Star Wars

Star Wars, released in 1977, has become a global franchise with a culture that extends beyond the films. Will Brooker's study of the film challenges common ideas about it, examining its shots, editing, sound design, cinematography, and performances. He argues that the film is a continuation of George Lucas's experiments with sound and image, revealing his contradictory desires for total order and control. Brooker also discusses how subsequent films in the series foregrounded and developed the themes of opposition, providing a useful lens for looking back at the 1977 Star Wars.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 100 pages
Publication date: 29 October 2020
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

The release of Star Wars in 1977 marked the beginning of a colossal global franchise that has become an integral part of popular culture. Star Wars remains the second highest-grossing film in the United States, and George Lucas' six-part narrative has expanded into a vast cultural phenomenon. Beyond the films, there is a vast array of tie-in toys, novels, comics, games, and DVDs, as well as an enthusiastic fan community that creates its own Star Wars fiction. Critical studies of Star Wars have approached the film from various perspectives, examining its special effects, fan culture, merchandising, and its impact on the film industry.

In his illuminating study of Star Wars, Will Brooker challenges many of the commonly held notions about the film. He provides a close analysis of Star Wars, examining its shots, editing, sound design, cinematography, and performances. Brooker places the film in the context of George Lucas' previous work, from his student shorts to his 1970s features, and the diverse influences that shaped his approach, from John Ford to Jean-Luc Godard. He argues that Star Wars is not a departure from Lucas' earlier cinema but a continuation of his experiments with sound and image. Brooker reveals Lucas' contradictory desires for total order and control, embodied by the Empire, and for the raw energy and creative improvisation of the Rebels.

What initially appears as a simple fairy-tale becomes far more complex when we realize that the director is rooting for both sides. This tension unsettles the entire saga, blurring the boundaries between the Empire and the Republic, the dark side and the light side, and father and son. In his foreword to this new edition, Brooker discusses how subsequent films in the series further explore these themes and expand the narrative.

Star Wars has had a lasting impact on popular culture, inspiring countless filmmakers, artists, and fans. Its iconic characters, world-building, and storytelling have become a source of inspiration for generations. The franchise has also contributed to the development of special effects technology and the growth of the science fiction and fantasy genres.

In conclusion, Star Wars remains a cultural phenomenon that has transcended the boundaries of the film industry. Will Brooker's study provides a fresh perspective on the film, challenging our assumptions and revealing the complex layers of its narrative. Star Wars continues to inspire and captivate audiences around the world, and its legacy will undoubtedly continue to grow for years to come.

Weight: 162g
Dimension: 136 x 189 x 9 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781839021633
Edition number: 2 ed