IT’S THE BLUE INTERTITLE PROCLAIMING “A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away…” It’s the concept of the Force: nakedly nondual, essentially Taoist, but not preachy about it. It’s the costumes. It’s the sets (even the CGI ones, but especially those of handmade origin). It’s the original spaceship designs. It’s the lightsaber battles, especially the long-awaited-by-fans Darth Vader v. Obi-wan Kenobi duel in Episode III. It’s the way each film ups the special-effects ante for the whole film industry. It’s the details. It’s the recycled sounds; especially for R2D2, the jawas, various droids, etc. (It’s also the Wilhelm Scream.) It’s the sound effects themselves. It’s the endless variety of droids. It’s the slow slide from Anakin Skywalker to Darth Vader. It’s Luke’s line in Episode VI: “I am a Jedi — like my father before me.” It’s the original aliens (and their various languages). It’s anticipating the line, “I have a bad feeling about this.” It’s the completeness and ingenuity of the illusion. It’s the fun of hating on Jar-Jar Binks (and the prequels in general). It’s the soundtrack. It’s the Art-Deco look of the Republic. It’s the lived-in look of the universe in general. And it’s the instant bond between Star Wars fans everywhere, no matter their age or background.
Those Who Know, Chuckle.
