It’s a bit arduous to imagine now, however as soon as upon a time… a brand new Star Wars film popping out was an enormous deal. These days, due to a number of films and an onslaught of TV exhibits, the Star Wars model is omnipresent, and never going anyplace anytime quickly. However after the 1983 launch of Return of the Jedi, there was a Dying Star-sized void within the Star Wars galaxy, one which appeared like it might by no means be stuffed. When it turned apparent within the mid-90s that George Lucas supposed to convey his lengthy rumored prequel trilogy to life, there was little doubt film followers younger and previous felt just like the Drive was sturdy with us, possibly extra so than ever earlier than.
The Phantom Menace was to be the primary of the three, and in 1999 it entered our world as maybe probably the most highly-anticipated film ever launched. This factor got here loaded with expectations – expectations that may’ve been unimaginable to satisfy. However most individuals simply wished to be again in that far-off galaxy, revisiting acquainted characters and worlds whereas acquainting ourselves with model new ones. A brand new Star Wars film – may you imagine it?! And although it might be telling a story that many people already knew – at the very least, thought we knew – there was no denying that the very thought we’d be seeing that iconic crawl on an enormous display, accompanied by that gloriously loud growth of John Williams’ theme, was tremendously thrilling, prequel or not. Hell, the phrase prequel itself was one thing of a novelty, not almost as commonplace as it’s now.
And if we have been certainly going again in time, then at the very least we’d be seeing the origin story of certainly one of cinema’s most memorable villains. We’d heard the title Anakin Skywalker loads of instances, we knew he was Luke’s father and Obi-wan’s apprentice and buddy earlier than being become the monstrous Darth Vader by the Emperor, however what precisely would that transformation seem like? The notion of witnessing Anakin’s devolution from hero to evil henchman was certainly a compelling one, as was the thought of seeing the badass Obi-wan was lengthy earlier than we met him.
I’ll not bore you with the small print of this author’s first time seeing Phantom Menace aside from to say I noticed it at three within the morning at Manhattan’s legendary Ziegfeld theater opening day – properly, opening morning. That ought to provide you with an thought of the extent of anticipation coursing by these veins. Being in a bought out theater crammed with fully-awake fanboys and ladies at that ridiculous hour was a real deal with… For some time…
No associates, I didn’t like Phantom Menace that first fateful viewing. Nor did I prefer it the second, or the third time. We’re not going to dwell on the previous, simply contemplate it some added context.
As a result of not too long ago I revisited Episode One for the primary time in a protracted whereas for the needs of this “Star Wars Revisited” collection, and what higher motive? As was the case with the unique trilogy, it’s nearly-impossible to observe the movie with a set of “quote unquote” recent eyes whereas shoving apart all prejudices and grievances, nevertheless it deserves as honest a shot at reevaluation as any film on the market, particularly contemplating it’s arguably probably the most divisive film within the franchise. Alright, possibly it’s tied with The Final Jedi on that entrance… So does “The Phantom Menace” look a bit completely different with all these pesky expectations out of the dialog?
Nicely, right here’s the deal. Phantom Menace remains to be a tricky capsule to swallow. Scene after scene brings the hope that George Lucas will get the film on monitor, get some juvenile humor and caricatures out of his system early, ship a story that brings extra to the desk than boring forms and normal getting-to-know-you character introductions. However he by no means does. The film is supposed to a table-setter, there’s little doubt about that, with Lucas setting the stage for dire future occasions just like the unraveling of the Republic and the extermination of the Jedis – to not point out Anakin’s tortured embrace of the darkish facet.
However at virtually each flip, Phantom Menace is a stiff, unexciting affair, crammed with actors who seem like they’re making an attempt arduous to search out inspiration in conditions they appear uncomfortable in. When the film involves life, it’s due to elaborate visible results, not as a result of characters we love are doing issues we have now a vested curiosity in. The unique Star Wars films are so distinctive in how they mix eye-popping spectacle with humor, coronary heart, and fantastic private moments, main and minor. The Phantom Menace by no means appears to have a beating coronary heart, and when it strives for the massive emotional beats that really seize the viewers, it flops, often due to some dodgy appearing, inane dialogue and uninspired directing.
This was George Lucas’ first directorial effort because the authentic Star Wars got here out in 1977. We all know he was at all times very intently concerned with most of his Lucasfilm Productions, however returning to the director’s chair after a twenty-year hiatus clearly has its challenges. Proper off the bat, Lucas exhibits rust, opening with sequences that seem like they have been designed to indicate off CG manufacturing design versus involving us in story. There’s a boring formality to the way in which he composes photographs early and sometimes, and you’ll’t assist however blame his over-reliance on taking pictures in entrance of green-screen phases for that. In fact, now we all know it’s very potential to depend on CGI and green-screens and nonetheless ship a well-directed image, however Lucas doesn’t appear to have any curiosity in composing an enticing picture throughout the body. He’s going to let the wizards at ILM do all of the heavy lifting, and the film’s small handful of stimulating sequences really feel as if they have been dealt with by the second unit.
However the director additionally must be in command of his actors, and he has hassle in that division too… Even throughout his New Hope days, Lucas wasn’t referred to as an actor-friendly director, but he will get marvelous performances from just about all concerned in that movie, and when you check out his earlier flick, American Graffiti, there’s additional proof of a real expertise with a knack for getting the most effective out of his ensemble. Sadly, the performances in Phantom Menace are enough at greatest, totally unimpressive at worst. That goes for people and aliens alike.
Liam Neeson and Ewan McGregor are naturally charismatic actors, and that pure display presence goes a good distance right here, however Neeson typically seems to be like he has little or no funding in what’s occurring, whereas McGregor tries gamely to spice up up an underwritten position. Natalie Portman too appears no match for Lucas’ humdrum dialogue and detached route. Even Sam Jackson is barely off, often wanting perplexed by his task despite the fact that we all know he genuinely coveted the chance to play a Jedi.
Essentially the most human efficiency most likely comes from Ian McDiarmid, who seems happy as punch to be again in motion as Palpatine – right here depicted as an amiable politician who successfully hides a really darkish facet. McDiarmid has some enjoyable with the position and constantly brightens up the display when he’s round, which isn’t typically sufficient. Additionally efficient is Pernilla August as Anakin’s somber mom; if Lucas is ready to wring any precise drama out of the unhappy state of affairs Anakin and Shmi are in, it’s due to August’s heartfelt efficiency.
And as for Jake Lloyd… Look, we’re not right here to pile on him. Nobody needs to be mad at Lloyd for his efficiency; enjoying a younger Anakin Skywalker was going to be a problem for any younger actor, and it’s fairly apparent early on that Lloyd isn’t as much as the duty. Once more, the blame have to be squarely on Lucas’ shoulders for casting Lloyd in lieu of another person who may convey some spirit to the half. That is younger Darth Vader we’re speaking about right here, and despite the fact that we meet him as an harmless baby, there ought to at the very least be a bit little bit of an edge to him – particularly contemplating the Jedi council’s wariness surrounding his apprenticeship. Watching him, all we are able to suppose is: “This man is gonna be Darth Vader?”
We’re additionally not going to pile on Jar Jar Binks – not an excessive amount of, anyway. He’s acquired twenty-plus years of relentless bashing and that’s been loads. However for the needs of this Revisit, let’s not mince phrases: Jar Jar is a ridiculously ill-advised and unwelcome component in Episode One. To say this film is usually in dire want of some comedian aid in it’s to understate issues, however Jar Jar isn’t the answer. He makes the silliness of C3PO look positively dignified, though if we may give any type of praise to the legacy of Jar Jar, it’s that you may’t deny Ahmed Finest – the actor enjoying him – is bringing all of the vitality he can muster to the forefront. Lucas was at all times adamant that Jar Jar and his shenanigans have been aimed toward a youthful viewers, and possibly he does certainly work for that demographic, however you possibly can’t persuade me this was the most effective we may do.)
And the much less mentioned about Boss Nass, the higher.
These characters are thrust collectively in a narrative that takes a painfully very long time to generate any type of intrigue. The urgent problem at hand has to do with the Commerce Federation, its blockade of Naboo, and its conspiracy with the dreaded Darth Sidius, who’s utilizing them as pawns in his quest to manage the galaxy. As talked about already, this film is supposed as a table-setter for the remainder of the trilogy, however the Commerce Federation storyline is a non-starter; even when it’s crucial within the grand scheme of issues, it utterly bogs the film down every time it’s the main focus. Add to that, the Commerce Federation characters, the Neimoidians, are totally dismal creations – we take them no extra severely than we do Jar Jar, and so they’re imagined to be the principle antagonists of the piece.
However that brings us to a different looming problem for Phantom Menace. There actually are not any villains to root towards. The Commerce Federation clearly can’t match the invoice, and Darth Sidius is extra of a obscure risk than tangible unhealthy man. That leaves us with Darth Maul, who acquired a lot hype previous to the movie’s launch. The promise of Darth Maul being a flashy new baddie within the Star Wars universe was very engaging, however the film barely makes use of him in any respect. He’s in a single pretty unexceptional dust-up with Qui-Gon in the course of the movie, after which he will get his huge second within the third act with a rousing lightsaber duel towards the Jedis. The film’s greatest sequence, it brings life to Phantom Menace at a essential time – although in fact it’s frustratingly intercut with the bumblings of the Gungans and Anakin alike. Simply after we’re getting used to Darth Maul as an intimidating foe, he leaves the premises in items, and we bid adieu to probably the most charming character within the movie. The truth that his loss of life hits tougher than Qui-Gon’s actually tells you one thing.
The third act has one other saving grace, and that’s John Williams’ “Duel of the Fates,” a terrific monitor that also maintains immense energy. Williams’ rating for Phantom Menace general is way from his greatest, however “Duel of the Fates” nearly makes up for it. He would go on to do far more memorable work within the subsequent two prequels, nonetheless, as soon as once more turning into one of many most important MVPs for the “Star Wars” collection.
In purely visible phrases, Phantom Menace brings some superficial pleasures; Naboo – above and beneath the floor – is a stunning place to take a look at, and ILM’s artists often give us pleasing sights such because the frightful underwater monsters Qui-gon and Obi-wan encounter. The pod race can be an entertaining set piece, even when it does really feel prefer it’s simply filling time and giving us a sorely-needed motion sequence in a film that, till that time, hasn’t been very thrilling.
When it’s throughout, and the droid military has been briefly defeated and Boss Nass holds up that glowing orb factor, there’s a surreal feeling that comes over these of us who’ve been upset by the expertise. For higher or worse, that is how the prequel trilogy begins: it has established the core of our most important protagonists transferring ahead, launched a whole lot of excitable cartoon characters, and made us aware about extra otherworldly politicking than was anticipated. There’s little doubt that we are able to solely go upward from right here… Proper?
To be honest, a number of of our viewers will disagree with the general tenor of this assessment, and that’s comprehensible. Via the years I’ve met loads of Star Wars followers who take pleasure in – or on the very least, settle for – The Phantom Menace. Nobody wished it to be nice some twenty-plus years in the past greater than this author, simply as I want it contained quite a few completely happy surprises and pleasures upon a revisit. It doesn’t, not for me.
Nevertheless it’s not a nasty factor that the film has its fervent supporters. A technology of geeks grew up with the prequel trilogy as their focus in all issues Star Wars, of us who couldn’t think about a world with out Phantom Menace and can completely go to bat for the movie time and time once more. Find it irresistible or hate it, Phantom Menace is an integral a part of this very particular nook of the galaxy. It’s part of who we’re, and you’ll’t take that away from it…
Now ship within the clones.