matril: (Default)
[personal profile] matril
Like her or hate her, Han has no choice but to exit the prison block via Leia's improvised escape route, joining the others in a giant pile of garbage. The trash compactor sequence is a fantastic showcase of the trio's interplay, as well as masterful editing to create the growing tension of an apparently inescapable situation. They holler at each other; criticize one another's dubious choices, but when Luke gets yanked under by a monster, their antagonism takes a back seat to helping him. So, too, when the walls began to press inward. Whatever their differences, they become united in their peril and desperation.

And yet, Han is still the same wisecracking Han.

"One thing's for sure -- we're all gonna be a lot thinner."

Groan. That's a pretty awful joke, but who can blame him? As long as they can't prevent the inevitable, might as well indulge in some gallows humor. It also provides the set-up for a bit of character development. What will it take for Han to actually be serious? Presumably, he's adopted this detached, wry demeanor as a way of distancing himself, avoiding the sort of concern and authenticity that requires vulnerability. Which makes it all the more satisfying later on when he is able to be truly genuine, open and vulnerable. At least we get a tiny glimpse here, when his glee at their unexpected rescue results in a spontaneous embrace with Leia.

Next, a delightful rejoinder from a princess....

Date: 2019-09-28 01:16 am (UTC)
krpalmer: (europa)
From: [personal profile] krpalmer
I have to admit your quick analysis of Han's line after the picture has me contemplating all those times "the comedy relief" is dismissed as the original sin of a movie (although that encompasses The Phantom Menace and The Last Jedi alike)... but looking at something in terms of the character inside the story at that moment, rather than just judging the screenwriter as a comedian, seems to have definite merits.

I was rather young when I first saw Star Wars at the movies (during one of the re-releases), and one of the few distinct things I seem to remember from the experience was being terrified the heroes wouldn't get out of the trash compactor. After being reassured through that, though, I did seem to end in a much more upbeat mood.

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