King of Hollywood

Chapter 434: Chapter 156 Discussion on the Star Wars Prequels

“My opinion is to move this scene forward, preferably to the first installment—just hear me out, George? Great, let’s continue. The entire prequel trilogy is mainly about how Anakin Skywalker was discovered by Qui-Gon Jinn and how he fell to the dark side of The Force, right?” In George Lucas’s conference room, in front of several heads of the Star Wars Prequel and screenwriters, Adrian spoke confidently. “Considering the whole concept, Anakin witnessed his mother’s murder and, after taking revenge contrary to the Jedi Knight’s code, became fearful, worried that his wife Padme Amidala would meet the same fate. Therefore, he sought a permanent solution which led him to sink into the dark side of The Force. Then, under Palpatine’s enticement, he became Darth Vader, which is basically self-consistent. But the problem is whether the process of change is convincing to the audience?”

At this point, he glanced around the conference room, picked up a marker pen, wrote the names of Anakin and his mother on the whiteboard, and then drew an arrow with a few words: “First off, we can be certain that Anakin has a strong Oedipus complex.”

A few snickers erupted in the conference room, Lucas shrugged his shoulders, but Adrian continued undisturbed: “His falling in love with Amidala, who is at least ten years his senior, is the best proof. So, do you think the shock of his mother dying in the arms of an adult him is enough? Enough for Palpatine to sway him with just a few words?”

He immediately wrote down the name of the Sith Monarch and pointed an arrow at Anakin, and drew a question mark on the way back. The screenwriters appeared thoughtful; several minutes later, one of them began to explain, “According to Mr. Lucas’s settings, Anakin is a very sensitive person, which is why he has such remarkable control over The Force. Even a very strong person wouldn’t easily recover from watching their mother, who they depended on, die before their eyes.”

“Of course, I’m not questioning the rationality of this setting; I’m just asking how to show it,” Adrian said with a smile, making a gesture, “I’m not doubting George’s directing ability, but if the plot is condensed too much, then inevitably some elements will be sacrificed when it’s brought to the screen. Audiences sometimes don’t understand the creator’s painstaking efforts; they’ll just think it’s unreasonable for Palpatine’s few words to convince Anakin to betray.”

“Let’s hear your opinion then, Ed,” Lucas interrupted another screenwriter, grinning at Adrian, “stop hiding it.”

“As you wish, sir.” Adrian placed his hands behind his back and gave a purposely respectful bow, his amusing demeanor immediately eliciting laughter.

“My opinion is simple, make the whole process more straightforward and intense, bring the mother’s death forward to the first part. The slavemaster or someone else, like those who lost the race, want revenge for various reasons and then attack Anakin’s group. Of course, with Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan present, neither Anakin nor Amidala, disguised as a handmaiden, gets hurt, but his mother is unfortunately killed right in front of him. And because of the Sith Apprentice’s assault, Anakin can’t even tend to his mother’s body. By the second installment, Anakin, who often dreams of his mother’s murder, encounters the attackers by chance while tracking down the Clone Army, and in a fit of rage, kills them all. This way, when he is worried about Amidala’s situation and tempted by Palpatine, it will be much more convincing.” Adrian said all this in one breath.

The people present couldn’t help but look thoughtful again; indeed, a child is like clay, highly malleable, and the shadows cast in their youth often accompany them for a lifetime. Such treatment would be more persuasive and coherent from a logical standpoint.

“And there’s also the possibility of having Amidala comforting young Anakin, which would make their later union more natural,” Adrian added.

This was another point worth considering, and after the screenwriters whispered among themselves and consulted with other heads, they unanimously turned towards George Lucas. Clearly, they all thought Adrian’s suggestions were reasonable, but it wasn’t enough for them to think so; Lucas was the boss here.

“This suggestion is worth considering.” After several more minutes of thought, Lucas gave his verdict, followed by a jolly stand-up and a strong pat on Adrian’s shoulder: “Worthy of an ace screenwriter, asking for your help was indeed the right choice.”

“It’s just easier to notice issues from a bystander’s perspective,” Adrian said modestly, “and finding problems is the easiest part; solving them is what truly matters. I’ve merely made a suggestion; how to execute it is up to you. If there’s the slightest error, it might end up displeasing.”