A Thousand Stars: Episode IV, Part 8

The garage where Luke grudgingly begins his droid-cleaning chores is grungy, dark and drab. It looks used and lived-in, one of the features of the film that differentiated it from the usual sterile, spotless look of most sci-fi cinema that preceded it. This look only further emphasizes the mundane life that Luke feels trapped in, the very opposite of the "bright center to the universe."

Then a sudden flash of brightness literally throws him backward in shock.

A brilliant image that, for Luke, represents all the wonders of the galaxy that he longs to behold. Mysterious, beautiful, speaking a cryptic message that's sure to heighten Luke's curiosity and sympathy. Artoo is very clever to use this little snippet to pique Luke's interest, ultimately convincing him to remove his restraining bolt. He seems to know exactly what will motivate this reckless farmboy.

This is one of those iconic images and phrases. A miniature blue-tinged Princess Leia, pleading for Obi-Wan's help as her only hope. It combines strange, futuristic technology with classic fairy tale tropes, putting something familiar in an entirely new context. And our callow hero's life is about to change forever.

Next time, facial expressions speak what words cannot...