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More Forgiving of the Holy Trilogy

What, did you actually expect me to not write about Star Wars still? Come on, the movie hasn’t even been out a week… I’m gonna’ be riding this Geeky high for weeks to come (but I promise to put some variety in my rants). As I read more and more reviews regarding Revenge of the Sith it becomes apparent that there is a single complaint that all critics and Geeks agree upon (not including the Frankenstein'esqu “Nooooooooooo”). That complaint being the cheesy and at times, down right horrendous dialogue; normally I would defend Star Wars till I was nerf in the face, but the lines speak for themselves. Some of the lines in Revenge of the Sith, and the other prequel films are downright dumb. (Yippee). We all nod and simply state that Lucas just lost the ability to write dialogue as he focused more and more on the technology of the Star Wars films. Then something interesting began to form in my Geeky mind, and after hearing similar comments from like minded friends and critics it hit me. Much of the dialogue in ALL the films is a little cheesy.

Just wait, here me out before you toss me into a Death Star garbage masher.

Lucas has often stated that he loves the old pulp serial movies from the 30s and 40s. His writing style reflects that stilted form of dialogue. In the hands of a more skilled character director the lines don’t come across as cheesy. This is evidenced by the fact that the original trilogy is loaded with them and we don’t bat an eye… Don’t believe me? Fine, then let us take a look…

“Help me Obi-Wan Kenobi, you’re my only hope” – I’ll admit, this line has become icon of pop culture lingo, but just think about it. It can not be argued that its roots are firmly planted in the Flash Gordon serials of the past. Thankfully, Carrie Fischer and a younger less tech minded Lucas made certain it was delivered with sincerity.

Jawas and Greedo – Okay, not a line, but follow me here. In Episode I everyone in the crowd cringes whenever a cheesy alien language is spoken. Yet, in ANH, when little dudes in brown robes scream “Who-Daa-Yaa” and “Ooo-Tee-Dee” we all clap and smile with glee. When that green faced, pucker mouthed bounty hunter corners our favorite smuggler, we sense the implied danger in the words “Oota Goota Solo”. Why is that? Maybe it’s because even at an older age we are not watching Star Wars through our jaded older eyes, but with the wonderment of a child… A child who often “gets it” way better then us grumps.

“I have a bad feeling about this” – Ah, the staple line found in all Star Wars movies (and books, in case you are curious). In the prequel trilogy they felt forced and cheesy. Well guess what? They’re a tad bit cheesy in the holy trilogy as well. Yet again, we find ourselves more forgiving and even look forward to the line.

“It’s not my fault” – This line follows close behind the “bad feeling” line, while not said in each film, it is uttered by two characters, both of whom fall into the scoundrel section of Star Wars. Film fans would normally cringe when we hear such a deliberate coping of dialogue. Yet, with Han and Lando, it makes us Geeks smile to know they both try to blame the failing Hyperdrive on anyone else but themselves.

“I’m Luke Skywalker; I’m here to rescue you.” –This line is right up there with Leia’s “only hope” bit. Again, this line is a direct throw back to the old serials. But, we are so caught up in the moment that we can’t help but smile when Hamill delivers it.

“Then I’ll see you in hell” – Not so much a cheesy line, but it sure does take the audience out of the moment. I know this may come across as nitpicking, but referencing a “western myth” we are taken out of the film for just the shortest of moments. However, having Harrison Ford deliver the line elevates it from the old weakness to the new hotness. Although I don’t know what line could have been used…”I’ll see you in Byss”? (That’s a little shout out to your Dark Empire fans).

There are other lines to be sure. Both trilogies are littered with them. So, why do us Geeks cringe and groan when Hayden Christiansen or Ewan McGregor say them, but cheer and woot when Carrie Fischer or Harrison Ford delivers them. Maybe it does have something to do with age, as Lucas stated all those years ago when he found himself defending his work after The Phantom Menace. Perhaps it is because so many Geeks who watch these films as adults first saw them as children. Kids don’t judge the dialogue, they may even identify with it. Those simple pulpy lines are the same ones kids say when they are playing with their friends or writing their own epic tales on poorly made brown pulp paper. In a way I am jealous of the children whose first theatrical exposure to Star Wars was the Phantom Menace, sure, they will look back in 10-20 years and see the cinematic flaws, but they won’t be as jaded towards it as the fans of my generation. In a way, they get to watch the entire film series through the eyes of a child. The lines that we thought of as cheesy in the prequels will be normal to them. Although I do wonder if in 20 years, some other Geek pushing 30 will look back at the “our” trilogy and wonder why Lucas didn’t go back and make it fit “their” trilogy better… Guess I’ll find out when I near the half century mark… Pretty certain Star Wars will be there with me.