Putting George Lucas’s Comments About The Last Jedi Into Perspective
The maker has spoken! George Lucas has finally viewed Star Wars: The Last Jedi, and while he is no longer involved in the new films of the franchise, everyone is always eager to hear what the creator thinks about the latest installments. But while Lucas may have been complimentary, we should take these light quotes with a grain of salt.
According to a report by The Hollywood Reporter, Lucas screened The Last Jedi and his long time representative, Connie Wethington, said that Lucas felt the movie was “beautifully made.” Wethington went on to say that Lucas did speak with writer/director Rian Johnson, and was complimentary in his comments.
This doesn’t necessarily mean Lucas loved the story, or even the film itself. It is very easy to call someone and congratulate them with compliments – even politicians who despise each other follow this formality after nasty elections. This isn’t to say Lucas harbors any resentment or anything, but I am just putting it into perspective, that although he may have spoken to Rian Johnson in a complimentary manner, and said the film was “beautifully made”, it doesn’t mean he praises the film.
You may remember that before The Force Awakens was released to the public, Lucasfilm boss Kathleen Kennedy told The Hollywood Reporter that Lucas enjoyed the film:
According to Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy, Lucas, who sold his company to Disney in 2012 and was not involved in the new Star Wars film, will attend the premieres this month in Los Angeles and London. Lucas has seen (The Force Awakens), Kennedy tells The Hollywood Reporter, and “he really liked it.”
Flash forward to after The Force Awakens‘ release and Lucas began to really pepper in his true feelings about the film and the direction of the franchise. In his interview with Charlie Rose, Lucas said:
“(Disney) wanted to do a retro movie. I don’t like that. Every movie, I worked very hard to make completely different, with different planets, with different spaceships, to make it new.”
While it is nice to see that the creator of Star Wars said The Last Jedi was “beautifully made”, it is a very vague statement, and may not necessarily represent how Lucas feels about the film. Whether it does or not, it is nice to hear that George Lucas is still keeping up with the continuation of the saga he created over 40 years ago, but we shouldn’t put heavy stock into any light comments he may have his representatives release to the public.
SOURCE: The Hollywood Reporter
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John Hoey is the Lead Editor and Senior Writer for Star Wars News Net and the host of The Resistance Broadcast podcast
"For my ally is the Force, and a powerful ally it is."
That compliment sounds like something my dad used to say about ugly women: “She seems like a very nice girl.”
Anytime we were out in public and we heard him mutter that phrase, me and my 3 brothers would scour the crowds looking for the escaped circus freak.
Yeah, she’s ugly as sin, but a sweet gal…And a hell of a good cook…
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Re: ” say about ugly women” / “we heard him mutter that phrase, me and my 3 brothers would scour the crowds looking for the escaped circus freak”
Charming story.
Did your mom say anything similar about ugly men?
Haha. No she was outnumbered 5 to one. So she just mostly rolled her eyes at my dad.
She never really commented about other men’s looks. But I do remember that she almost peed herself from laughing the day she found out about the Lorena Bobbit incident. Which we boys (and dad) didn’t think was funny at all. Well maybe a little funny.
Re: “laughing the day she found out about the Lorena Bobbit incident”
Hehe – yeah, makes sense why so many women found humour in that Bobbit tale of revenge.
This article was needless and assumes way too much.
I just seen the film in France.
I loved the film.
I love Lucas.
But I can see why Lucas would say “it is well made”. I think he probably didn’t like it.
I think he liked it for what it is to be liked, ie. the visual experience (hence, “beautifully made”). As far as the story itself goes, it descends to the level of “I hate sand” at some points, so it is as bad as GL’s prequels,
nah, i can’t agree with that. The prequels were clearly plot-driven, and this movie is character-driven 100% (this is why there’s so much plot non-sense on it, cause priority are the characters)
Agree. Period.
i live in France and saw the movie yesterday. Seriously RJ should stop pot while writing stories ? WTF with the end, Leia, Luke fate ? And this end OMFG the end screams ” I had no idea how to end this movie and i leave with that kis watching the stars… okaaaay
“(Disney) wanted to do a retro movie. I don’t like that. Every movie, I
worked very hard to make completely different, with different planets,
with different spaceships, to make it new.” I agree with LUCAS 100%
The irony being, of course, that fan backlash against the prequels for being different, amongst other things, pushed Disney and Lucasfilm to start with the familiar before moving on.
Cue the prequel haters. Whatever, I will always be thankful to this man for what he (with help, of course) created, and if HE was able to let go, I think I can too.
Did I ever tell you about the three times he raped my childhood?
What, you didn’t learn your lesson after the first two times?! 🙂
What, you didn’t learn your lesson after the first two times?! 🙂
Apparently not. I came back for more again, and again.
No one was talking about it.
Lucas put PLENTY of throwbacks to the OT in his prequel trilogy as demonstrated in this video:
https://vimeo.com/137711830
The idea that he made the prequels completely new and original is bogus.
Re: ” Jango Fett character was Boba”
It also seems he only added Jango to the story, after TPM backlash & as fan service to the popular OT character.
the prequels have some original trilogy reskin moments but TFA was basically a reboot of the original trilogy.
There are just as many similarities to ANH in The Phantom Menace as there are in The Force Awakens.
I really wouldn’t expect Lucas to come out and trash the move unless it’s a really bad movie. Since Rian is a relative young and upcoming director, he’s probably just giving him some positive support. I wouldn’t be surprised at some point down the line Lucas will eventually say what he REALLY thinks about these movies. Time will tell.
The movie is not bad, but it is not as great as its Metascore and RT scores suggest. And I also understand why some of the most die-hard, Star Wars purists might feel offended by it. I’m not one of those BTW and I am OK with most of RJ’s creative choices. My only issues are with some really bad lines and over-the-top scenes.
Well, TLJ definitely is not a “retro movie”, so, if that was GL’s complaint about TFA, he has no reason to complain about RJ’s movie. I suspect he would have other issues with TLJ though. His comments about the movie being “beautifully made” (which is true BTW) sound lukewarm to me and the quintessential protocol compliment,
Explain “not a retro” movie. You can’t just type it and make it true.
The prequels are retro at this point. Lol!
More than half of the movie: Retro ships, masked people as aliens, retro vehicles, tie-fighters, x-wings, a-wings, bombers that looks like OT ships, lots of puppets, how exactly TLJ is not a retro movie?
Christ almighty, maybe, having washed his hands of the whole thing 5 years ago and now pushing 80, the man is just tired of talking about this film that wasn’t supposed to consume more than half his lifetime, but people keep pestering him for quotes about it.
Asking George Lucas questions about Star Wars is like asking Paul McCartney questions about the Beatles. You created a cultural phenomenon that made you massively rich and successful. What do you think they are going to ask him about? Where he shops for his flannel shirts?
about his salad maybe
And another way of seeing it would be to say that asking Lucas about Star Wars is like asking Peter Gabriel questions about modern Genesis…..or asking Steven Page his thoughts on the newest Barenaked Ladies album.
EXACTLY. THIS.
Yeah, and I would imagine McCartney is fucking sick of it too – what point are you trying to make, aside from ‘people ask stupid questions?”. Also, it would be more like McCartney leaving the Beatles, the band continuing without him, and people asking him about what he thinks of the band without him for the next decade. That’s another terrible analogy.
The point being made was that when you create a global cultural phenomenon, people are going to talk to you about it and ask you questions about it until you are dead – that’s just how it goes. Expecting an interview of Lucas without bringing up Star Wars questions when Star Wars remains a massive cultural behemoth is unrealistic for obvious reasons.
#firstworldproblems
I’m not sure what that’s supposed to imply, I’m not suggesting some kind of “Leave Brittney Alone!” campaign. I’m just saying trying to read anything beyond “he’s not that interested in talking about it, but is being polite and answering a stupid question” is futile.
George is an introvert. He’s a man of very few words. People reading too much into this.
Exactly
George Lucas is like a really bad parent. Yeah you gave birth to it, but then it ended up strung out on black tar heroine living in a van down by the river.
I appreciate him giving us Star Wars. But everything after that is one bad decision after another. I think he is stubborn and selfish, and seems to forget Star Wars is a two way street. Without George there is no Star Wars. Without the true fans there is no Star Wars.
The prequels could have been amazing with another director and writer. We could have had 7,8,9 as a continuation of Return of the Jedi.
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funniest thing on tv ever!
The child is in rehab now thanks to JJ and Rian Johnson.
I hope I really really do. I should have just stayed off the internet. Some of these fucking trolls that probably never saw the movie have me stressing bad.
I think, that, as with Kids, there comes a time that they just grow up. SW grew beyond anything he had imagined, and changed not only fans’ lives, but his too. It certainly took a life of its own and is now part of the popular culture of the XX century. He couldn’t tame it anymore, as he learned with the PT, an as Disney is learning now. I like the PT but I really think it should’ve ended with RotJ, there can be too much of a good thing.
I liked TFA, but also understand why others didn’t. I just wanted to say that.
Tremendously well lit. Sharp focussing. Neat costumes. The story? Well…
Perhaps he thinks it’s a complete betrayal of a particular character he created – I did. Also, the ending is laughably bad, the rest just lacking. Lucas memoir needed.
This article is strange. The comment didn’t need context from anyone else. And I do value what Lucas says, he’s the creator of my favorite movie franchise. His views matter. He was right about TFA, it was retro.I think it lacked creativity and newness. So if The Last Jedi is indeed a new fresh story, it would be safer to assume that Lucas was being genuinely supportive.
There’s a happy medium and I truly hope Johnson found it. I for one won’t be letting him off the hook over some idea it’s at least not a reboot. But I also am open to a new story.
Bottom line is, the legends are the standard for me. That’s what these new movies must live up to. And so far, not even close. Luke of legends became what he suspected he would, a great Jedi whose deeds would never be mistaken as a myth.
the definition for retro is imitative of a style, fashion, or design from the recent past. Thats exactly what TFA is. Imitative of the past.
Looking like 9 should be Luke just having a bad dream about this movie and TFA…wakes up to kiss Mara Jade, see the twins off to his Jedi Acadamy, then eats breakfast with Han and Leia!….maybe having Porgs and eggs to eat too!
Do we really need a whole article just to conclude that his comments don’t matter? Plenty to talk about this week beyond picking at old scars.
When Lucas sold Star Wars he knew that he was giving it all up and would be screening future films as a fan. I don’t think we need to look to him for reassurance that the new movies are good….
I miss George, even though I detest the prequels (Revenge of the Sith especially), I miss his intelligence and forthright nature. I may not always agree with him, but I admire his intellect.
may be he liked it we dont know what we know is like it or not he wont say it after TFA KK sure called him to ask for mercy on her new movies
i miss george too …now everybody is sucking rian johnson balls who killed almost everyone in this movie
Should your spoiler-ish coment be here?
Right, because no one important in the OT died, except Obi Wan, Yoda, Vader, Palpatine, Tarkin, Jabba, Boba Fett…
Mate wait till you’ve seen it you’re gonna be pissed off big time
I’ve heard the rumors. I’m fine with any of them being true.
And Crixx. I’ve seen it and as someone who has lived and breathed star wars since 1978, i can safely say this one was epic on so many levels. It took it to a new level..How you could be pisdsed off i don’t know.. And stop with the spoilers idiots.
And Crixx. I’ve seen it and as someone who has lived and breathed star wars since 1978, i can safely say this one was epic on so many levels. It took it to a new level..How you could be pisdsed off i don’t know.. And stop with the spoilers idiots.
I think G-man has great some points. I enjoyed The Force Awakens thoroughly as a fan and the experience. It was a good film and watch with zero issue every so and then. It does however lack a spark of creativity. Something even the Prequels have in fact. The broader canon has some great creativity and stories. Star Wars Rebels is pretty solid especially since they brought in Thrawn. My hope is that The Last Jedi has a bit of that creative spark. I especially wait for the inevitable Obi-Wan film which should be tailored by Dave Filoni or Peter Jackson.
To all you Lucas suporters out there: You are allowed to post all kinds of unsubstantiated apologetic flattery while I cannot express my opinion without being labelled a troll or straightout censured. You DO deserve that Lucas comes out of retirement to film a new trilogy as good as those apalling prequels. I’ll be asking you for his creativity and talent then. I swear to God.
You’re not allowed to criticize the prequels here. The only opinions that can be expressed about those movies are positive ones, all other opinions are unacceptable because the prequels came out 15-20 years ago and have therefore passed the statute of limitations on criticism according to some posters here. Criticism of the prequels indicates that you are angry, obsessive, brainwashed, hateful, bitter and ignorant. Don’t try to attack the weak scripts, acting, editing, tone, pacing, characters, excessive CGI, etc. It’s all your own fault and flawed personality that you didn’t like them. However, the time of the release of those movies has no bearing if you choose to praise those films, so feel free to praise them for eternity, those opinions will always be completely welcome and valid.
Crixxxx, you are my Yoda!
Come on Crixxxx!, we have talked about this before, don’t be like that, be positive …btw TFA have more CGI than any other 😀
seriusly after TFA and TLJ (is it still SW btw) you should show a bit of respect forprequels, at least for creativity imo
Why should I respect terrible films?
A lack of overt praise says a lot I think. He’s probably pretty biased though as any decisions he wouldn’t have made on the franchise are going to rub him up the wrong way. It’s almost like a guy watching another guy raise his kids. I think it would’ve taken a lot for him to say ‘hell, that’s the movie I would’ve made if I was doing it.’
This film is a big disappointment just watched it in uk, I give every knee Star Wars film equal and open opertunity I’m not surprised in the slightest with his comments, the force awakens gave me hope although not great….I feel like I’ve just walked out of a prequel quality film in terms of story
Glad most disagree with you.
David you are right.
Im so disapointed with eq. Snoke
The is Happens so Much. Maybe 2 movies
Again, this article, as most of them do, fail to mention the fact the interview in mention with Lucas was done in October 2015, 2 months before Lucas saw TFA, but it only aired after TFA was released. Making it look like it was a direct criticism of the movie. That should be mentioned when writing this type of article.
The prequels are masterpieces compared to these latest two installments!!! Poe should have been cut out, Leia’s stupid thing (Won’t spoil) and the silly, silly, silly end
I understand what GL would mean by “beautifully made”…. I’m torn over TLJ after the first initial viewing…. two more screenings lined up.
…… but I SO wish Carrie Fisher hadn’t tragically died last year.
It is very apparent
Everyone would love for George Lucas to run down one of the new films, but I’m sure he’s a lot more of a gentleman than to do something like that. However, it must be hard for him to keep his personal opinions to those closest around him.
I think at least, everyone who knows what is starwars about would love to see George back. The lack of George Lucas in this new movies is highly evident, and this movies feel like an imitation of star wars, with good and bad moments, but an imitation at the end of the day, in moments not even that, I feel they just don’t know how to put that missing ingredient without GL, imo.
I’ll run down this one it’s the worst Star Wars film ever
Complains about George Lucas are well known, but it is obvious that his absence is not that good for Star Wars. For all who can disagree with this, beloved ESB wich was directed by irvin kershner has GL all over it, my point is that GL is a really important ingredient in the Star Wars recipe, and the taste is very noticeable, with and without him. Some people like much of him other not too much, but still a basic inredient. I think he needs to return, JJ and GL working together may result in greatest SW movie to date.
JJ is a weak director. I wouldn’t want him to work with GL.
I say this because he’s the next director who will direct a SW movie, I’m not a fan of him, but I think que can do a great job with the right guidance, jj knows how to tell a story, technicaly, but lack of greatness, and I don’t trust Kasdan to work alone with him because he(kasdan) thinks he knows SW because he co-wrote Empire, but its clear he hasn’t, so the right path is to have George in any strong position with the hired director in this case JJ. Even if Kasdan is around.
Correction: the Charlie Rose interview was filmed BEFORE he’d seen TFA. He actually made no negative remarks at all about the film after viewing it.
I didn’t say it was the only reason, hence the “amongst other things” I used. It was, however, a complaint I saw quite a few times, that the prequels aren’t “Star Wars” enough because they didn’t have the same story beats (especially less politics, more explosions!).
Fans complained about the prequels feeling different, then complained when Disney and Lucasfilm made something too similar (kind of) to show them that they can ‘do Star Wars’. After their second complaint, they try to get quotes from the origin of their first compliant (Lucas) to justify their second. It’s just maddening to try to keep up with.