I recently watched the deleted scenes of Attack of the Clones. I was shocked at how good they were. It’s like Lucas was sick that day of shooting and the actors got to have emotion. It’s not perfect (in fact most of its cringy) but its far better than the wooden talk of the rest of the film.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LDPmS7a1UYo
Here’s a rundown of why every scene is so important.
Padme Addresses the Senate: This was replaced with the meeting between the Jedi, Padme, and Palpatine in the office. But this take is far better. It shows us the discontent in the Senate instead of telling. It is clearly explained why someone is trying to kill Padme. In the office scene, Padme just jumps to the conclusion it is Dooku, but here it’s suggested someone more sinister, possibly in the Republic, is involved, which actually sets up a mystery. Last, the scene’s end establishes some clear stakes - Palpatine pushes the debate to the next morning, making Obi-Wan and Anakin’s night watch impactful.
Jed Temple Analysis Room: Explains why Obi-Wan didn’t use the Republic’s resource and instead went to some 50s diner.
The Lost Twenty: A very good scene. This gives us a proper introduction to Count Dooku far earlier, which sets him up as an antagonist. This exposition shows us there is more to Dooku than just some generic villain. And the Jedi Librarian shows genuine emotion!
Anakin’s Nightmare: Shows us Anakin’s frequent nightmares instead of telling about all but one. This makes his trip to Tatooine more understandable.
Obi-Wan and Mace on the Landing Platform: Woah! Mace Windu is likable?
Padme’s Parent’s House: Replaced by the long “palace on a lake” BS we got in AOTC. In this version, they actually try to have chemistry. It feels like Disney Channel, but at least it feels like something! There’s even a point where they intercut Anakin and Padme talking to her father and mother, respectively, about the other. This entire scene shows us the people in the Star Wars galaxy can have emotion. It contrasts heavily with the Jedi, giving us an understanding of Anakin’s inner conflict. I’m baffled as to why it was replaced with “I don’t like sand”.
Padme’s Bedroom: Woah! Padme is likable?
Dooku Interrogates Padme: Woah! Dooku is (almost) likable? Also, the subsequent trial gives us a better understanding as to how the Separatists work and makes them less generic bad guys.
If I ever make an edit for AOTC, I’m bringing in all these scenes, and cutting out some of the pointless action beats.