When All the Galaxy Was Young - Page 2
© Paul F. McDonald
Attack of the Clones offers up mysterious new worlds like Kamino, an entire planet of rolling seas and inhabited by strange creatures with long necks and pale white bodies, and also Geonosis, which is home to insect-like aliens who live in great hives. There is also a new side of the galactic capitol of Coruscant which is introduced, including a diner and a night club. Likewise, there is a trip back to Naboo, the beautiful green world of Senator Amidala, and also to Tatooine, a desert planet that almost seems like home to those of us familiar with the saga. The galaxy opens up with every film that is produced, yet the greatest triumph of Lucas and company is that things can seem both alien and familiar at the same time. This is ultimately the essence of myth.
The mythology of Star Wars itself is greatly expanded. Attack of the Clones offers up all the things audiences around the world have come to associate with the series, such as whirling lightsabers and neat-looking spaceships, but also introduces many more levels to the ever-growing backstory. Chancellor Palpatine continues winding his way up the power chain where he will eventually become the Emperor. The childhood of a certain bounty hunter named Boba Fett is also revealed. More of the Jedi Temple is shown, including a delightful scene with Yoda teaching some young children the ways of the Force. The origins of the stormtroopers is finally expounded upon. And who would have ever thought the forbidding Darth Vader once merrily frolicked with his young lover in the fields of Naboo after enjoying a picnic?
There are many moments in the film which are delightfully self-aware. One of the most memorable lines is from Obi-Wan Kenobi, who asks Anakin why he thinks that his young apprentice is going to be the death of him. Other sly winks at fans include a look at the early plans of the Death Star and young Boba Fett holding his fallen father's helmet. And of course, the show stopper is when Yoda himself actually fights in a series of blinding fast moves, only to go back to hobbling on his cane when it is all over. The Star Wars myth is served very well, and the last shots of the wedding between Anakin and Padme are incredibly poignant and haunting.
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