It's very tricky, but try to imagine a time before Star Wars. You just can't do it can you? Well before Star Wars even made it to the big screen way back in 1977 20th Century Fox had some concerns after they conducted some market research. They decided to make Star Wars a more family-orientated film with more focus on a human story and went to Comic-Con in San Diego as they felt the attendees to that event would be the ideal target demographic. That market research certainly paid off to great effect-everyone went to see it. Normally 20th Century Fox would make a yearly profit of $37 Million. In 1977, they made $79 Million,all because of Star Wars.
When Star Wars was first released on the Wednesday before memorial day in 1977 (in America), it arrived in theaters with great reviews and excellent word-of-mouth. It didn't take long for it to become a phenomenon, taking over Jaws in the box office-a position It held till Independence Day (1996). It was a true family film - perfect for kids and parents, a throwback to the space serials of the past and a look ahead to the future of cinema. Adults appreciated Lucas' masterful, magical movie-making. Children loved the creatures and the lightsabers. Even the merchandise proved to be a monster- Star Wars was everywhere, on bed sheets, action figures, computer games and even dodgy Christmas specials. Back in the 1970's you could argue it was Hollywood's second golden age, but only Jaws and possibly the Exorcist could clam to be 'Blockbuster' films. However, neither can claim they're family films. Up steps George Lucas who'd just made a killing at the box office with American Graffiti,and so got permission to write his space opera in 1973. Lucas was influenced by the writings of Joseph Campbell who wrote about ancient Mythology. Lucas used that influence to create a cosmic western.
By now, the heroes-- Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill), Han Solo (Harrison Ford), Princess Leia (Carrie Fisher), Obi-Wan Kenobi (Alec Guinness), Chewbacca (Peter Mayhew) and the villain Darth Vader (Voiced by James Earl Jones) are all household names. These characters, familiar types with enough unique personality traits to keep them interesting, have become so well-known that a mere mention of their names anywhere in the world would spark a reaction.
Star Wars' timeless appeal lies in its easily identifiable archetypes-goodies, baddies and a princess that needs a good...rescue. Mark Hamill has stated this was the most intense picture he ever worked on. Alec Guinness also stated that making Star Wars was a bad experience and consistently claimed it was his idea to have Obi-Wan killed off as soon as possible so he wouldn't have to carry on saying those stupid lines.Even Liam Neeson - 20 years later- almost retired after filming Phantom Menace (and not because of Jar Jar Binks). But we've all know for ages that Lucas doesn't make actors movies. He makes big, blockbuster movies. Since 1977, there have been many, many science fiction films, but none have managed to compete with Star Wars. Star Wars stands alone and triumphant, regardless of how many films try to take its crown.
Star Wars remains one of the greatest films ever made. It's still re-watchable after nearly 30 years and will probably still be watchable long after our time has passed.
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