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Filmmaker George Lucas is inarguably a genius when it comes to storytelling having created one of the biggest blockbuster franchises of all time inStar Wars. Despite gaining universal acclaim for his work on the epic space opera saga, the franchise isn’t without its drawbacks with its dialogue writing being heavily criticized over the years.
Aside from critics and fans, the franchise’s lead actors such as Harrison Ford have also called out Lucas’ dialogue writing style for not being subtle. However, the filmmaker rarely loses sleep at such complaints and has remained steadfast in his defense of his films. Here is what George Lucas had to say about the negative reactions toStar Warsdialogue.
George Lucas defended his dialogue forStar Warsdespite harsh criticisms
George Lucaslaunched theStar Warsfranchise with the 1977 original film, which was a critical and commercial success. The filmmaker completed the original trilogy in the 1980s before returning to helm the prequel trilogy, which he completed in the early 2000s.
Despite the franchise’s overwhelming success, Lucas has faced criticism for his dialogue writing,arguably at its weakest during the prequel trilogy. However, in a conversation with Paul Duncan for the bookThe Star Wars Archives, Lucas defended his writing style.
Most people don’t understand the style of Star Wars. They don’t get that there’s an underlying motif that is very much like a 1930s Western or Saturday matinee serial.
Lucas made the above statement (viaSyfy.com), explaining that the dialogue inStar Warswas meant to represent a different time of filmmaking, which had a lot more melodrama.
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Furthermore, the writer-director stated that the prequels were initially designed to be cheesy like soap operas where forbidden romance, betrayal, misunderstanding, and murder are common tropes. Therefore, the dialogue was similarly cheesy to match the soap opera pitch and tone.
Star Warsactor Harrison Ford had issues with George Lucas’ dialogue writing
While Lucas shaped the galaxy far, far away, he opted to work with an entirely new cast, exceptHarrison Fordwho was cast as the charismatic smuggler Han Solo. During an appearance at theStar Wars Celebration, Ford reflected on his time working with Lucas and admitted to having issues with the filmmaker’s dialogue.
At the event, Ford shared a panel with Lucas where he straight up criticized the filmmaker’s clunky dialogue leading to a hilarious moment between the two.
You can type this shit, but you can’t say it.
TheCaptain America: Brave New Worldactor made the above statement (viaGQ) and later admitted in an interview with the publication that he did not think Lucas cared about his criticism.
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As a result, Ford may have fueled some of the constant criticism aimed at Lucas’ dialogue writing, but the actor wasn’t out of line with his comments. Lucas himself admitted in an interview withEmpirethat he was not the best dialogue writer. However, that did not stop him from creating what is arguably the biggest blockbuster franchise of all time.
TheStar Warsmovies and TV shows are streaming on Disney+.
Pratik Handore
Content Writer
Articles Published :1773
With a keen interest in comic book movies and blockbuster franchises, Pratik usually covers news and updates on the DCU, MCU, Star Wars, and more.A die-hard fan of George Lucas and Steven Spielberg, Pratik spends most of his time exploring different storytelling mediums that invoke a sense of wonder and adventure. Other filmmakers whose works have deeply influenced him include Alfred Hitchcock, James Gunn, and Guillermo del Toro.
