A Triumph for Lucas, As the Saga Continues

Rating: 10/10 (19 May 2002)

Since May of 1977, when the original `Star Wars' premiered, George Lucas has been assembling the biggest cinematic jigsaw puzzle ever to hit the realm of fantasy and science fiction; a monumental undertaking that has forever altered the celluloid landscapes of the universe while propelling the art of filmmaking ahead at light speed. His epic saga is the ultimate tale of Good against Evil-- pure in every sense-- and with the fifth installment, `Star Wars: Episode II, Attack of the Clones,' Lucas carefully inserts more of the integral pieces into that puzzle, leading us ever closer to the full and complete picture that will be revealed in Episode III, the sixth and final chapter that will at last bring the story full circle.
It has been ten years since the events depicted in `Star Wars: Episode I, The Phantom Menace' unfolded, and the ramifications of galactic politics has brought the galaxy to the brink of war; the life of Padme Amidala (Natalie Portman)-- now a member of the Senate-- has been threatened, and Jedi Knight Obi-Wan Kenobi (Ewan McGregor) and his young apprentice, Anakin Skywalker (Hayden Christensen), have been called upon to protect her. Not an easy task, however, as the dark side of the force has grown in strength, clouding the future to such an extent that not even Jedi Master Yoda (Frank Oz) can discern what may be in the offing. Jedi Council Leader Mace Windu (Samuel L. Jackson) is concerned with the threat of the impending war and the possible outcome, for he realizes that the Jedi, though strong, are too few; they are the peace keepers of the galaxy, but there is simply not enough of them to fight a war. But the one who is perhaps the most troubled of all is Anakin Skywalker, who in his zeal to cling to his autonomy is beginning to feel the pull of the dark side, that part of the force that will eventually seduce him, and to which he will ultimately dedicate himself. And when it happens, it will drastically affect not only Anakin, but Obi-Wan, as well; and most especially, the young woman with whom Anakin has been in love since the first day they met, Padme Amidala.
George Lucas is a visionary filmmaker; he is to film what Jules Verne, H.G. Wells and J.R.R. Tolkien are to literature, with a touch of Aesop and The Brothers Grimm thrown in as well. If you take a step back, pause and reflect upon what Lucas has done, it's awe-inspiring. Not only did `Star Wars' spring from his fertile imagination, but he managed to translate it all vividly to the screen, with all of the myriad plot twists and turns, characters and intricacies, in a cohesive, accessible way that makes it riveting entertainment that has been embraced by audiences around the world and from one generation to the next. And with `Episode II,' he does not merely give you more of the same-- the forte of most sequels, especially beyond a second installment-- but develops the story and characters with meticulous detail that takes you one step closer to that moment when all is revealed and the final link is established, tying it all together.

Beginning with the original, and right on through the (now) five films, Lucas demonstrates what a master craftsman he is, delivering an engrossing story that is visually astounding, as well. And throughout the series, he maintains a continuity and consistency in the presentation; in the storyline, the way it is acted and the overall `look' of the finished product, and with a pace that it always perfectly attuned to the moment-- accelerated for the heart-pounding action sequences, more deliberate when needed, to effect the personal drama that lies at the core of the story. In the final analysis, George Lucas is one of the few artists to whom the title `filmmaker,' in the absolute purest and truest sense, can be attributed. He is a brilliant storyteller; a genius who has perfected and advanced his chosen medium perhaps more than anyone else before or since. And, inexplicably-- like Chaplin and Welles during their respective lifetimes-- Lucas has never been truly or properly recognized for his many accomplishments; recognition that is deserved and overdue. It's time to stand up and acknowledge him as the gifted artist he is.
In his second outing as Obi-Wan, Ewan McGregor continues to amaze. Creating the younger version of the character already established so indelibly by Alec Guinness-- and making him convincing-- had to be a tremendous challenge; and McGregor comes through with banners raised high. He does not merely imitate, but truly captures the essence of the character established by Guinness, almost as if channeling Guinness' spirit through his performance. He has the mannerisms, the speech patterns, expressions and body language, all of which leads to a seamless transition from McGregor to Guinness in Episode IV. And it's all done in a subtle, unassuming and quite natural way by McGregor, which makes his Obi-Wan believable and real. It's a studied, discriminating portrayal, and a real accomplishment for this talented young actor.
Another of the strengths of the film is the performance by Hayden Christensen as Anakin Skywalker. Knowing that the engaging young Anakin will one day become the evil Darth Vader, it is pivotal that the actor playing the role at this stage of the character's development is able to capture and convey what it is in his personality-- and deeper, in his heart-- that allows him to be turned to the dark side. And that is exactly what Christensen accomplishes with his portrayal. Perfectly cast, he is believably the older version of the character created by Jake Lloyd in Episode I, and most importantly, he displays the dark, inner rumblings and angst that will ultimately be his undoing. Finally, the chemistry between Christensen and Portman makes the inevitable romance viable, and `Attack of the Clones,' another triumph for George Lucas. I rate this one 10/10.