Casablanca in Space

Rating: 10/10 (8 November 2007)

To me, "Empire" is the perfect illustration of a B-series movie state of grace. Not only this one is the best of all in the "Star Wars" anthology, even better than the Lucas's ones, in all respects, but it is a true lesson of cinema. I use to say that it is "Casablanca" in space. (look at the poster !)
Kershner - a clever, pragmatic, director - has done the best work ever in history of science fiction / fantasy / fantastic series, for "Empire" is one of the most achieved films in dramatic writing, special effects credibility, light, editing and rhythm, estetics, philosophy, and even on the subject of love stories (all the others segments of love stories in the Star Wars anthology are... just fake). The only movie I remember that can be compared to this achievement, and particularly in the "classic special effects era" (before 1983) is Ridley's Scott's "Blade Runner". Think about that.
"Empire" has changed a lot of things in the fantastic genre. The very subtle psychology of such characters like Darth Vader or Han Solo was a whole new intention in the B-movies in 1980, and has been imitated a lot since then, until "Pirates of the Caribbean 2" last year. Think about that, too.
On a personal point of view, I think "Empire" is a totally mastered work, a work that suffered, but that acquired a true soul. Remember Kersh wanting to be dropped on the top of an ice mountain to conceive the fact to be cold, really cold - and the helicopter that couldn't take him back to the base... That's the way true movies were done, a long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away...
Raphaël Zamochnikoff Nice, France