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George Lucas quips he sold 'Star Wars' to "white slavers," criticizes tone of TFA
- Thread starter Enter the Dragon Punch
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Liquidsnake
Banned
Yet probably true from a certain point of view.
Subpar Spatula
Banned
Shall we go down the influence hole?
Lolol. I really hope all you guys talking shit about TFA don't bother going to the next one. The whining and nitpicking has been insufferable around here.
HoodWinked
Gold Member
i think hes actually kind of right. TFA is a good "star wars movie" but its parallels makes it so derivative to ANH.
http://www.neogaf.com/forum/showpost.php?p=189839624&postcount=13391
http://www.neogaf.com/forum/showpost.php?p=189839624&postcount=13391
LoveCake
Member
I remember something about Lucas complaining/moaning because every-time he changed something in the original films the fans would moan about the changes he had made to "his" films.
He knew exactly what Disney were going to do, release movie after movie, maybe he is regretting selling it for so little in hindsight.
The best thing imo George could have done is in 1983 lock up the masters & give somebody else the key & move on to new projects & never return to the Star Wars universe, the original films in their original state were perfection.
He knew exactly what Disney were going to do, release movie after movie, maybe he is regretting selling it for so little in hindsight.
The best thing imo George could have done is in 1983 lock up the masters & give somebody else the key & move on to new projects & never return to the Star Wars universe, the original films in their original state were perfection.
Star Wars had so many more inspirations than that lmao. You're missing the most important one.
Lucas forgot how to make a good star wars movie though so we kind of had to start over.
Dash_Riprock
Member
Lucas' car accident?
2008-2012 was definitely my low point of interest in the franchise. I never cared to get very far into the books, because I always wanted post-VI cinematic content. I'd read the Thrawn Trilogy (both as a kid and as a teenager) and a few other stories of varying quality, like Darksaber and the Hand duology. Eh. I was impressed at times but left very cold overall. I'm a lover of TV and cinema above all and that's what Star Wars will always be in my mind -- choreographed goodness with actors and special effects and music and all those other things.
The perennial prequel stigma tied in, but because I was just losing interest at such an alarming rate anyway, I wasn't even dwelling on my final analyses of those movies. (I still find them to be fun watches, with the exception of 15-20 minutes from each film, which are especially bad.)
October 2012 changed all that. Suddenly there was a plan to do exactly what I'd wanted since I was a child and my jaw dropped at the news for a solid half an hour. I feel bad for the EU souls who still twitch at the thought that all their journeys are "Legends" status now, but damn, I was finally getting what I wanted.
I agree with George Lucas that TFA is too much of a remix, but I still really like the movie. More crucially (by far): I am extremely excited about Star Wars again.
The perennial prequel stigma tied in, but because I was just losing interest at such an alarming rate anyway, I wasn't even dwelling on my final analyses of those movies. (I still find them to be fun watches, with the exception of 15-20 minutes from each film, which are especially bad.)
October 2012 changed all that. Suddenly there was a plan to do exactly what I'd wanted since I was a child and my jaw dropped at the news for a solid half an hour. I feel bad for the EU souls who still twitch at the thought that all their journeys are "Legends" status now, but damn, I was finally getting what I wanted.
I agree with George Lucas that TFA is too much of a remix, but I still really like the movie. More crucially (by far): I am extremely excited about Star Wars again.
Trojita
Rapid Response Threadmaker
People keep on mentioning the money, but he didn't even sell it for the money. The money that was asked for the property was a sum to all go to charity. The 4 Billion figure (I think it was less than that though around 3.5-38 Billion) was considered among anyone with a notion of property value as a ridiculous deal. No one in there right mind would sell a property like Star Wars for that amount. It's a bargain, especially for a powerful company like Disney. It was chump change to the max.
And that right there should tell you how crazy George Lucas really is.
And that right there should tell you how crazy George Lucas really is.
OricWindstar
Member
Flash Gordon.
Lokimaru
Member
and why he was keen to have everyone walk around new and exciting cg hallways big enough where they couldn't interact with anything... but it doesn't matter, because it's new!
Would you rather a Matte painting? Hell there's a part in ROTJ were you can clearly see Lando walking to a wall with a Matte painting of the Falcon on it when they're about to assualt the second Death Star. At least CGI can Move.
Is this where I cosign to shame everyone else as dehumanizing mongrels?
But seriously, the shit people give him can be beyond absurd.
http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/star_wars_episode_vii_the_force_awakens/
Even the critics who liked it noted how similar it is to earlier films. Some of you are acting like an injustice has occurred because this film hasn't been shit on by more people.
The franchise you neglected to mention is the reason he made Star Wars.
TDLink
Member
He's not wrong. The problem the prequels had is that no one helped him out. He wrote and directed every single one, unlike the original trilogy. He also was surrounded by yes men who basically didn't question anything he wanted to do or input ideas of their own. It's easy to not see the forest from the trees at that point.
The prequels in concept aren't a bad idea. The overall narrative and character themes presented are good. They're creative. And they make sense. The problem is the execution of those concepts. Lucas is good at ideas but he can't really write. That's why the dialogue is extremely poor. He cast some great actors and they did they best they could, but it's hard to save a poor script. I think with another writer cleaning up the scripts and someone else involved in making creative decisions (along with him) the prequels would have been much better.
They had a lot of creative ideas. From what has gone around on the Internet my understanding is that Lucas asked around for others writers and directors but no one wanted to help him bring his vision of the prequels to life. Probably due to the pressure of Star Wars being this huge "important" franchise. It's a shame that no one helped him out, because I think that's really all he needed.
Look at the Clone Wars TV series. Same exact thing. Lucas came up with a lot of concepts for that show, was heavily involved in the creative decisions all through the end. But he had a talented team of writers working on the scripts and Dave Filoni leading the thrust of the project. And the series turned out great. I think this is what Lucas needed on the Prequels.
I sort of wonder why he didn't consider retaining ownership of the property but allowing Disney to make and profit off of his ideas. From what we know of him, that seems like it would have been the best solution. I also imagine that Disney would have jumped at that in a heartbeat also.
The prequels in concept aren't a bad idea. The overall narrative and character themes presented are good. They're creative. And they make sense. The problem is the execution of those concepts. Lucas is good at ideas but he can't really write. That's why the dialogue is extremely poor. He cast some great actors and they did they best they could, but it's hard to save a poor script. I think with another writer cleaning up the scripts and someone else involved in making creative decisions (along with him) the prequels would have been much better.
They had a lot of creative ideas. From what has gone around on the Internet my understanding is that Lucas asked around for others writers and directors but no one wanted to help him bring his vision of the prequels to life. Probably due to the pressure of Star Wars being this huge "important" franchise. It's a shame that no one helped him out, because I think that's really all he needed.
Look at the Clone Wars TV series. Same exact thing. Lucas came up with a lot of concepts for that show, was heavily involved in the creative decisions all through the end. But he had a talented team of writers working on the scripts and Dave Filoni leading the thrust of the project. And the series turned out great. I think this is what Lucas needed on the Prequels.
I sort of wonder why he didn't consider retaining ownership of the property but allowing Disney to make and profit off of his ideas. From what we know of him, that seems like it would have been the best solution. I also imagine that Disney would have jumped at that in a heartbeat also.
John Kowalski
Banned
Dang people are really angry at George. Not surprising but you'd think people would take the time to understand his opinion of things at least without immediately going into "better than anything you'd make" mode, if they're such fans of the franchise.
I still don't have a strong opinion on TFA but frankly, even just coming out of the movie it was clear that though there were elements in it that were very strong, like the main characters for example, the movie did not work with those new elements and ended up less than the sum of its parts. I don't have a high opinion of the rest of the franchise to be honest, as Lucas puts it they are quite literally movies for a young audience who doesn't have a formed view of the world, but they had a measure of heart and honesty about themselves that TFA simply didn't satisfy. And, again, as has been said already, so deeply entrenched in what Star Wars is to the culture at large that is has no strength to sustain itself separate from it. Which i guess is how movies are these days, built on top of their audience and using it to keep the supports up until the sequel comes out.
I still don't have a strong opinion on TFA but frankly, even just coming out of the movie it was clear that though there were elements in it that were very strong, like the main characters for example, the movie did not work with those new elements and ended up less than the sum of its parts. I don't have a high opinion of the rest of the franchise to be honest, as Lucas puts it they are quite literally movies for a young audience who doesn't have a formed view of the world, but they had a measure of heart and honesty about themselves that TFA simply didn't satisfy. And, again, as has been said already, so deeply entrenched in what Star Wars is to the culture at large that is has no strength to sustain itself separate from it. Which i guess is how movies are these days, built on top of their audience and using it to keep the supports up until the sequel comes out.
Not surprised about the slavers comment - read his commentary on trying to make Red Tails and how he couldn't even get a studio to do it because it had (vast majority) black protagonists. (Story about the Tuskegee Airmen).
The best part of all of this is you get to hear all the "Lucas is racist" commentary...except this is a dude who spent his own money trying to push representation in film long before it became a talking point and a way to try to sell things.
As for selling Lucasfilm - he wanted to retire and he turned around the day after he sold it and donated all the money he got from the sale - so he didn't do it for the money. (Dude's hella rich and a hippie)
Even as someone who freaking loves TFA (seen it 3x, hope to see it 3x more at least) - it is a re-boot of ANH in 2015 ultimately. Had the prequels not lowered expectations so badly for those who grew up on the original trilogy; it would have been received far, far worse.
I believe when the deal was made, the value for Lucasfilm was in the 16-20 billion dollar range.
He wanted to retire, primarily, and do indy stuff without much press or oversight. As for the pre-quels; I think you hit the nail on the head. If you ever get a chance to read the Rinzler books on the making of ANH / ESB / ROTJ - you can a) see where Disney copped a TON of his original ANH ideas, including Luke/Leia being a combined character and a woman and Han being a black male ex-stormtrooper (and no Obi-Wan ish character) and b) how he freaking HATED having to write ANH. He loves being an editor and an oversight guy, but he hated writing ANH when he had to.
The best part of all of this is you get to hear all the "Lucas is racist" commentary...except this is a dude who spent his own money trying to push representation in film long before it became a talking point and a way to try to sell things.
As for selling Lucasfilm - he wanted to retire and he turned around the day after he sold it and donated all the money he got from the sale - so he didn't do it for the money. (Dude's hella rich and a hippie)
Even as someone who freaking loves TFA (seen it 3x, hope to see it 3x more at least) - it is a re-boot of ANH in 2015 ultimately. Had the prequels not lowered expectations so badly for those who grew up on the original trilogy; it would have been received far, far worse.
I believe when the deal was made, the value for Lucasfilm was in the 16-20 billion dollar range.
He wanted to retire, primarily, and do indy stuff without much press or oversight. As for the pre-quels; I think you hit the nail on the head. If you ever get a chance to read the Rinzler books on the making of ANH / ESB / ROTJ - you can a) see where Disney copped a TON of his original ANH ideas, including Luke/Leia being a combined character and a woman and Han being a black male ex-stormtrooper (and no Obi-Wan ish character) and b) how he freaking HATED having to write ANH. He loves being an editor and an oversight guy, but he hated writing ANH when he had to.
CreeperBlocks
Banned
I'm afraid of what a George Lucas Directed The Force Awakens would look like.
Space Politics, Actors not allowed to emote, stupid fucking joke characters,underdeveloped characters. If George Lucas directed Episode Seven it would be a mess
Space Politics, Actors not allowed to emote, stupid fucking joke characters,underdeveloped characters. If George Lucas directed Episode Seven it would be a mess
Dash_Riprock
Member
I'm screaming!
TangoAlphaLima
Member
George, Tatooine is in 5 of the 6 movies you made!
HP_Wuvcraft
Banned
Exactly. New ships and new planets wouldn't make SW new. It's just expanding on an already established universe. If indeed he is salty or showing regret. This is all on him. He approached Disney and took a 4 billion dollar check. He had his chance with the prequels and fan reception was bad.
What Disney did with TFA worked. Very positive reviews and very positive WOM and it's making a shit ton of money. All while introducing this saga to a new generation. Setting up new characters, making those characters likable and setting up everything for the other two movies.
I can see Lucas being upset about "the breakup" so to speak. I mean this is your baby. Star Wars blew up into something no one could have seen coming. But I think he's learning to let go.
NOLA_Gaffer
Banned
He's right, in a way.
The internet seems to have decided that the prequels were garbage, but at least they went out of their way to switch things up in terms of environments, characters, ship designs, and more. The Force Awakens was more or less a beat-for-beat retread of A New Hope
The internet seems to have decided that the prequels were garbage, but at least they went out of their way to switch things up in terms of environments, characters, ship designs, and more. The Force Awakens was more or less a beat-for-beat retread of A New Hope
OricWindstar
Member
I got your joke. I was saying the answer the original poster only alluded to for some reason.
I still don't think he understands why the prequels got trashed on hearing this.
TFA got raves because the characters were lively, breezy and it was an all round fun adventure. Like the originals were. Sure it was set against a familiar backdrop but the comment from Lucas that 'he worked hard to make different planets...ships...' etc is missing the point.
You can get the artists to paint a green planet George. A blue planet. Animate a black ship. A pink ship. The direction George. Your direction of the PT blew goats. Hell I'd argue that with the same script and letting them do their own thing, the prequels could have been great under different direction. But it wasnt to be, and yes I'm aware he originally fielded TPM out to others.
So now we have a Death star 3, in addition to the ones George introduced and then recycled. Big deal - its all in the journey and I want to see Reys / Ridleys journey now almost as much as I wanted to see Hamill return upon the announcement. Thats the best compliment I can pay the makers of TFA
TFA got raves because the characters were lively, breezy and it was an all round fun adventure. Like the originals were. Sure it was set against a familiar backdrop but the comment from Lucas that 'he worked hard to make different planets...ships...' etc is missing the point.
You can get the artists to paint a green planet George. A blue planet. Animate a black ship. A pink ship. The direction George. Your direction of the PT blew goats. Hell I'd argue that with the same script and letting them do their own thing, the prequels could have been great under different direction. But it wasnt to be, and yes I'm aware he originally fielded TPM out to others.
So now we have a Death star 3, in addition to the ones George introduced and then recycled. Big deal - its all in the journey and I want to see Reys / Ridleys journey now almost as much as I wanted to see Hamill return upon the announcement. Thats the best compliment I can pay the makers of TFA
DrGonzo615
Banned
This is pretty much where I am at. The Force Awakens was fun and gave us some great characters to work with, but they better go in new and interesting directions. I dont want an attempt at remaking Empire as the next film.
Estocolmo
Member
I agree with you and Lucas, thats my biggest problem with The Force Awakens. The story is just to similar to A New Hope with some parts of Episode 5 mixed in there.
You can say whatever you want about the prequels but the story is atleast original and not copy paste from the original trilogy.
Why wouldn't he be? He's George Lucas. You write a script and he puts his name on your movie, it will sell big time. Granted the prequels were crap, to deny what he has done, and what kind of power his name would have is crazy.
Discotheque
Banned
the force awakens would be like rebooting bond with Spectre tbh (though force awakens was much more enjoyable than that and better received)
if this was a casino royale level sequel it would be hailed as possibly the best star wars film. man if rian johnson pulls something off on that kind of level....all eyes on him now.
Shot, reverse shot, people talking in hallways, people talking on couches. And yes, plenty of shot-for-shot recalls to the original trilogy.
Yeah... All I see in threads like this is a bunch of pigs crawling through mud and squealing.
I believe the Star Wars fandom could very well be the worst of their kind.
Dash_Riprock
Member
You were saying?
And yet you keep posting in these threads you hate so much...
DiipuSurotu
Banned
Luke is basically George Lucas.
From the other TFA thread:
From the other TFA thread:
Aureon said:
ViewtifulJC
Banned
imagine a MGS fan saying this
lol, His The Clone Wars stories shit on TFA and those are very recent.
OricWindstar
Member
Just to be clear, I don't hate Lucas. He's just been saying a lot of silly things lately.
I mean - look, we live in a world where we made GI Joe movies and Transformers movies (4!) and Marvel movies and TMNT 2. Nostalgia is freaking king right now. Having TFA heavily be a reboot / throwback to ANH was a pretty good idea in terms of the audience.
NOLA_Gaffer
Banned
I didn't claim that any of the prequels were good, mind you, only that they didn't follow the basic plot outline of any of the original films to the extent that The Force Awakens did.
My girlfriend was obsessed with this film for like six months. So weird.
You're taking it to literal. I'm just hoping the sequels don't suck. Especially since they're going to be occurring so rapidly. I'm actually even more worried considering they're going to be veering off the path towards some new shit of their own, or at least I hope they do.
I think too many fans are not looking at the film from the point of view of someone who has never seen Star Wars before. It captures the same magic when we saw new hope for the first time, and that's a perfect introduction to the series for a young audience.
Sectorseven
Member
Would you rather a Matte painting? Hell there's a part in ROTJ were you can clearly see Lando walking to a wall with a Matte painting of the Falcon on it when they're about to assualt the second Death Star. At least CGI can Move.
That's a poor lighting job, likely the result of that whole production being rushed and only getting one take.
Already Torn
Banned
That last line is great. "Nobody cares George"
Freshmaker
I am Korean.
I don't think a Wookie tank and a smelting planet were suitable replacements for film-making and story.
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