In the world of fandom, Star Wars fans are arguably among the most dedicated of aficionados. (Although, I’m sure that Star Trek fans can make a passionate case against that statement.) At the heart of every Star Wars fan’s affection is an almost equally passionate opinion either for or against George Lucas, the creator of the Star Wars universe. Because of Lucas’ inability to stop making changes to the original three Star Wars movies (1977’s Star Wars: A New Hope, 1980’s The Empire Strikes Back, and 1983’s Return of the Jedi), some fans have gone so far as to accuse him of “raping their childhood.”
The People vs. George Lucas, a documentary by Alexandre O. Philippe, gives these fans a platform to air their grievances about not only the changes to the original versions of the films but also the three prequels (1999’s The Phantom Menace, 2002’s Attack of the Clones, and 2005’s Revenge of the Sith) that many feel are extremely disappointing and an insult to their intelligence.
Phillipe allows the fans he interviews, including many who are journalists, filmmakers, and musicians, to voice their negative opinions in an unbridled fashion. The majority of their thoughts are similar: Lucas has made grave mistakes in his handling of the Star Wars franchise. Whether it’s the meddling with key character points (i.e. Han shooting first or not) or inserting new special effects or sequences geared to children, Lucas can’t stop changing what many feel are now “their” films. Lucas is also taken to task for taking 18 years to deliver three films that pander to children and reduce the spirituality of the Force to a biological condition (ie. Midichlorians).
However, as the film concludes, many of these same interviewees deliver half-hearted thanks to Lucas for inspiring them and giving them something about which to feel so passionate. These statements of thanks feel tacked on and rather flaccid compared to the ferociousness of the first 3/4 of the film.
The saving grace of The People vs. George Lucas is the incredible wealth of fan-created material that is spotlighted throughout the film. From parodies to re-interpretations and extensions of the Star Wars universe in all manner of formats, it becomes apparent that Lucas has had and continues to have a massive influence on modern culture. Seeing the many forms that these fan films have taken is a much more convincing nod to Lucas’ impact on fans’ creative direction than the limp comments that are tossed off by the participants in the documentary.
Also given a small amount of screen time are newer fans who don’t feel that the new films are insulting. For example, in one interview, a small child actually says he doesn’t like The Empire Strikes Back, which is generally considered the best entry in the six film series. I would have liked to see more of what the film calls “new generation fans” and their feelings about Lucas and the Star Wars films.
The People vs. George Lucas fails as a documentary as it merely allows some notable fans a chance to voice their disgruntled feelings towards George Lucas while doing very little to offer much in the way of making a valid point. I came away knowing that many fans are upset which is something I already knew. What I didn’t learn is what Alexandre O. Philippe or anyone outside of one generation of fans thinks. However, I did get to see examples of the incredible creativity of Star Wars fans all over the world. I would have much preferred to see more of that.
3.5 out of 5.0 stars
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