It is time to talk about the Star Wars trailer. So if anyone here avoids seeing and talking about new footage before seeing the film (like many of my Star Trek friends do), then stop reading and delete this now
Let me say this much, if you plan to kill yourself, put it off until May 22nd because the 2 minute trailer for Star Wars: Episode 1 - The Phantom Menace is just about the most kick-ass piece of film I've seen this year, and you will need to see it before you die. From what that trailer shows, this new film will be reason for living. Those two minutes alone beat the snot out of the entire film Deep Impact.
I'm now going to over-analyze the hell out of it. I've been waiting 15 years for this film!!! First off, casting. Liam Neeson looks really great. Alec Guiness pretty much set the standard for how a Jedi Knight should come across. He should be commanding physically, and he has to have a British wisdom present in his speech. Neeson has that. The look, with the long hair and beard is a fantastic touch. I expect him to kick much ass. And I'm also left wondering who he is. The preview doesn't let you know. Is he a random Jedi? Anakin's guardian? We'll find out soon. Ewan MacGregor looks great, too. The couple shots of him with a light-saber really exude "hero" and "tough bastard". I'm excited to see him in action. Samuel L. Jackson's mere presence is an asset, but he has only a few seconds to get what he's all about. I believe he heads up the Jedi Council. The jury's out on Natalie Portman and Jake Lloyd, who don't get to do much in the two minute trailer.
Next up, special FX. There is so much to look at in EVERY frame of this preview. Because if the Star Wars films are about anything, they're about locale. In three films, we've seen an ice planet, a desert planet, a forest moon, etc. This preview gives us some sort of regal palace and I want to know more of what that place is about. That's what this preview did to me all the time, if I may tangent. I want to know who that red and black-faced dude is, who the girl in the window of the palace is, who the different aliens are, what is that thing chasing Liam Neeson through the forest with about 8 other alien creatures running alongside him? what? What? WHAT???!!! Anyway, back to FX, that Liam and the creatures shot is a good example of FILLING THE FRAME with new things to see. Even the spaceport they're in (might be Tatooine) has things flying around every corner! Now, there are many CGI FX in this trailer. There are some who are naysayers of this technique, and for good reasons. It has only been used effectively by Spielberg and Cameron. I doubt Lucas will misuse it. It seems there is a whole character, a sidekick (probably good for as many jokes as R2-D2 and C3PO used to provide. I'll be worried if he provides MORE than enough jokes, I'd rather more action than jokes) who is computer generated. He's the guy getting zapped by the land speeder. Should be interesting. But I think we'll see quality along the lines of Jurassic Park's dinosaurs and not Dr. Moreau's creatures. And with the jump back chronologically, we're going to be introduced to new spaceships, a new, 2-edged light saber, & new droids. The glimpses of which made me want more (the purpose of any good preview, by the way...SUCCESS!)
More positive stuff:
- John Williams is a LEGEND. Doesn't that music just do all the freaking out for you?!?!?!?!?!?!
- I heard somewhere that the devil-looking guy is a Sith Lord. Sounds cool.
- "Anakin Skywalker, this is Obi-Wan Kenobi" - is there any more heartbreaking, exciting, goose-pimply phrase on film this year? They might as well add "who you're going to kill when you grow up" to the end of that. I mean this promises to be an action-packed sci-fi temple of worship, but pretty somber series of films, emotionally. We'll probably grow to like Anakin Skywalker (his eyes-open-with-wonder-mouth-agape shot of him in the cockpit of a starfighter is awesome), only to watch him turn evil. We'll get to enjoy watching the Jedis kick ass only to have them die out (except for Obi-Wan). And basically, the Empire will rule right before "A New Hope", or Star Wars. The birth of Luke Skywalker will be a turning point, and the rebels first victories will be rootable, but pretty grim otherwise.
- It is impossible to not like the Darth Vader breathing mechanism sound effect looming in the beginning titles of that preview. That was sweet music. And also the poster for this movie speaks volumes. LOVE IT!!
- There should be a Yoda cameo in EVERY movie preview.
Basically, this preview makes Star Wars: Episode 1 - The Phantom Menace look HUGE. The movie will be bigger than God. George Lucas owns all of us! It really looks EXCITING, a high-tech joyride.
I CAN'T WAIT !!!!!
But, alas I will have to, and in the meantime, you will all get to see me act like a 13 year old Paul Preston waiting impatiently to see Return of the Jedi.
Comments? Send 'em.