![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
Star Words: Episode III, Part 38
Jan. 10th, 2019 10:26 amHmm. There are already far more entries for this film than the first two, and I still haven't finished. To be frank, I'm stretching it out as long as I can. I've really enjoyed this series and I hate to see it end! I'll have to think of something new to write about if I want to keep up the weekly posts.
The visual storytelling that occurs during the duel sequences is just about perfect. On Mustafar we have the intense, emotionally driven battle between two former friends; the violent disintegration of their relationship playing out against the backdrop of structures literally collapsing and dissolving into the lava. On Coruscant we have the avatar of tyranny and the avatar of peaceful protection, battling in the very chambers that represent the Republic and democracy. Palpatine literally dismantles the seats of the Senate to use them as weapons against Yoda. It's the kind of symbolism that speaks directly through setting and environment. Dialogue is extraneous. There were lots more lines written for the Obi-Wan/Anakin duel, but Lucas wisely cut most of them, letting the visuals do most of the speaking.
But as the fight reaches its finale, we have a brief exchange. In anguish Obi-Wan acknowledges his culpability, telling Anakin he has failed him. Anakin is unmoved, declaring that he should have known the Jedi were plotting a coup. Exasperated, Obi-Wan points out that Palaptine is evil.
"From my point of view, the Jedi are evil!"
"Well then, you are lost!"
Consider the staging of this scene. By now most of the infrastructure has disintegrated around them. They are left floating on the tiny islands that remain, adrift in a sea of death, each clinging to their last refuge. And each clinging fiercely to their opposing convictions. I'm particularly struck by how Anakin stands stiffly, unmoving, yet drifting in circles on his island. It's a striking representation of how he could change his allegiance so drastically and still somehow believe that his loyalties haven't changed. That from his point of view, he's still supporting the right and moral cause as he always has.
That image. Anakin's face, framed by the lurid red of the volcanic sea. Drowning in his anger and hate. He is lost.
Next time, Obi-Wan's final words to his friend, upon which I cry forever....
The visual storytelling that occurs during the duel sequences is just about perfect. On Mustafar we have the intense, emotionally driven battle between two former friends; the violent disintegration of their relationship playing out against the backdrop of structures literally collapsing and dissolving into the lava. On Coruscant we have the avatar of tyranny and the avatar of peaceful protection, battling in the very chambers that represent the Republic and democracy. Palpatine literally dismantles the seats of the Senate to use them as weapons against Yoda. It's the kind of symbolism that speaks directly through setting and environment. Dialogue is extraneous. There were lots more lines written for the Obi-Wan/Anakin duel, but Lucas wisely cut most of them, letting the visuals do most of the speaking.
But as the fight reaches its finale, we have a brief exchange. In anguish Obi-Wan acknowledges his culpability, telling Anakin he has failed him. Anakin is unmoved, declaring that he should have known the Jedi were plotting a coup. Exasperated, Obi-Wan points out that Palaptine is evil.
"From my point of view, the Jedi are evil!"
"Well then, you are lost!"
Consider the staging of this scene. By now most of the infrastructure has disintegrated around them. They are left floating on the tiny islands that remain, adrift in a sea of death, each clinging to their last refuge. And each clinging fiercely to their opposing convictions. I'm particularly struck by how Anakin stands stiffly, unmoving, yet drifting in circles on his island. It's a striking representation of how he could change his allegiance so drastically and still somehow believe that his loyalties haven't changed. That from his point of view, he's still supporting the right and moral cause as he always has.
That image. Anakin's face, framed by the lurid red of the volcanic sea. Drowning in his anger and hate. He is lost.
Next time, Obi-Wan's final words to his friend, upon which I cry forever....
