matril: (Default)
matril ([personal profile] matril) wrote2025-03-27 12:21 pm

A Thousand Stars: Episode IV, Part 29

As our heroes approach their ship, the moment of truth comes for Obi-Wan. He meets Luke's startled gaze unflinchingly. Ben seemed at least somewhat aware of his fate before, when telling Luke that their destinies lay among different paths. Now he is prepared to make the ultimate sacrifice for the greater good.

His expression is calm and wise. He's been dueling one of the most feared beings in the entire galaxy, but his demeanor is completely peaceful. And as he prepares to deactivate his saber, he seems for all the world like someone about to fall asleep.

It's a simple but highly effective visual in this shot, making it look like Vader cuts through Obi-Wan's robe only for the clothing to collapse, entirely empty. This eerie not-death is our first intimation that Obi-Wan really wasn't bluffing when he intoned More powerful than you can possibly imagine. But it is still shocking, and Luke is the avatar for all of us as he cries out in horror.

No dialogue except Luke's anguished "No!" A quiet rendition of the Force theme, sweeping up into almost melodramatic tragedy. And then we spring into an action scene, a daring escape...but still we ponder the mystery of Obi-Wan's transformation. His voice echoes, apparently in Luke's mind. What has he become?

Next time, high-flying heroics...

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