Movie Analysis:
"Star
Wars Episode 1: The Phantom Menace"
Review by Katharine
E. Monahan Huntley
The real menace
in the latest Star Wars saga is the non-existent Dramatica grand
argument story. There is an objective story, although I'm
not quite sure if the problems stem from Queen Amidala and her planet
Naboo's intolerable situation (universe), or the action packed
endeavor (physics) to restore "peace and prosperity."
Unfortunately, I fell asleep during the battle scenes and spaceship
chases (heresy!) exhausted from the effort of determining: Who is the
main character?
Anakin Skywalker,
Obi-Wan Kenobi, Qui-Gon Jinn? All contenders for main or obstacle
character-no clear winner. My instinct (which Qui-Gon encourages
us to use) is that Obi Wan and Anakin are hand-off main characters with
Qui-Gon acting as the obstacle character. A relationship between the
two sets of characters is in place, however neither is developed enough
to present a well-defined subjective story.
Before his demise,
Qui-Gon charges Obi-Wan with the responsibility of training Anakin for
Jedi Knighthood-perhaps that will be the subjective story for George
Lucas' next episode. Then again, it could be the love story between
Anakin (Darth Vader) and Amidala.
I am certain that
Star Wars Episode I-The Phantom Menace is a success story
(outcome). John Williams' musical score tells us so.
"Odd"
(and annoying) Jar Jar Binks asserts "Maxi big, the Force,"
but without an argument explored from other than the objective point
of view, the story is just a mirage. A phantom, if you will.
Note: An analysis for
the original Star Wars is available in the Dramatica 3.0 software Story
Examples folder.
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