in the final scene of the parade celebration, we're given a nice little nod to their connection. Just like in the landing platform scene, Padmé - who Anakin now recognizes as the queen - gives him a smile. He responds with this adorable crooked grin. It's also a moment of symmetry with the medal ceremony in Episode IV - watch Leia and Luke's exchange of smiles and notice the parallels.
8.
Which brings us to Episode II. The first few scenes between them showcase the shift that must occur before Padmé can see him as a potential romantic partner. Upon this initial encounter, she is astonished at how much he's grown, but still declares, "You'll always be that boy I knew on Tatooine." I doubt that it's meant as a disparagement - she was very fond of that boy, and has many happy memories associated with him - but it has to be crushing for Anakin. There's a lot of painful embarrassment for him in this sequence - first, when he stumbles over his compliment to Padmé, and then when he gets in an argument with Obi-Wan about their mission and his master chastises him in front of everyone. You get a lot of reaction shots. Obi-Wan's clearly trying to hide a smirk when Anakin fumbles through "More beautiful....well, for a Senator....", and Padmé, Typho, Dormé and even Jar Jar respond to Anakin's public chastisement with a lot of uncomfortable nonverbal expressions. It's just deliciously awkward, and to top it all off, Anakin is convinced that Padmé hardly remembers him. Maybe she's started to realize he's not a little boy anymore, but seeing him as a petulant teenager isn't much better.
9.
This is an interesting scene visually, because Anakin and Padmé are both in almost constant motion, mostly apart from each other. She moves back and forth from her suitcase to her closet, and Anakin paces near the window. This culminates in the end of his tirade against Obi-Wan, which brings him down to the bed in a sinking, almost exhausted pose. Padmé addresses him from a place of superior height. But now, it seems, since he's gotten that rant out of his system, he's ready to take up a different position. He rises to Padmé's height and taller, so he is the one looking down rather than the opposite. And this marks an important shift. Padmé doesn't respond positively to this first hint of romantic overtures, but nor does she dismiss him as just a boy. She doesn't laugh or roll her eyes; she just tells him forthrightly that she's not comfortable with that kind of look. So Anakin backs off until the next shift comes along.
10.
On the refugee freighter, they sit across from each other like equals. They're also sharing a meal together, which happens more between them than any other two characters in Star Wars. (There's not a lot of meals in Star Wars. But when people do eat, you can bet that it's symbolizing something or other.) Padmé shows that she's willing to acknowledge the difficult life he leads as a Jedi, and Anakin offers the famous "You might say that we're encouraged to love" loophole. Padmé must realize how absurd this is, but she's becoming more and more intrigued by this new Anakin. Her "You've changed so much" is met with Anakin's admission that she has been in his dreams, and how I love his nervous lip-bite, wondering if he's gone too far yet again. Has anyone ever endured a teenage crush and not felt this way - that agonizing self-doubt, the yearning to be close to her/him, fearing you'll do or say the wrong thing and ruin all your chances forever, yet knowing you can't just hang back and do nothing? And to have the Jedi Code on top of all that, telling him he's not supposed to be feeling any of these feelings in the first place. Poor Anakin.
11.
This is a good conversation to provide a little bit of backstory about Padmé's transition from queen to Senator, as well as to show how easily she and Anakin can talk to each other now. He reveals that he's studied her political history, knowing about the amendment the Naboo wanted to make to keep her as queen. And he's glad she's still serving...probably because if she'd retired and maybe gotten married, he'd have no chance with her. You wonder if Padmé suspects this from the little smile she's wearing, as shown above, at the end of this scene.
12.
This scene is important because even though Anakin has a little problem with his temper here, he's able to let it go and apologize. They might both share some of the blame here. He's being far too territorial about arranging her security, probably wanting to prove he's more capable than Obi-Wan's criticisms would imply - but Padmé is rather dismissive of the notion that he could offer any input. Once again, Anakin is chastised in front of an audience of silent onlookers, but this time he swallows his pride. For Padmé's sake? Maybe. This isn't the last time they'll clash on which one of them is in charge, but later arguments will be much friendlier.
13.
The setting for their first kiss is a visual feast. Everything is so idyllic, it's easy to imagine falling in love in such a place. It's a chance for Padmé to reminisce, to luxuriate in the peaceful beauty of days gone by. She's wearing an outfit that's drastically different from Senatorial garb, free-flowing and emphasizing a softer, sensual side that she probably doesn't indulge very often. Anakin ventures forward hesitantly, and for a moment they're in perfect sync as they share a kiss. When Padmé changes her mind, Anakin's muttered apology and look of sheer bafflement is perfect.
14.
Oh, the picnic scene. So much to love here. Gorgeous scenery, another gorgeous dress for Padmé. The glorious bright colors - blue sky, lush green fields, golden gown. Symbolically, her hair is partly unbound, free-flowing as she runs around, practically frolicking. They talk freely - about Padmé's first brief romance, about politics - until Anakin hints at something darker in his political ideology before Padmé dismisses it as a joke. Oooo, the foreshadowing. And how they smile and laugh and steal gazes at each other while the other's not looking. If there were any doubts of their growing feelings before now, this makes it pretty clear. Just watch Padmé's face transform from glee to terror when she fears that Anakin is seriously hurt. And then how she responds to his teasing. It's actually more physically intimate than their first kiss. Then, only their lips touched. Now, well....Padmé certainly seems to be on top of things.
15.
Another moment with lots of laughter and camaraderie. Also the introduction of "aggressive negotiations," which will come up later. Anakin's mention of how grumpy Obi-Wan would be is very illustrative of how much he has longed for freedom from the Jedi's restrictions - yet how he is also painfully aware of how he's failing his duty. And Padmé accepting the slice he levitates toward her is a fairly obvious symbol of eating the forbidden fruit. Yes, Garden of Eden metaphors abound in this paradisiacal setting, and there will be plenty of falling in their future. Nightfall, for one - sunset is another symbol in their romance. Falling for each other, falling from the ideals they have set for themselves, duty-wise, and of course Anakin's fall to the Dark Side. For now, however, they're still clinging to what remains of their innocence.
16.
Note the contrast from the open sunlit fields to a cramped, shadowy setting - and fire in the background, an important motif for Anakin's character. Padmé and Anakin can no longer pretend they're free to indulge in this romance without consequences. They feel the growing confinement of their conflicting love and duty. At the start, they are very close, sitting together, but Padmé forces herself away, back to "the real world," and insists that Anakin do so as well. By the end of their exchange, they are standing apart from each other. This denial of their feelings will not last, but nor will they ever quite return to the sunshine and freedom of the meadows.
Next time, part 2!
So here we are, a list of my favorite Anakin/Padmé scenes, with gushing explanations of why I love said scenes. I am not going to rank them, because they all serve varying purposes in the development of the story and I'm not really interested in attempting to say which one is "better" by some arbitrary metric. I just love them all. I'll list them in chronological order to keep it simple. And let's be honest - this is going to take several blog posts, because this is a very long list.
First, an honorable mention.
Without this scene, we wouldn't have much to anticipate about Luke and Leia's mother, aside from her basic existence. Here, in just a few brief words from Leia, we get the sense of tragedy and loss that shrouds Anakin's past and that of his yet-unnamed lost love. Sure, you could grouse about continuity and how Leia wouldn't have been able to remember Padmé, but I figure between her latent Force sensitivity and whatever bits of information Bail allowed her to know, Leia was able to form a hazy, wistful memory of her birth mother. When she realized who her father was, all the sad pieces would start coming together.
1.
Obviously, their first meeting. I wouldn't label this "love at first sight" like some do, but it's definitely the beginning of Anakin's crush. It's important that he meets her not as the grandly royal Queen Amidala, but as Padmé, dressed like an ordinary nobody. So the beauty he recognizes in her is all her own, and I'm sure she can't help being charmed by that. She's probably tired of all the insincere compliments she's received from people hoping to gain political favors, and Anakin's genuine words would definitely appeal to her. It's also interesting to note that Padmé's first meeting with Anakin is our first meeting with Anakin, so we are introduced to him from her perspective. This forces us to shift our perception from future-Vader to "a funny little boy" with a precocious mind and a fierce sense of his identity in spite of being enslaved. "I'm a person, and my name is Anakin!" gives us an immediate sense of the constant struggle he will undergo to establish who he is and what that means. But in spite of the lurking unpleasantness of his slavery, their meeting is overall a pleasant, quiet moment, and I for one enjoy the contrast between that and the sort of tumultuous and/or contentious first meetings of many other fictitious couples - including Leia and Han. Not that I don't love how they meet while screaming at each other in a detention block on the Death Star, but instead of trying to replicate that, this scene does something completely different.
2.
The first thing Anakin does after bringing his new friends home is to show Padmé his protocol droid. Along with providing a fun, unexpected origin for Threepio, this establishes that Anakin really is remarkably talented and eager to share it. And yet he seems a little surprised at Padmé's praise. No doubt his mother has done all she can to bolster Anakin's sense of worth, but he's got the opposing forces of slavery perpetually trying to crush his spirit. So when Padmé says, "He's perfect!" it must be gratifying for him.
3.
I just love how Padmé and Anakin are both smiling gleefully as the eopie brings them into the podracing hanger. It could be that the actors were simply giggling at the absurdity of pretending they were riding an animal while sitting on a blue-screened rocking horse, but whatever. For me, it really emphasizes that they are both still children, even though Padmé has taken on adult responsibilities from a very early age. It seems like she's enjoying the chance to act like a fourteen-year-old girl instead of a somber-faced, statuesque queen. (And may I just note my appreciation of her costuming, which never hints at anything sensual in this film? It's not until the next episode, when her character is 24, that this trend changes.)
Also in this scene - as pictured above, Anakin and Padmé's faces and positions mirror each other when they both glare at Watto, which is a nice visual cue of their growing connection with each other. And then Padmé gets the unpleasant news that Anakin's never won - not even finished - a podrace. Her expression as she reacts to Qui-Gon's confident assurance is priceless. She doesn't have to say anything for us to know exactly what she's thinking.
4.
Before Episode II, this was my favorite Anakin and Padmé scene. I loved how it establishes what their relationship means to them long before it becomes romantic. They're both sad, and they both do their best to comfort each other. The blanket Padmé offers Anakin is like a physical representation of the warmth and care she will bring to his life. And of course, the japor snippet from Anakin is the symbol of his innocent affection that Padmé will cling to right till the very end. SOB. So many lines in this scene foreshadow points of their relationship. "So you'd remember me." It is, indeed, an emblem of remembrance, both happy and sad. "It'll bring you good fortune." Oh, if only. There is no talisman to protect Padmé against every pain, least of all the pain that he will bring her. "Many things will change" - she is trying to prepare him for the change she can't explain, of the identity she must reclaim when they reach Coruscant, which will require Padmé to disappear. But there are also bigger changes coming for Anakin's fate and for hers. "My caring for you will remain." Till death.
5.
Just a quick moment here, but amidst all the pomp and grandeur of their arrival on Coruscant, Padmé still takes the time to offer Anakin a reassuring smile, which he shyly returns. In the extended DVD sequence, she also makes sure that he comes along with their party while Qui-Gon is busy. She must have a thousand other things on her mind as she prepares to reassume the role of queen, but she hasn't forgotten Anakin.
6.
"We are sure her heart goes with you." That's all that Amidala can offer Anakin without betraying her secret identity, but it seems to be enough. And it's another great foreshadowing line for their relationship.
7.
We go through the remainder of their time on Coruscant and the subsequence battle of Naboo without any significant Anakin/Padmé moments, as they are focused on other concerns, but in the final scene of the parade celebration, we're given a nice little nod to their connection. Just like in the landing platform scene, Padmé - who Anakin now recognizes as the queen - gives him a smile. He responds with this adorable crooked grin. It's also a moment of symmetry with the medal ceremony in Episode IV - watch Leia and Luke's exchange of smiles and notice the parallels.
8.
Which brings us to Episode II. The first few scenes between them showcase the shift that must occur before Padmé can see him as a potential romantic partner. Upon this initial encounter, she is astonished at how much he's grown, but still declares, "You'll always be that boy I knew on Tatooine." I doubt that it's meant as a disparagement - she was very fond of that boy, and has many happy memories associated with him - but it has to be crushing for Anakin. There's a lot of painful embarrassment for him in this sequence - first, when he stumbles over his compliment to Padmé, and then when he gets in an argument with Obi-Wan about their mission and his master chastises him in front of everyone. You get a lot of reaction shots. Obi-Wan's clearly trying to hide a smirk when Anakin fumbles through "More beautiful....well, for a Senator....", and Padmé, Typho, Dormé and even Jar Jar respond to Anakin's public chastisement with a lot of uncomfortable nonverbal expressions. It's just deliciously awkward, and to top it all off, Anakin is convinced that Padmé hardly remembers him. Maybe she's started to realize he's not a little boy anymore, but seeing him as a petulant teenager isn't much better.
9.
This is an interesting scene visually, because Anakin and Padmé are both in almost constant motion, mostly apart from each other. She moves back and forth from her suitcase to her closet, and Anakin paces near the window. This culminates in the end of his tirade against Obi-Wan, which brings him down to the bed in a sinking, almost exhausted pose. Padmé addresses him from a place of superior height. But now, it seems, since he's gotten that rant out of his system, he's ready to take up a different position. He rises to Padmé's height and taller, so he is the one looking down rather than the opposite. And this marks an important shift. Padmé doesn't respond positively to this first hint of romantic overtures, but nor does she dismiss him as just a boy. She doesn't laugh or roll her eyes; she just tells him forthrightly that she's not comfortable with that kind of look. So Anakin backs off until the next shift comes along.
10.
On the refugee freighter, they sit across from each other like equals. They're also sharing a meal together, which happens more between them than any other two characters in Star Wars. (There's not a lot of meals in Star Wars. But when people do eat, you can bet that it's symbolizing something or other.) Padmé shows that she's willing to acknowledge the difficult life he leads as a Jedi, and Anakin offers the famous "You might say that we're encouraged to love" loophole. Padmé must realize how absurd this is, but she's becoming more and more intrigued by this new Anakin. Her "You've changed so much" is met with Anakin's admission that she has been in his dreams, and how I love his nervous lip-bite, wondering if he's gone too far yet again. Has anyone ever endured a teenage crush and not felt this way - that agonizing self-doubt, the yearning to be close to her/him, fearing you'll do or say the wrong thing and ruin all your chances forever, yet knowing you can't just hang back and do nothing? And to have the Jedi Code on top of all that, telling him he's not supposed to be feeling any of these feelings in the first place. Poor Anakin.
11.
This is a good conversation to provide a little bit of backstory about Padmé's transition from queen to Senator, as well as to show how easily she and Anakin can talk to each other now. He reveals that he's studied her political history, knowing about the amendment the Naboo wanted to make to keep her as queen. And he's glad she's still serving...probably because if she'd retired and maybe gotten married, he'd have no chance with her. You wonder if Padmé suspects this from the little smile she's wearing, as shown above, at the end of this scene.
12.
This scene is important because even though Anakin has a little problem with his temper here, he's able to let it go and apologize. They might both share some of the blame here. He's being far too territorial about arranging her security, probably wanting to prove he's more capable than Obi-Wan's criticisms would imply - but Padmé is rather dismissive of the notion that he could offer any input. Once again, Anakin is chastised in front of an audience of silent onlookers, but this time he swallows his pride. For Padmé's sake? Maybe. This isn't the last time they'll clash on which one of them is in charge, but later arguments will be much friendlier.
13.
The setting for their first kiss is a visual feast. Everything is so idyllic, it's easy to imagine falling in love in such a place. It's a chance for Padmé to reminisce, to luxuriate in the peaceful beauty of days gone by. She's wearing an outfit that's drastically different from Senatorial garb, free-flowing and emphasizing a softer, sensual side that she probably doesn't indulge very often. Anakin ventures forward hesitantly, and for a moment they're in perfect sync as they share a kiss. When Padmé changes her mind, Anakin's muttered apology and look of sheer bafflement is perfect.
14.
Oh, the picnic scene. So much to love here. Gorgeous scenery, another gorgeous dress for Padmé. The glorious bright colors - blue sky, lush green fields, golden gown. Symbolically, her hair is partly unbound, free-flowing as she runs around, practically frolicking. They talk freely - about Padmé's first brief romance, about politics - until Anakin hints at something darker in his political ideology before Padmé dismisses it as a joke. Oooo, the foreshadowing. And how they smile and laugh and steal gazes at each other while the other's not looking. If there were any doubts of their growing feelings before now, this makes it pretty clear. Just watch Padmé's face transform from glee to terror when she fears that Anakin is seriously hurt. And then how she responds to his teasing. It's actually more physically intimate than their first kiss. Then, only their lips touched. Now, well....Padmé certainly seems to be on top of things.
15.
Another moment with lots of laughter and camaraderie. Also the introduction of "aggressive negotiations," which will come up later. Anakin's mention of how grumpy Obi-Wan would be is very illustrative of how much he has longed for freedom from the Jedi's restrictions - yet how he is also painfully aware of how he's failing his duty. And Padmé accepting the slice he levitates toward her is a fairly obvious symbol of eating the forbidden fruit. Yes, Garden of Eden metaphors abound in this paradisiacal setting, and there will be plenty of falling in their future. Nightfall, for one - sunset is another symbol in their romance. Falling for each other, falling from the ideals they have set for themselves, duty-wise, and of course Anakin's fall to the Dark Side. For now, however, they're still clinging to what remains of their innocence.
16.
Note the contrast from the open sunlit fields to a cramped, shadowy setting - and fire in the background, an important motif for Anakin's character. Padmé and Anakin can no longer pretend they're free to indulge in this romance without consequences. They feel the growing confinement of their conflicting love and duty. At the start, they are very close, sitting together, but Padmé forces herself away, back to "the real world," and insists that Anakin do so as well. By the end of their exchange, they are standing apart from each other. This denial of their feelings will not last, but nor will they ever quite return to the sunshine and freedom of the meadows.
Next time, part 2!
