I realize that sometimes, a compromise is not good enough. There’s only so much you can do with so many varied opinions of what Episode I (and the saga as a whole) should be like. What constitutes the best film possible? I’m also realizing that MTHaslett is becoming a genius on the editing front. Most of his suggestions are pure brilliance. And finally, there will be a Trooperman edit of Episodes II and III, but Ep. One I’m not so sure on.
I completely agree with everyone who’s saying that you need to get into editing, MTH- seriously. It might even get to the point where YOU do an Episode I edit, and I’m the one giving you the ideas that you can take or leave. Because as someone mentioned, I could very well be burnt out after Episodes II and III. I’m really pushing to get those two films done because I play Anakin and without Episode III, Episode II will be completely removed from the saga, continuity-wise. I’m only one guy, and without all of your invaluable help, I would be nowhere near where I am right now in terms of editing. I would certainly not be offended or insulted one bit if anyone decides to edit Episode I or the OT (or II and III, for that matter); I’ll just be thrilled that I was the man that got the ball rolling. I certainly don't want to be your "boss"; you all have had way too much to do with this project for that.
As I’m trying to find out what you as an audience want, I’m realizing some different things; namely, I never liked the idea of watching the films only 1-6. There are just so many technological and continuity differences and I just don’t like it. This is just my opinion, but the reason I began my projects was to 1. ADR Anakin, 2. Age the films and make them more like the OT, 3. Make them as good and as dramatically effective as possible, and 4. To prove that a trilogy of prequels could have been made to fit with the OOT without any changes to the latter whatsoever. I know many you guys would love it, but I just can’t bring myself to edit Star Wars and The Empire Strikes Back. I just can’t; they were classic films, I’m very much attached to them, and I just would not feel right changing them as if they were inherently flawed. I can do this without any guilt to the prequels because I thought so poorly of the original cuts. Now, Return of the Jedi, I MIGHT be persuaded to do an edit of; however, it would in no way replace the original cut. It’d just be a very fun attempt to try and make it better, although I’m kind of attached to this film as well.
So to make a long story longer, I LOVE the fact that you guys are seeing the possibilities in making this saga work as a whole with the advent of Shroud of the Dark Side. However, the ideas for editing the OT don’t really appeal to me as much. I just don’t get fired up thinking about it as I do about the prequels (and about Ep. II). Maybe that’s the difference; I feel very passionately about turning the awful “Attack of the Clones” into something that will take the breath out of the audience; a classic that’ll stand the test of time. I’m driven to create a stunning final product. And in all honesty, all you’ve seen are a few screenshots, a couple video clips, and you’ve talked to me through this forum. You have no reason YET to think that I would do a better job than anyone else at this editing. You have no reason to think that someone else couldn’t do every bit as well as I could using my plans and notes for the movie.
But it’s true that I am doing these things SLOWLY. It’s true that a couple years is definitely a LONG time to wait. I would be absolutely thrilled if someone wanted to do an edit of the magnitude of the one I’m doing now; it’s just never been done before and I felt that I could do it. And as I said, if MTHaslett or anyone else creates an Episode I edit that holds up to my expectations (and is compatible with my II and III), it’s quite possible I’ll just forego Episode I (and especially the OT) entirely. Or just recut Episode I a bit for my own personal use based on his cut, if he doesn’t mind. But with projects of this magnitude done by one busy guy…it’s going to be a while, and I understand your frustration. That’s why I completely support any other people doing edits that want to, especially ones specifically made to fit with my films. But just think how much quicker and efficient it would be if I was working on Ep. III and someone was cutting Ep. I simultaneously. I love the idea, because when it comes down to it- I’m doing this project for myself in the end. Because I wanted something better than the garbage we got from Lucas (again, others may not feel this way), and nobody has made a move to do it in the style I envisioned. Imagine if all of these wonderful ideas to revamp Episode II never had an opportunity to be created! All these intelligent paragraphs of changes, discussion, etc.- I think just this is a wonderful thing, getting the fans in on a film that is for them as well as me in the long run. And what a great thing it’s been for me, critical to the success of this movie! But if people start doing other radical cuts of the Star Wars movies because they were inspired or excited by what I’ve done, then that’s the greatest compliment I could receive and I will be every bit as excited about their edit as everyone else is about mine.
I’ll respond to your other comments later when I have more time; I just wanted to say this now because there has been so much excited posting lately regarding changes to Ep. I and the OT. If it really kicks off, perhaps another thread would be in order? I don’t care one way or the other; I just wanted you to know how I felt about the whole situation. I hope you understand or can at least put yourself in my shoes for a bit.
Thanks, guys
