A Thousand Stars: Episode I, Part 20
May. 26th, 2022 12:15 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
matrilEveryone with an inkling of the original Star Wars storyline knows that when Qui-Gon introduces Obi-Wan and Anakin to each other, it's a meeting fraught with fateful importance. But there's nuances here that show us a lot more than a simple introduction.
First, look at their initial body language and positioning.
Both of them completely, utterly focused on Qui-Gon. Well, obviously. He just escaped an attack by a mysterious lightsaber-wielding enemy. But this particular visual sets up Anakin and Obi-Wan as two figures in a Padawan-type position, both treating Qui-Gon as a wise master. It's not a rivalry; they're hardly even aware of the other guy.
Then, after Qui-Gon directs the conversation away from his narrow escape and performs the fateful introduction:
Anakin's perspective shifts dramatically once he realizes Obi-Wan is another Jedi. He's delighted, and just as inclined to hero-worship Obi-Wan as Qui-Gon. Obi-Wan, on the other hand, sees Anakin as some "pathetic life form" his master picked up, much like that annoying Gungan on Naboo. Like a pesky kid brother, perhaps -- pulling dad's attention away from the older one.
Their relationship thus begins on alarmingly shaky ground. I'm continually impressed with Lucas's choice to create the character of Qui-Gon as well as making Anakin so young, because both those circumstances explain so much of his troubled Jedi training. Qui-Gon provides an instant father figure for him, only to die and leave him with Obi-Wan. Anakin would naturally transfer that need for a father to Obi-Wan, but his master is never able to see him as a son. There's too much of that brotherly rivalry baked into their relationship. And it's all right there, visually, in this first crucial meeting.
Next time, more foreshadowing clues....
First, look at their initial body language and positioning.
Both of them completely, utterly focused on Qui-Gon. Well, obviously. He just escaped an attack by a mysterious lightsaber-wielding enemy. But this particular visual sets up Anakin and Obi-Wan as two figures in a Padawan-type position, both treating Qui-Gon as a wise master. It's not a rivalry; they're hardly even aware of the other guy.
Then, after Qui-Gon directs the conversation away from his narrow escape and performs the fateful introduction:
Anakin's perspective shifts dramatically once he realizes Obi-Wan is another Jedi. He's delighted, and just as inclined to hero-worship Obi-Wan as Qui-Gon. Obi-Wan, on the other hand, sees Anakin as some "pathetic life form" his master picked up, much like that annoying Gungan on Naboo. Like a pesky kid brother, perhaps -- pulling dad's attention away from the older one.
Their relationship thus begins on alarmingly shaky ground. I'm continually impressed with Lucas's choice to create the character of Qui-Gon as well as making Anakin so young, because both those circumstances explain so much of his troubled Jedi training. Qui-Gon provides an instant father figure for him, only to die and leave him with Obi-Wan. Anakin would naturally transfer that need for a father to Obi-Wan, but his master is never able to see him as a son. There's too much of that brotherly rivalry baked into their relationship. And it's all right there, visually, in this first crucial meeting.
Next time, more foreshadowing clues....
no subject
Date: 2022-05-27 01:59 am (UTC)I am thinking a bit now of comments seen that Qui-Gon only showed up some drafts into the writing; that he adds something to the story is obvious to me. Having managed to acquire and start reading the massive "Star Wars Archives: Episodes I-III" book lately, I did happen again on a familiar piece of early production art with just Obi-Wan and Jar Jar in it.
no subject
Date: 2022-05-27 11:23 am (UTC)