Bitter Notes

Star Wars: the Force Awakens continues on it's march to break box office records, and many people are still questioning why.  A number of articles, reviews, and blog posts have come out since the films release that brings into question the quality of storytelling in the newest episode. Some authors point to the recycled plots, others to glaring plot holes, and a handful to more nefarious reasons This negative feedback is not just in the press; I have seen or heard similar opinions among my friends and colleagues. Even Samuel L. Jackson have leaped atop the pile. 

While all of these people are welcome to their own opinion, I was surprised when I felt a little bit of bile bubble up in my mouth every time I read one.  I really, really liked (link to previous post) the newest episode and it took every fiber of my being to avoid scribing a nasty diatribe about the authors writing and critical thinking skills while adding a jibe about whom their parents may or may not associate with when offered enough money.

We have seen this before. The prequels engendered the same reaction among fans and critics and I wonder if the feelings are justified. The original trilogy and for that matter the prequels are still out there.  It’s not like they are going away (and before you point out that you can’t purchase the originals without the added content, I would like to redirect you to eBay).

Even if Episode VII is a remake of the original trilogy (it’s not), why does it matter? We have been retelling stories for years.  There is a rich tradition of recasting the works of any number of playwrights from Classical Greek writers all the way up to modern works, why should film be any different?   Shakespeare himself often lifted plot elements (sometimes entire plots) from other sources, a habit that the film industry often uses. Lucas has stated that he used Joseph Campbell’s book The Hero’s Journey as a guide when writing Star Wars, which is a book about the similarities of many hero stories throughout history.  You could even argue that Return is a remake of A New Hope, or that ANH is itself a microcosm of the whole trilogy.

If this is the case, why do I feel like I am taking it personally when I read one of these criticisms?

There are two things going on here, but they are both rooted in where fandom beings. I started watching Star Wars when I was two or three, young enough that I don’t actually remember my first viewing. I just know that it was always there, a visual background music woven into post holidays meals, on rainy summer days, or when boredom and finances restricted our activities. The repeated viewings made it a part of the social narrative and I sought out books, comics, and video games that added to it. I either ignored or rejected anything that didn’t add to what I had already experienced. 

For me, the latest episode is a part of a rich tapestry woven tightly around every memory I care to recall, and it is hard to not take criticisms of the film as a personal attack.  The same can be said for someone who was disappointed in the latest film; it’s existence doesn’t fit with the narrative that they have built and therefore is heretical and should be rejected. Both experiences are rooted in an initial and repeated viewing of Star Wars and while they express differently, they are both just as deeply felt. 

Of course there are many things that can affect this reaction. In addition to our own, the opinions of others, either on the web or in person can warp the experience. The same goes for how you experience it for the first time. Seeing Star Wars on opening night with several hundred costumed fans is going to be different then the person who watches it alone on Netflix a year later.

The good news is the volume will get turned down on these kinds of stories as time goes on. In addition, new fans will experience Star Wars as a whole for the first time and many will make room for these new stories. And if things like the Machete cut (link)are any indication it will be these new fans who will create new justifications on how the whole thing knits together. Hopefully leading older fans into seeing things in a new light. 

While I still get rankled at negative reviews, I now understand what is going on internally and can work to avoid taking it personally.  I am curious though, what things do you feel like you have to defend to others? How and when did that thing enter into your personal narrative? How has your reactions changed over time? Leave your thoughts in the comments below.