An Underrated Masterpiece, Totally Undeserving of Its Hatred

Rating: 10/10 (24 August 2016)

A year ago, I reviewed Joe Johnston's much maligned "The Wolfman", calling it the most under-appreciated film in cinematic history, praising it for its acting, characters and thematic depth. While "Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones" isn't AS amazing as "The Wolfman", it is one of only a handful of films that can give it a run for its money in the underrated department. I will even go so far as to call it one of the top 100 greatest films ever made. An unpopular opinion, no doubt, but one I fervently believe.
The characters are the most relatable, deep and interesting that the franchise had to offer at the time of "Episode II"'s release. Anakin Skywalker, despite his great power and potential as a Jedi, is about as hopelessly dorky as a teenager could possibly be. His passion and love for Padme Amidala is matched only by his total awkwardness around her. Anakin is burdened with heavy responsibility and very little appreciation or love. His identity as a Jedi directly juxtaposes his rising feelings throughout the film of romance, anger, hopelessness and, most dangerous of all, fear. Only around Padme does he open up emotionally. Similarly, Padme tries throughout the movie to give of the impression that she is an emotionally detached professional, putting her career and responsibilities over any attachments or feelings she may have. Even around Anakin, she distances herself emotionally, insisting that she must live a lie for the good of the Republic. Over the course of the movie, both Anakin and Padme learn how to be more emotionally open in a healthy way, and the film does a great job showing both the positives of being open and honest with our loved ones and the negatives of bottling up such strong emotions. (Particularly in a rather chilling scene where Anakin attempts to rescue his mother from the monstrous Tusken Raiders.) Obi Wan Kenobi is also a far more relatable and likable character than he has ever been in the Saga before, a strict, "tough love" father figure who struggles to let go of his fear for Anakin's safety. The abundance of fondness yet lack of trust between Anakin and Obi Wan make for a fascinating friendship, an improved Ewan McGregor brings much more warmth and intensity to Obi Wan this time around in a great performance.
Hayden Christensen, the subject of much undeserved criticism, is outstanding as Anakin Skywalker. Christensen walks a very fine line between the subtle, restrained (But not at all wooden, despite what some may say) public stoicism and the burning, uncontrollable private passion of Anakin. His more intense scenes, namely his emotional, albeit awkward, confession of love to Padme by a fireplace and his horrified, self loathing confession to the slaughter of the Tusken Raiders (His mother's murderers) are top notch. Christensen's performance here isn't just one of the best performances in the "Star Wars" saga, but in the Science Fantasy genre PERIOD.
Natalie Portman gives much more depth to Padme's detachment than she gave in "The Phantom Menace." Here, we see that detachment as somewhat of a defense mechanism to prevent emotional vulnerability, and while Portman is often subdued in her performance, she makes it very clear in her voice acting and tone of voice that her constant repression of her emotions is killing her. TERRIBLE dialogue (And it IS, admittedly, terrible) aside, her confession of reciprocation for Anakin's feelings in the Geonosian Colosseum is bursting with sincerity.
"Attack of the Clones" was also, in my opinion, the most emotional "Star Wars" movie to date until "Episode III." Anakin's inner torment over his feelings for Padme is investing enough, but his growing fear of his mother's fate culminating in her horrible death is heartbreaking.
The lightsaber duel between Count Dooku and Anakin is both expertly choreographed and thematically fascinating; Count Dooku, an intimidating, "ends justify the means" gentleman Sith and former Jedi is extremely similar in character profile to Darth Vader, something conveyed quite well visually as Anakin and Dooku's red and blue lightsaber blades seemingly "switch" in the dark hangar where they do battle. It only makes sense that this is the battle where Anakin would lose his hand; the small, first step in his inevitable physical transformation into Darth Vader.
Remember in my previously mentioned review of "The Wolfman" where I mentioned that I found most Science Fantasy romances to be forced or unnecessary? This is an exception, despite what many critics may claim. There is a genuine and almost "adorkable" awkwardness and innocence to Anakin & Padme's relationship, these being VERY inexperienced lovers who have never had these feelings for anyone else. Awkwardness aside, there is genuine sincerity and empathy for one another present in Anakin & Padme that gives their romance depth; these two characters fall in love largely due to a deep understanding of one another, particularly their struggles. Padme sympathizes with Anakin's desire to be loved and Anakin sympathizes with Padme's frustration at being forced to shut out everyone close to her. Portman and Christensen have downright precious chemistry on screen which more than makes up for some more than questionable lines.
The imagery in this film is gorgeous, visually it is a work of art. Shots like Anakin racing across Tattoine on his speeder bike, the Clone army's ominous first reveal and Anakin & Padme's wedding next to a Naboo lake illuminated by the setting sun are beautiful and unforgettable. The cinematography brings true romanticism to an already excellent love story.
"Attack of the Clones" is much more than merely an underrated film, it's an outstanding masterpiece of its genre. The borderline obsessive hate that its gotten really frustrates me, as I truly believe it deserves nothing but high praise. Here's hoping it will re-examined over the years and exposed for the gem it truly is. Is it flawless? No. But I can't begin to measure the value I got from it.