This Star Wars Making of Documentary Is One of Lucasfilm’s Best Movies

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The title you’ve read accurately – “The Beginning: Making Star Wars: Episode I — The Phantom Menace” stands out as one of Lucasfilm’s top movies, which might seem surprising given their impressive lineup that includes the original Star Wars and Indiana Jones series. It’s intriguing to see a behind-the-scenes documentary rank among Lucasfilm’s best works. What adds to the mystery is that this film production documentary, detailing one of the less popular Star Wars films, is available for free viewing on the official Star Wars YouTube channel. It’s hard to comprehend why Lucasfilm would be comfortable releasing a documentary about the creation of a disliked Star Wars movie, but their decision to do so shows courage.

Although today, Episode I might not be considered a classic by many (though some fans may still rate it higher than the more recent sequel series), this documentary offers an intriguing exploration of the film that eager viewers had anticipated since 1983’s Return of the Jedi. The movie is rich in captivating behind-the-scenes footage, perfect for cinephiles, and provides a detailed glimpse into George Lucas’ creative journey. Throughout the film, it becomes evident that Lucas wasn’t always certain about his actions, with several key crew members expressing their reservations regarding his decisions. Was Lucas pioneering new filmmaking methods? Was he in over his depth? The documentary, titled The Beginning, offers an unsparing – and frequently humorous – portrayal of the answer to these questions.

Why The Beginning Is One of Lucasfilm’s Best Movies

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At the outset of the documentary, it’s evident that George Lucas might be biting off more than he can chew. Five months prior to filming, Lucas is meticulously annotating storyboards with two distinct colors, one indicating real elements and another for future CGI additions. The team behind him starts to feel uneasy as Lucas highlights the vast number of components that will need to be constructed, both physically and digitally. A moment later, Lucas makes a daring statement that would eventually become outdated: “Jar Jar is the crux of everything.” At this stage in the film’s development, Lucas remains blissfully unaware of how much the character would spark controversy among fans for years to come.

Between “Return of the Jedi” and “The Phantom Menace”, it’s surprising that Lucas didn’t use all that time to refine his skills as a screenwriter. However, as “The Beginning” humorously shows, it seems he didn’t focus much on his craft in this period. The renowned filmmaker appears to take a carefree approach to the script for the movie, and there’s not much evidence of writing finesse. For instance, during an early part of the documentary, as he discusses how parts of “The Phantom Menace” echo moments from “A New Hope”, he hesitates before saying, “I hope it works.” Later, when the main cast is preparing for their first table read, Lucas tells everyone, “And after this reading, I’ll finish writing the script.” Given how many of the corny lines rehearsed during the table read made it into the final version, one has to question if Lucas revised even a single word in his screenplay afterwards.

One unforgettable and significant moment in the documentary unfolds as Lucas and crucial team members view a preliminary version of “The Phantom Menace“. Surprisingly, not one person is captivated by it. Lucas remarks, “It’s a bit disconnected. It has an edge in terms of surprising viewers,” before a brief silence follows. “However… I might have pushed the boundaries too much in certain areas.” Post-screening, Lucas engages in a debate with producer Rick McCallum and sound/film editor Ben Burtt, acknowledging that he overshot the film more than previously, but remains hopeful it can be adjusted for mainstream viewers. Leaving one to ponder just how wilder the raw cut could have been, given the sheer amount of content in “The Phantom Menace” as it stands today.

George Lucas, A Flawed Genius

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The movie “The Beginning: Making Star Wars: Episode I — The Phantom Menace” starts off with George Lucas having a telling conversation on “60 Minutes.” During this discussion, he expresses an insightful thought: “Filmmakers, much like their films, are strongly associated with the auteur theory.” Although the validity of the auteur theory, which claims that directors are the primary creators of their movies, is often disputed in scholarly film circles, it accurately describes Lucas and “The Phantom Menace.” Both the director and the film demonstrate bursts of genius and groundbreaking ideas. However, they are so preoccupied with advancing technology for its own sake that they fall short of true greatness.

This documentary stands out due to its balanced approach towards Lucas and his endeavor to touch the cosmos, neither idolizing nor criticizing him excessively, allowing viewers to form their own opinions about the success of his creative ventures. The Beginning provides an unsparingly truthful portrayal of a visionary with imperfections, whose grand ideas may not always receive recognition but will always be admired for the attempt. Whether you’re a devoted Star Wars enthusiast, an aspiring filmmaker, or simply interested in the making of a cultural icon, The Beginning: Making Star Wars: Episode I — The Phantom Menace is certainly worth watching.

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2025-01-12 04:10