The best directed Star Wars film (so far)

Rating: 8/10 (10 April 2001)

Of the Star Wars franchise, this film is the best directed, has the best cinematography, and has the best score. Irvin Kershner has been noted on not seeing "eye-to-eye" on some directorial decisions with George Lucas. From what I understand, George likes (at least in 1979) to keep camera direction simple and did not like to set up complex camera shots. Irvin uses the moving camera very well and very subtly. The cinematography is also beautiful. My favorite sequence of all the SW films is the final lightsaber dual. This is so well directed and lit with the contrasting blues and oranges intermixed that it really comes to life. The score is one of John William's best. Here you have so many themes. My favorite is Vader's theme embedded within the asteroid sequence. What I don't like about the film is the climax resolution of the film. R2-D2 makes a minor adjustment, just in the nick of time and saves the ship. The only thing lamer is ending the ending to the Phantom Menace.