Why Anakin Was a Child in 'The Phantom Menace': Unveiling the Reasons Behind Lucas’s Choice
George Lucas had a specific vision for Anakin Skywalker in 'The Phantom Menace,' the first film in the Star Wars prequel trilogy. Here, we explore the reasons behind Lucas’s decision to portray Anakin as a young boy, and how this choice shaped the characters we know today as both Anakin and Darth Vader.
Why George Lucas Chose a Young Anakin
According to George Lucas, he wanted to present Anakin as a young boy because it would make the separation from his mother, Schmi, more traumatic. He believed that an older Anakin wouldn’t be as deeply affected by such a loss, and hence, the pivotal moment in his arc wouldn’t be as impactful. Lucas wanted to show the evolution of Darth Vader, starting from the beginning of the character's journey on the planet Tatooine. This early childhood experience, for Lucas, was a crucial step in shaping Anakin’s personality and his eventual fall to the Dark Side.
Adjusting the Script for a Young Anakin
Lucas's intention to base the story on a young Anakin was not just whimsical; it was rooted in his belief that early childhood events can deeply influence a person's personality. By focusing on Anakin's childhood, Lucas wanted to provide a comprehensive background for his actions and decisions throughout the Star Wars saga.
Early Childhood and Personality Development
Psychologists and developmental experts agree that early childhood—especially between 9 and 12 years old—plays a significant role in forming a person's character. During this period, children are more impressionable and susceptible to the traumas and emotional experiences they face. Lucas understood this and used it to create a compelling narrative for Anakin. He believed that by making Anakin a young boy, the story of his rise to Darth Vader would be more dramatic and relatable.
Lucas’s Argumentative Stance
Some argue that Lucas could have chosen an older Anakin, but that would have lessened the impact of his defining moments in 'The Phantom Menace.' Scholars and fans have debated this point, with many supporting Lucas's original vision. The choice to make Anakin a young boy in the first film was a conscious decision to create a compelling narrative arc that would resonate with audiences.
Lucas’s Vision and Financial Investment
Lucas himself stated in a Vanity Fair interview that he wanted to show how Anakin ended up making a pact with the devil by the time of Episode III. By portraying Anakin as a young boy in 'The Phantom Menace,' Lucas provided the necessary background for the character's eventual transformation. He believed that this approach would make the audience more invested in his story.
Performance and Investment
Lucas was fully invested in the performance of Jake Lloyd, the actor who played Anakin in 'The Phantom Menace.' The director was willing to spend his own money to ensure that Lloyd’s performance met his expectations. This investment shows that Lucas was committed to his vision and believed that the young Anakin was the right choice for the character.
Age Differences and Realism
The age differences in ‘The Phantom Menace’ were realistic, with Padmé being 14 and Anakin 9. When they started a romantic relationship, Anakin was 19, making Padmé 25. This age difference is not uncommon and adds an element of realism to the film, making the relationship more believable.
In conclusion, George Lucas’s decision to make Anakin a young boy in 'The Phantom Menace' was a deliberate choice that shaped the character’s arc in the Star Wars saga. Through this decision, Lucas aimed to provide a compelling narrative that would resonate with audiences and set the stage for Anakin’s eventual transformation into Darth Vader.