Dir.
George Lucas, 2005, USA, 140 min
Cast:
Ewan McGregor, Natalie Portman, Christpher Lee, Hayden Christensen, Samuel L Jackson
Strip away all the hoohah surrounding George Lucas' latest and you find a storyteller needing to redeem himself after two dismal films, and hoping to complete a story arc he's been working on for nearly 30 years. After the wretched dialogue and back-story tedium of Episodes I and II - both generations of fans deserved better. This finale is rousing, hitting just about all the right notes, and creating a singular and hard-hitting spectacle.
This is the one where darkness falls. The Galactic Senate is under the Machiavellian control of leader Palpatine, who challenges the Jedi peacekeepers, and has the most transparent secret in the universe; his double life as evil Sith Master, Sidious. Palpatine as dissembling politician, not only has the Senate in his thrall, but soon tightens his grip on Anakin Skywalker, praying on his insecurities and spinning a despicable web around the Jedi that leads to his ruin. Anakin to Darth Vader was the transition that Lucas had to judge perfectly. He had planted some seeds previously, but Hayden Christensen's character too often came across as petulant and whiny in Episode II . This film does the grunt work in the changeover. His emotional journey, involving pregnant wife Padme (Natalie Portman) and dark premonitions, is entirely plausible in the context.
With more to say, and do, than ever before, it's Ian McDiarmid's demonic character that propels this story. His reptilian puppet master is a tour de force of controlled villainy. It's a broad performance, but he wrings every last drop of malice from the, much improved, dialogue. Clearly, McDiarmid had a ball, and he has the versatility in his voice, and facial expressions to create a memorable performance. Best supporting actors have come from less.
Hayden Christensen proved he could actually act in Shattered Glass - having been stumped by crummy scenes in Attack of The Clones . He is much improved here. Buffed-up for all the fight scenes, and with a deeper quality to his voice, he seems more comfortable, and again, the dialogue on the page -whilst not sparkling by any means - is acceptable. There is even some decent repartee between Anakin and Obi Wan, in a dazzling opening sequence, when they join forces in scenes reminiscent of Butch Cassidy and The Sundance Kid . Ewan McGregor also appears more relaxed, and for the first time in Star Wars , looks like he's actually enjoying himself.
Enjoyment is not on the cards for most of characters in Revenge of the Sith .
The fans wanted dark. They got pitch black. As the last few tentacles of the Sidious plot throttle the life out of the Old Republic, and exterminate the Jedi order, this film hits sombre notes not usually associated with summer popcorn. Betrayal, infanticide, and death are all handled with elegance and power by the director, aided by one of the true heroes of Star Wars : John Williams - especially for the Lament of the Jedi sequence.
The action scenes, and this one is packed full of them, look great, and move even better. At times the camera swoops through impossible angles, taking in debris, fire, and dozens of characters. It's cartoon stuff, but its inventive, and full of energy - like the eye-popping skirmish between Generals Kenobi and Grievous.
Episode III has to deliver a shattering finale; the much anticipated face-off between Obi Wan and dark-side Anakin. This is the light-sabre battle to end them all, conducted over hellfire and brimstone, in a place reminiscent of Mount Doom from LOTR . It lives up to pre-billing, not just for athleticism, choreography and scope; the desperation of Obi Wan really comes across, as his "brother" is desecrated, when the beats that lead to Darth Vader finally arrive. On the downside, the physical transformation to the infamous Vader, complete with respirator and full fetish gear, seem slightly rushed. An iconic moment doesn't quite have the power it might have.
Those unmoved by Star Wars will remain so after Episode III . You have to invest something in the mythology, to get the full pay-off. And this film is all about the pay-off. As a finale to the prequels, and a bridge to their cherished predecessors, Revenge of the Sith does the job fantastically well. Yes, the scoundrel charm of Harrison Ford has been missing in all the later (produced) films, but there are human beings in Episode III , and all the main players suffer in ways that really hit home - even Yoda (who seems to carry the weight of a whole saga in his face). It may not be perfect but this last chapter rounds off the myth with panache, and artistry - fans will adore it.
Johnny Messias
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