Culture

THE PEOPLE vs. GEORGE LUCAS

by Manny Castro | March 14, 2010 at 03:10 pm

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Not so long ago in a galaxy we all live in, George Lucas introduced the world to Star Wars. It was May 25, 1977 to be exact. Prior to its release, everyone except for Lucas thought they were making a dumb kids movie. Even his friends thought so as well. Only Steven Spielberg had any faith in the project. So it came as a surprise when the film became a record-breaking and groundbreaking hit. It was back then what Avatar is today. . .well. . .except people actually liked it.

A sequel was released on May 21, 1980. It was also a big hit. To this day, fans consider it the best in the series.

Then a second sequel was released on May 25, 1983. That's when the tides started to change. It was a success, but many felt it was a downgrade from the previous installment. Little did they know that it would get worse. Two spin-offs were made featuring the Ewoks, the teddy-bear-like creatures from the movie. As well as an animated TV series. Why did Lucas devout so much time to characters that people didn't think highly of? Was it a sign that he was no longer in tone with the public?

That question was answered in 1997 with the release of the Star Wars Special Edition. Lucas re-did the special and visual effects of the films as well as made changes to scenes in general. The question was answered yet again on May 19, 1999 with the release of the first of three prequels to the original trilogy. Despite the success of these films the feedback was very negative. Many have even claimed that their childhood has been raped.

All of this is what makes up the documentary that premiered March 12 at the South by Southwest Film Festival in Austin, Texas. It will be screening till March 21. It features interviews with fans, critics, and former collaborators (including original producer Gary Kurtz). You can watch two trailers at www.youtube.com/user/peoplevsgeorge. If you attended the festival and were able to watch the movie then let us know what you thought on the comment section below.