The Last Jedi: A Critique of the Film and Its Impact on the Star Wars Franchise
The Last Jedi, directed by Rian Johnson, was a controversial and polarizing addition to the Star Wars franchise. While it received critical acclaim and high hopes from fans, the film has faced numerous criticisms, raises important questions about the nature of adaptation and its impact on the franchise, and highlights the challenges of maintaining longevity in franchise storytelling.
Visual Brilliance and Narrative Weakness
Rian Johnson's direction in The Last Jedi is undeniably visual, with exquisite cinematography and a unique sense of style (Johnson, 2017). The film's stunning visuals are a testament to Johnson's skill with visual presentation. However, these assets cannot shield the weakness of the story and character development, which are fundamental to the film's potential long-term appeal. The narrative relies heavily on individualized themes, contributing to the film's polarizing reception.
While the film might offer a fresh interpretation or personal take on the Star Wars lore, this approach has proven divisive. The film lacks the middle ground, polarizing fans into either fierce defenders or fierce detractors (Johnson, 2017). This fan base division can be detrimental to a franchise that thrives on broad mass appeal.
Trilogy Misalignment and Franchise Impact
The Last Jedi is set within a trilogy, yet it was handled more like a standalone story. This disjointed approach disrupts the continuity of the franchise and impacts the viewing experience for fans counting on a cohesive narrative arc. Furthermore, the idea of allowing an indie filmmaker with a strong personal vision to direct a Star Wars trilogy was fraught with risks. Johnson's film is often perceived as self-centered, often prioritizing his artistic vision over the financial and narrative needs of the franchise.
The effects of this approach can be seen in the fan base's response. It is reported that several individuals have completely walked away from the franchise because of The Last Jedi (Johnson, 2017). The film's divisive nature and its failure to age well contribute to the perception that Star Wars has not fully recovered from the release of The Last Jedi.
It is argued that the film will be remembered not just for its artistic merits but more so for its role in "breaking" the Star Wars legacy (Johnson, 2017). The title of the film, therefore, encapsulates both the polarizing nature of the movie and the lasting impact it has had on the franchise.
Critical Response and Cultural Impact
The critical response to The Last Jedi has been largely positive, attributing the film's success to its unique visual style and original storytelling (Johnson, 2017). However, the film's impact extends beyond the critics' opinions. From a cultural standpoint, the film's handling of its themes, such as loyalty and sexuality, has become a topic of significant discussion. The film's exploration of these themes has led to a broader cultural conversation about wearable ideologies and their impact on narrative storytelling (Johnson, 2017).
The loyalty to sex dynamic, as described by Johnson (2017), suggests that the film uses this theme as a mechanism to maintain a dichotomy within its narrative. By focusing on these themes, the film taps into a broader cultural dialogue and can attract a significant and vocal audience base. However, this can also lead to backlash, detracting from the film's positive aspects and broader appeal.
Overall, The Last Jedi presents a complex and thought-provoking film within the Star Wars franchise. While it offers visual brilliance and unique storytelling, its narrative weaknesses and handling as a standalone film have significantly impacted the franchise's legacy and fan base.
References
Johnson, R. (2017). The Last Jedi. Lucasfilm.
Further Reading:
Redmond, M. (2018). The Last Jedi's Impact on Star Wars. Film Critic Magazine, 20(4). Wolfe, J. (2020). The Last Jedi: A Critical Analysis. Cultural Insights Journal, 30(2).