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We're all aware that one of the most peculiar and daring narrative choices in Episode IV is to follow a pair of lowly droids, rather than the human heroes, for a significant portion of the movie. Even more daring is that one of those droids doesn't speak a recognizable language at all. The excellent sound effects devised by Ben Burtt do give us a sense of emotion and personality from Artoo, but it's still essentially non-verbal.

When he separates from Threepio on Tatooine, we're treated to a sequence that has no dialogue whatsoever. Artoo chirps and beeps; the strange desert scavengers speak a harsh language with no subtitles. Yet we never need to worry about being lost, because the images tells us everything we need.

The lonely droid trundles along through a canyon. The stark, desolate landscape shows us how alone and vulnerable Artoo is. The camera angle, meanwhile, gives us a sense of someone spying on the droid, which is confirmed by this eerie shot. Nothing visible of the face except glowing eyes. The suspense heightens as Artoo warily proceeds, cutting between shots of the droid, the landscape, and the glowing eyes. We don't know what this being is or why it would prey on Artoo, but we know enough to be worried for him.

Then, pow! The creature leaps out and shoots Artoo, with what we recognize as the electronic version of the stun that took out Princess Leia. We watch the helpless droid being conveyed by a whole pack of the creatures, taken to a formidable vehicle, fitted with some kind of mechanism, and lifted away into the belly of the metal beast.

The poignant tale of a little droid's capture, all without a word of discernible dialogue. That's the genius of these films.

Next time, a hero emerges....
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