The Star Wars Sequels: Criticism and Controversy
Over the past decade, the Star Wars franchise has seen a tumultuous period, particularly during its sequel period. Much of the controversy stemmed from critical receptions of films like The Last Jedi and The Rise of Skywalker. This article delves into the reasons behind these controversial films and explores their impact on the franchise's popularity and fanbase.
Unfavorable Reception of The Last Jedi
The Last Jedi (2017) faced widespread fan backlash for its storyline and character portrayals. Fans were particularly critical of the depiction of the iconic character, Luke Skywalker. In the film, Luke was portrayed as a disenchanted and flawed figure who abandoned his former heroic pedestal. Critics and some fans alike appreciated this departure from the traditional hero trope, which was meant to humanize the character and offer a more complex narrative. However, many loyal Star Wars fans found this subversion deeply disappointing and even offensive.
Many of the controversial scenes were designed to cast Luke in a less favorable light, particularly in his actions during the final battle. The iconic Jedi master is shown to be a bitter, pessimistic hermit who deflects his lightsaber in anger, a decision that alienated many fans. Additionally, the morally questionable scene where he milks an alien sea cow and drinks its milk was seen as an attempt to bring him down to human, or rather alien, level. This approach was met with intense criticism, as many fans felt it disrespected their attachment to the character and the franchise.
Defining The Last Jedi as a Filmmaker's Vision
Director Rian Johnson crafted The Last Jedi with an intent to challenge the traditional narrative of aspirational heroes. According to Johnson and his peers in the filmmaking community, modern audiences often seek unrealistic, perfect heroes and would benefit from a more pragmatic and less idealized portrayal. This socio-philosophical perspective, however, did not sit well with many Star Wars fans, who felt that their beloved characters and mythology were being disrespected.
The Last Jedi served as a bold statement from Rian Johnson: "I know exactly what you want to see and I think it's stupid. I’m going to give you what I think you need instead." This approach, while artfully crafted, failed to resonate with the fanbase who felt the movie went against the very essence of what made Star Wars so loved in the first place. The film's reception highlights the delicate balance between artistic vision and fan expectations in the realm of continuity-driven franchises.
Complications with The Rise of Skywalker
The divisive nature of The Last Jedi continued into The Rise of Skywalker (2019), which saw J.J. Abrams return to the helm. While The Last Jedi had its intentional subversions, The Rise of Skywalker stood out for its lack of coherence and abrupt conclusion. This film furthered the franchise's reputation for convoluted narratives and unanswered questions.
Arguably, The Rise of Skywalker was a lazy attempt at salvage, lacking the depth and substance needed to conclude the trilogy satisfactorily. It's often critiqued for relying on overused spectacle and preposterous plot twists, which failed to address the pendulum swings in storytelling seen in previous films. J.J. Abrams, known for his stylistic and narrative prowess, was accused of bowing to fan demand without adequately considering the broader narrative arc of the series.
Despite its flaws, The Rise of Skywalker could not completely erase the impact of The Last Jedi. The latter film's intention to humanize and subvert traditional heroic narratives left a lasting and polarizing impression on fans and critics alike. These two films, The Last Jedi and The Rise of Skywalker, illustrate the dilemma of balancing innovative storytelling with fan expectations in a beloved franchise.
Conclusion: The Future of Star Wars
Reflecting on the sequels, it's evident that creative vision and fan satisfaction are challenging to align, especially in a franchise as vast and beloved as Star Wars. The controversy surrounding The Last Jedi and The Rise of Skywalker suggests that filmmakers need a delicate balance when addressing fan sentiments and artistic ambitions.
For The Last Jedi, Rian Johnson's vision, while audacious, was notably at odds with the traditional narrative of Star Wars. It's worth considering that the subversion was perhaps too radical for the brand. On the other hand, The Rise of Skywalker focused more on addressing fan demands for closure, albeit in a haphazard and disappointing manner.
The Star Wars sequels serve as a cautionary tale for both creators and fans. Critics may commend artistic integrity, but it's crucial to maintain the emotional and narrative continuity that fans have come to expect from this iconic series.