May 25th 2024.
The renowned filmmaker behind the iconic Star Wars franchise, George Lucas, recently shared his perspective on the beloved sci-fi films. Despite being set in space and featuring epic spaceships, Lucas does not see them as merely "spaceship movies". He believes there is much more to his work than just the sci-fi genre.
During his talk at the Cannes Film Festival, where he was honored with a prestigious Palme d'Or award, Lucas delved into the inspiration behind his films and their intended audience. He explained that during the Vietnam War, he had originally planned to create a satire, similar to Dr. Strangelove, with his film Apocalypse Now. However, due to various circumstances, he was unable to make it and instead incorporated some of his ideas into Star Wars.
Lucas also shared that his intention with Star Wars was to create a film for young teenagers who were going through puberty and facing many uncertainties in life. He wanted to offer them a source of guidance and light amidst the darkness of the times. This is why the franchise has always been aimed at 12-year-old kids, as he wanted to address their questions and concerns through his storytelling.
The success of the original Star Wars film in 1977 launched the careers of actors Mark Hamill, Carrie Fisher, and Harrison Ford. However, Lucas noted that making the sequel films was not easy, especially due to the criticism and backlash he received for the prequel trilogy. He recalled how fans and critics rejected his first prequel film, The Phantom Menace, as they saw it as a children's film. But for Lucas, that was always the intention of Star Wars - to appeal to young audiences and offer them a relatable story.
Receiving the honorary Palme d'Or award was a nostalgic moment for Lucas, as he remembered his first trip to the Cannes Film Festival in 1971 with his debut film THX 1138. He also expressed his appreciation for being recognized, despite not making the type of movies that typically win awards.
Overall, Lucas wants to remind fans that there is much more to Star Wars than just spaceships and sci-fi. It's a coming-of-age story with themes of hope, friendship, and self-discovery, and it has resonated with audiences of all ages for over four decades.
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