A Thousand Stars: Episode I, Part 38

[matril]

With all that lead-up to the Jedi/Sith duel, it really does pay off. Darth Maul is a formidable foe who can fend off two attackers with brutal finesse. And what a location for the battle, along the perilous catwalks that crisscross the underbelly of the city. Every image is exhilarating.

Then we come to a unexpected pause in the fight. Whatever the in-universe reason for the glow-y red force fields, I don't care, because it provides such expressive character moments for all three combatants.

First, their initial reactions to the force fields.

Maul is irked and restless, poking the field with his saber.


Much calmer on Qui-Gon's side.


Whooops, almost got zapped. Here's some of that "reckless" behavior that ghost-Ben references to Yoda many years later.

Then, the varying ways that they wait for the shield to go down.


Maul prowls. Constant restless motion, paired with an unblinking glare of intimidation.


Not all that different on Obi-Wan's side. Just as restless. Waiting impatiently, weapon ready to reignite at any moment.


Meanwhile, Qui-Gon takes a nap. What? No, he's quite alert and aware, as we see him leap into action as soon as the force field vanishes. But his preparations are very different from either his opponent or his Padawan. He meditates. He seeks peace, balance. To prepare for whatever might come. And it works. Because even though Maul defeats him in body, Qui-Gon achieves a oneness with the Force so complete that he can speak from beyond death, and teach other Jedi to do the same.

So we see the stark difference between the way of the Sith and the true way of the Jedi...as well recognizing that Obi-Wan has a long way to go before he can achieve the serenity his master has found.

Next, a clever little metaphor...