The Phantom Premise: Please lobby for a re-cut

Rating: Null/10 (17 August 2000)

Star Wars was better off as an unfinished symphony. The superficial elements are back, but more clean and sterile, deliberately splashed with cold water at every turn, child-proof and suspense-free. Cut-aways to Jar Jar's antics or race track yackers diffuse tension and focus. Though broad strokes can't be changed at this late date (like setting the film on Alderaan instead of Naboo, which would have given something new about something known instead of changing the subject), there are some cuts that could easily be made to make the film sit more easily on a shelf beside the Original Trilogy (which I love). Immediately after Jar Jar is met in the woods and the Jedi clear frame, the scene should be cut. Then the further chatting, the trip to Gungan City, and EVERY UNDERWATER SCENE should be deleted. We do not have to explain how they got to the Castle, because we do not know the geography of Naboo and we know the Jedi can run in a blur. Now the rescue of Amidala will play without the stress and animosity we have built up from sitting with unwelcome Jar Jar. Strangely, his presence as a background player will not be annoying now. The battle in orbit could be re-edited so that it includes Qui-Gon's discussion of Tatooine, so the choice is made under fire and not in a lull of quiet which typifies Episode One as it is. Then have R2 make the vital repair, they zoom off, and we immediately have the commendation scene - which will play better here. There are still a few cuts here and there, and the green pasture battlefield under a pretty blue sky should be cut as much as possible - especially Jar Jar, so the power of the dual can resonate through without dramatic speed bumps. The final scenes could be shuffled as well death, funeral, congratulations from Palpatine, then final parade. With all the Special Edition wackiness going on, it would not be asking too much to change this film for its life on DVD. The Jar-Jar outtakes can be kept separate, so they can be viewed out of context where they won't do as much damage.