Written Analysis 5

It seems that a lot of popular culture theories we studied and wrote about for our topic choices fit the “Star Wars” films well.  It is difficult to figure out which theories best related to “Star Wars.”  I think if I had to pick the best ones, they would be the theories of rituals, heroes, and formulas.

            Rituals I would choose because they are all over the “Star Wars” saga.  You have the “Force” which causes Jedi knights and sith lords to meditate about certain things, which is a common ritual in the saga.  We also see the lightsaber, which is a Jedi’s right to passage.

            Heroes is a great theory for “Star Wars” because they are obviously all over in the saga, just like any other action-adventure tale.  Luke Skywalker, Han Solo, Princess Leia, Obi-Wan Kenobi, and even new characters like Rey and Finn are heroes.  The series even had anti-heroes like Anakin Skywalker.  There are several heroes the series had.  Too many to mention.  How can you not think of the theory of heroes as being one of the best theories used in “Star Wars?”

            Formulas are also obviously one of the best theories for the saga.  It’s pretty easy to pick out that “Star Wars” fits into science fiction and action-adventure.  It even has a little bit of the romance formula in it when you look at the relationships between Anakin and Padme or Han Solo and Leia.  When we think of science fiction, we usually think of going to distant planets, meeting different creatures, and even politicizing the universe.  Sometimes we even picture space battles in this formula, and the space battles also fit the action-adventure formula.  Its main formula is, of course, the science fiction formula and you notice this right away.  Some who have never seen it know it as science fiction.

            I think for me, the most interesting findings with these analyzes is discovering its formulas.  Before, I just looked at it as just having the science-fiction formula and nothing more, but in looking back on the entire “Star Wars” saga, there are many formulas that are used that I didn’t necessarily think about until I started writing this.  Science Fiction, Action Adventure, Romance all fit the saga of “Star Wars.”  The formula of “Fantasy” might also fit for “Star Wars,” and I’m sure the list can go on.

            How differently will I think of the “Star Wars” saga now?  I’m not too sure.  However, understanding the different formulas used in it helps me to understand some of the reasons why it's so popular.  It’s a swashbuckling fantasy tale, which also has a little bit of romance in it.  This is also why people flock to go see “Pirates of the Carribean,” “Lord of The Rings,” and “Harry Potter,” among other adventurous, magical, romantic films wrapped up into one.

References

Columbus, C. (Director), & Heyman, D. (Producer). (2001). Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone [BluRay]. United States: Warner Bros. Pictures.

Jackson, P. (Director), Jackson, P., Osborne, B.M., Walsh, F., & Sanders, T. (Producer). (2001). Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring [BluRay]. United States: New Line Cinema.

Lucas, G. (Director), & Kurtz, G. (Producer). (1977). Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope [BluRay]. United States: 20^th Century Fox.

Verbinski, G. (Director), & Bruckheimer, J. (Producer). (2003). Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl [BluRay]. United States: Buena Vista Pictures Distribution.