Originally posted by: Jumpman
CO,

Above you quoted the Annotated Screenplays. I wish to God I could find that quote of Lucas back in early 80's about what he would do with the "backstory" if he ever made it because he essentially said he was going this route...a route that many of you don't like.

I'm not saying you're wrong with that quote above, but the quote I've read about "if he made the backstory" is even more telling and why I like the Prequels.

I agree the backstory had to be different, but Lucas doesn't proclaim it to be a backstory anymore, a backstory is something you watch after you see the real story. Lucas proclaims the story is 1-6, a character arc of the tragedy of Anakin Skywalker. He plainly states this on the ROTS DVD Commentary as soon as the credits roll.

A backstory is an interesting part you take out of major event in the real story. The Godfather II has parts that are a true backstory, it is how Vito rose to power, just like Anakin, but the difference is you are not watching it linearly. Yet, Coppola tried that in 1977, as my brother had those VHS of the reedited version where everything is told in order, and it just isn't as good, is just isn't as compelling, and if you notice, that version never made it to DVD, cause the fans rejected it. The best way to watch the Godfather, is Part 1, Part 2, and Part 3 if you have some time, but I wouldn't recommend it, it is average.

The PT should have been a seperated story that in a sense ties in with the OT, as per Anakins story, but not 1-6, and that is what turns so many fans off including me, I just can't see it as a 1-6 story, and I have tried, but it doesn't work, it it were a true backstory, told in a different way, and I could watch 4-6, and then go back 1-3 without the context in the way Lucas made it, I probably would feel differently.

Lucas's biggest mistake was putting those damn Episode #'s in, it locked him into something he couldn't change.