The Myth is the Message, The Star Wars Trilogy

The Star Wars Trilogy represents that unique event in film history, a trilogy where the separate elements combine to create a sum far greater than its parts. I can not think of another set of film sequels that comes even close to achieving Lucas's zenith accomplishment.

When I saw the first installment, Star Wars, in a theater in Ft. Lauderdale, I was not too impressed. Actually, as a real sci-fi addict, I was disappointed (akin to what I am hearing about the latest Star Wars offering from Lucas). There seemed to be too much left hanging, too many un-resolved conflicts and questions.

It was not until the final episode, The Return of the Jedi, that the entire story fell together and became, for me, the magnum opus that it is. By that time I was well acquainted with the writings and theories of Joseph Campbell and was aware that he had had a tremendous impact on George Lucas. Well, it shows, in a thousand ways.

The power of the Star Wars Trilogy lies not in its surficial story line, but in the fact that it reaches us in our deepest unconscious recesses, those controlled by millenia of myth- and story telling. Here is all that we need to know about the human condition and it surpasses the ages, as do all immortal truths. Our eternal search for light out of darkness, good from evil. The struggle and eventual triumph of the human spirit over apparently insurmountable odds is what touches us and makes us watch this trilogy over and over.

The action and special effects are fun, but incidental to the story. They serve the important function of drawing in a far greater number of viewers than would otherwise be attracted to the basic story line. That this film works for viewers of all ages, from the very young to the quite aged, is a testament, not to the marvelous special effects but, rather, to the compelling timelessness of the story itself.

When George Lucas re-edited the trilogy, adding new scenes and effects, I was naturally curious and purchased the new videos as soon as they were available. while the new bits are nice enough on a surficial level, they do not really change a thing. As an artist, I DO understand Lucas's desire to polish his creation and make the reality more like his vision. I frequently do the same thing and am never completely satisfied with any piece. However, this is an entirely subjective feeling, one not shared by others who view my work, lacking my original and highly personal vision. I never noticed any of the things that bothered Lucas so much, even when they were pointed out in the added trailers explaining the new edition.

Lucas was creating a masterpiece, which was not revealed to the rest of us until all three episodes were complete. I hope his creative genius is able to sustain him throughout his current project, The Phantom Menace series. Only completion will give us the definitive answer and I will not presume to judge it until it is finished. Whatever the outcome of that project, George has given the world one piece of greatness in the Star Wars Trilogy, what more can any artist ask?

The Stars Wars Trilogy is appropriate for all ages. I only suggest, strongly, that all three episodes be watched in sequence. This makes it a perfect treat for a rainy or snowy day when being entertained for 6+ hours is a real benefit. It is certainly well worth a Friday or Saturday evening. This is a wonderful gift for ANYONE who does not already own the boxed set. Even those who do not ordinarily consider themselves fans of the genre, should enjoy it.