- Rated PG
- Documentary
- 2011
- DVD
Reviewed by Jason Zingale
()
t’s a feeling that nearly every “Star Wars” fan has had at least once in their life: betrayal. But how far does that betrayal go, and is it even fair to call it that? Those are the main questions surrounding Alexandre O. Philippe’s documentary, “The People vs. George Lucas,” and they’re ones that aren’t necessarily answered by the time it’s over. That’s not to say that the fan doc doesn’t accomplish anything, but rather that, despite being fairly biased in its criticisms of Lucas, it isn't nearly convincing enough to change your feelings on the subject.
Compiling interviews from fans, filmmakers, writers, and just about anyone willing to speak their mind, “The People vs. George Lucas” investigates the love-hate relationship between the “Star Wars” creator and the films' massive fanbase. Glossing over his early years as a director and his time making the original trilogy, Philippe jumps right into the controversy at the heart of the film, tracking all the way back to 1997 when the movies were re-released in theaters. Though many believed the decision to upgrade the trilogy was a great idea at the time (including those who worked on it), the reissues have since become a major sticking point in the argument against Lucas – and not just because of the changes made. The whole Han Shot First debacle is pretty maddening stuff, but there are more intellectual discussions as well, ranging from the validity of an Oscar for Best Visual Effects after the miniature work was replaced with CG, to the claim that the original negatives were destroyed after the reissues were completed.
For as angry as the 1997 editions made fans, however, nothing comes even remotely as close to the outrage following the release of the new trilogy. Though “The Phantom Menace,” in particular, isn’t quite as bad as some made it out to be, expectations were set so high that it’s understandable why a lot of fans took it personally. The pro-Lucas side argues that the films were made for children (just like the first movies were), and though that sounds like a pretty bad excuse for a character as heinous as Jar Jar Binks, it actually has some value to it. After all, if the “Star Wars” movies weren’t made for kids, then why invest so much of the marketing into cartoons and toys? That doesn't really explain why he would tamper with the mythology of the series (i.e. midi-chlorians), and while some have been able to look past those minor annoyances, others have made it their mission to complain about everything Lucas has done to ruin their childhood.
Philippe’s documentary also includes brief segments about the “Star Wars Christmas Special,” the endurance of the "Star Wars" brand, as well as the negative response to “Indiana Jones & the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull.” One interviewee even makes a curious observation regarding the attack on the film, noting that fans lashed out mostly at Lucas, despite Steven Spielberg’s heavy involvement in the project. So is Lucas just the guy we love to hate, or is there something more to it? Philippe doesn’t seem to know the answer, but that’s mostly because there isn’t one. While the argument over whether or not George Lucas owns the creative right to alter his movies (or if he surrenders that right the minute it’s released to the masses) will probably go on long after he’s dead, it’s pretty silly to think that he’s somehow ruined our childhoods. After all, none of us would even have those memories if it weren’t for Lucas, and though he can be a real son of a bitch at times, it’s probably just easier to let him have his way.
Single-Disc DVD Review:
It might not look like much on the surface, but there are quite a few good extras on Lionsgate's DVD release, including an audio commentary with the filmmakers, an addendum shot at this year's San Diego Comic-Con with fans speaking their mind about the decision to re-release the “Star Wars” films in 3D, and an interview with “Star Wars” producer Gary Kurtz that offers some interesting insight into the series' history.
 |
 |
 |
 |
You can follow us on Twitter and Facebook for content updates. Also, sign up for our email list for weekly updates and check us out on Google+ as well.