Notes on Cinema: That’s no moon. It’s a space station.

Before George Lucas made Star Wars (1977), he wanted to adapt the classic sci-fi serial Flash Gordon, a story about a man whisked away on a space adventure to rescue a princess and combat evil forces. 

He was unable to secure the rights to Flash Gordon, so he began developing his own pulp sci-fi story, called Journal of the Whills, Part I; little did he know it would go on to become the massive cultural phenomenon: Star Wars. 

Lucas’ film has inspired many and changed the landscape of cinema with its groundbreaking techniques and special effects. He continues to inspire filmmakers, but if we look at his inspirations, we begin to gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of his accomplishments. 

Lucas was a fan of Akira Kurosawa and was influenced by his films. 

Kurosawa’s The Hidden Fortress (1958) takes place during a war between two clans, where a couple of peasants get swept up into the fray and end up escorting a princess and her bodyguard to her hidden fortress.

In Star Wars, we are introduced to two droids, R2-D2 and C-3PO, who then find a bodyguard, Obi-Wan Kenobi, who must rescue Princess Leia and get her to a hidden rebel base. 

Lucas even uses the same cuts, transitions and scene blocking from The Hidden Fortress in Star Wars.

The films of John Ford have a strong influence on Lucas in developing character. 

Ford’s film The Searchers (1956) follows Ethan Edward, a veteran of the Civil War, looking for his niece after she was captured. 

The similarities between Ethan and Star Wars’ Han Solo, being a gruff man on the outskirts of society and in terms of character development, can be found here. 

Lucas then uses a similar shot composition to the iconic final scene of The Searchers in his Binary Sunset, but masterfully reinterprets its intent in Star Wars. Ethan looks into the homestead, wanting to join his family, but doesn’t feel he belongs, and leaves, while Luke looks off to the distance, wanting to leave his home feeling as though he is destined to something bigger. 

These films are just the tip of the iceberg in exploring what helped create Star Wars, as Lucas was influenced by novels, comics, films, religion and technology to create the film many love today. 

The movie from 1977 would go on to continue shaping cinema with a multitude of films, a regrettable Christmas special, and a variety of television series. 

This month, a new film, The Mandalorian and Grogu, will continue the adventures of Star Wars, four days before its 49th anniversary.