For the most part, I don’t think it contradicts the chronology of the original too much. Besides, my approach to editing Hayden to be more like Lanter isn’t really in adhering to TCW like gospel, but rather re-introducing him as the same character. You’re never going to get the same mannerisms or overall vibe/demeanor between the two men, but you have to be able to believe that these two interpretations occupy the same space and role within the world. It’s more than removing something Lanter’s Anakin wouldn’t say, it’s editing characters to treat Hayden like Lanter’s Anakin, and giving him things to say and do that Lanter might’ve. The adjusted chronology is a way to establish Hayden in that same role, where the theatrical builds off of Attack of the Clones. Think of it as establishing the character to someone who had never seen TCW, and how they would get who that Anakin was without having seen it themselves. If we see do see the same things again in TCW, it’s retreading for an audience unfamiliar with TCW.
That’s fair enough. So far I’ve followed TCW with your cut of this film and it’s only improved on what is already my favourite SW film. Just, considering how well they mesh at the moment I’d be disappointed if the chronology didn’t work out. Obviously it’s your edit and how it flows for you from a narrative standpoint needs to come first.
The series 7 trailer also has some scenes like Anakin interacting with a pregnant Padmé which makes me think there’s going to be more intercutting with RotS than we first thought (i.e. Order 66).
Speaking of which, here’s my take on the lead-up to Mustafar:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1swtkqqDU6pPobxU0fOQVaklmo7sDvD5v/view?usp=sharingIt’s a bit of a switcheroo from the theatrical as far as Obi-Wan and Padme go. Padme admits to bringing Obi-Wan to kill Anakin later obviously, but I think Obi-Wan here doesn’t come off as someone who’s trying to kill anyone. He doesn’t get a mission from Yoda to take out Anakin, and by moving his “Anakin is the father” to before he sits down, it conveys he wants to help him. I mean, that’s not something you say as a reason for someone to bring you to someone you want to kill.
Having him sit back down to talk to her after working it out does two things, firstly it softens him up (as you say, to somebody trying to help Anakin) but it also humanises the characters, he’s known Padmé for as long as he’s known Anakin. Lucas was not a master of directing people when speaking even if the dialogue is fine.
For the Mustafar scene itself, I think Obi-Wan being less angry with Anakin at this juncture is essential to the arc. He thinks he can bring him back, and only fights as “what he must.” When he finally forsakes Anakin by the end of an emotional fight, that is truly when Vader is born. I realize the rearrangement of lines may be jarring to those so familiar with the original film, but this is supposed to be a different thing. I really want to get it feeling as natural as possible. I’m juggling with like three different shifted characters motivations so it can be difficult but I think I’m getting close-ish?
The only issue I have there is that Obi-Wan ignites first. That makes sense when he came to kill him but if he’s there to reason with him I don’t think he’d give up until Anakin goes for him.
Do you think it’d be impossible for it to ever work?
There’s only two limitations, the availability of footage/dialogue and how much you stick with your vision for it and how much other influence bleeds in.
I have very few issues with RotS as a film and already, by making Anakin’s turn far less jarring, you’ve already solved one.