The Morningstarr*

Mr Morningstarr* · 29-05-2007, 21:18

Finally on to the classics!

Episode IV: A New Hope, what was known for years as simply 'Star Wars' was actually, despite it's number, the first Star Wars film that Lucas produced. The huge success of this truly original film changed cinema history in many ways, and made Lucas one of the most powerful men in Hollywood.

The film differs from the prequels not only in it's production, but the whole way the story is told and played out. A New Hope is much closer to the classic western and war films which inspired it, and the story is more focused around classic good versus evil tales and less concerned with complicated political scenarios. All the viewer need know is who is wearing the white hat and who's wearing the black one.

The main core of characters is diverse, yet still able to connect with it's audience. Something the prequels often failed at. From the start you want to know who these strange characters are, where they came from and where they're going. A band of heroes you are rooting for the entire film, and a pantomime villian to boo and hiss. Top marks go to whoever had the brilliant idea of casting Hammer Horror veteran Peter Cushing as the gloomy Grand Moff Tarkin, a classic villain in every sense. Cold and ruthless.

But of course on top of this simplistic yet brilliant story line is the whole Star Wars galaxy, an ageless fantasy which was totally original in science fiction.

The success of this first movie meant Lucas could continue what he had begun and went from strength to strength..........

Alpha · 29-05-2007, 21:27

5 starrs*

i like these classic ones aswell. especially with fighters battling it out with earch other near the end. great effects for a classic of the 70's. but i think that might have been the digitally remastered version. The only character i didn't like was Chewbacca.

Snapper · 29-05-2007, 23:11

A true classic, watched more times than I can remember and actually in my DVD player right now.

The whole concept is clear from the outset, to entertain, something Lucas quite clearly forgot as the whole star wars thing got bigger. Blistering story telling from the start and doesn't really let up until the end. I was working at a cinema when the special editions were released back in 1997 and I would say the weekend this film came out was the busiest I have seen and took quite a few years to top it!

Made Stars of er... Harrison Ford and gave a whole new way film directors classify bad acting ie: Hammil acting according to Francis Ford Copola

Formula has tried to be emulated many times but never succeeded!

May the force be with it.... always!

Mr Morningstarr* · 30-05-2007, 16:07

I think that's a little cruel on Mark Hamill, Christensen has set a new precedent.

Snapper · 30-05-2007, 19:05

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mr Morningstarr*

I think that's a little cruel on Mark Hamill, Christensen has set a new precedent.

I agree with you totally I was just referring to this film. I think we should try and contact Francis Ford Copolla and see if he still uses this term or has at least updated his ideas!

Mr Morningstarr* · 30-05-2007, 19:12

I'll check my address book.

online.education · 01-08-2007, 07:40

It's fresh and it's great. I only gave 4 star because the sequel (V) is better.

Every now and then, I watch this movie again, and then, I end up watching the rest of Star Wars movies ...

jambolo · 01-08-2007, 12:45

Star wars IV is quite good, well really It's brilliant. I love the scene where the strom trooper enters the room and smacks it's head. And who can forget the closing garbage room "3PO! 3PO!".

Zombie Mastermind · 02-08-2007, 12:45

Cool film, before CG-Jabba was added.