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Star Words: Episode III, Part 28
There are quite a few examples in Star Wars films of intercutting between various scenes/storylines, but perhaps the most brilliant instance of this occurs during the literal formation of the Empire. While Palpatine offers a heavily edited version of recent events to a mostly-enthralled Senate; while Vader responds to the Viceroy's cheerful greeting with an ominous, wordless gesture that shuts the doors on them, Obi-Wan and Yoda are infiltrating the Temple. What a heartbreaking sight meets their eyes. So many of their colleagues and friends, massacred. The towering pillars and sprawling hallways that once filled us with wonder have now become a massive tomb. Yoda mournfully notes the bodies of Padawans, dead from lightsaber wounds. Obi-Wan knees alongside their still forms in dismay.
"Who? Who could have done this?"
This line. Oh, this line. So simple, and so heart-rending. That little crack in his voice as Obi-Wan asks "Who?" What Jedi could have perpetuated such an unthinkable betrayal?
And we are transported the next moment from the still halls of the Temple to the slaughter on Mustafar, from a mournful dirge to a vicious chant, from Obi-Wan's stunned horror to Vader's heartless violence. A perfect use of editing, masterful in its juxtaposition.
Oh, you could certainly say that the Separatists are more deserving of this than the Jedi, but this is no glorious, righteous vengeance. This is the awful indulgence of the Dark Side. Hate. Anger. Aggression. In this moment, Anakin has been utterly consumed by them. And we share Obi-Wan's sorrow, even as he yet remains ignorant of the full truth.
Next, Padmé offers a little eulogy for the Republic....
"Who? Who could have done this?"
This line. Oh, this line. So simple, and so heart-rending. That little crack in his voice as Obi-Wan asks "Who?" What Jedi could have perpetuated such an unthinkable betrayal?
And we are transported the next moment from the still halls of the Temple to the slaughter on Mustafar, from a mournful dirge to a vicious chant, from Obi-Wan's stunned horror to Vader's heartless violence. A perfect use of editing, masterful in its juxtaposition.
Oh, you could certainly say that the Separatists are more deserving of this than the Jedi, but this is no glorious, righteous vengeance. This is the awful indulgence of the Dark Side. Hate. Anger. Aggression. In this moment, Anakin has been utterly consumed by them. And we share Obi-Wan's sorrow, even as he yet remains ignorant of the full truth.
Next, Padmé offers a little eulogy for the Republic....