The Documentary Podcast Living with Star Wars
Dec 22, 2019
Explore the challenges and innovations in creating the iconic movie 'Star Wars', from the evolution of George Lucas as a filmmaker to the casting sessions and behind-the-scenes stories. Delve into the legacy and impact of Star Wars as a universal fairy tale that transcends language barriers.
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Creating A New American Mythology
- George Lucas fused 1950s pop culture, anthropology and myth to recreate a modern American mythology.
- He aimed to replace a lost Western-style national mythology with fast-paced serial sci-fi informed by Campbell and Kurosawa.
From Epic Saga To One Act Film
- Early drafts were sprawling epics like Adventures of the Star Killer, then Lucas pared it down to a single act.
- He kept elements like the Force and serial motifs but deliberately focused on a tighter first film.
McQuarrie Paintings Shaped The Whole Film
- Ralph McQuarrie's paintings directly defined look and mood, including lonely R2-D2 and the dark masked Vader.
- His designs convinced Fox executives and became the visual template for sets, costumes and tones.