Someone mentioned earlier that the whole bongo scene can be removed, and I like this idea. However, filmically, I think the audience needs to see the Gungan city so that they have some empathy with the Gungans (and have met them in a quasi-intelligent capacity) before the battle.
OK, I hope my reasoning makes sense.
So, to be honest, I think I'm kind of against this idea. I never would have thought I'd want to cut any of that...I love the gungan city and the sea creature chase!
But, now, I'm thinking it's better out. For one thing, It'll help speed up the trip to Anakin. I think this is probably the most important concept.
But I also don't think we need to go to the city because, at least for me, it doesn't really create any empathy...well, maybe it does...but do you really need to know the gungans that well?
The one we need to know about is Jar Jar-...
Maybe I'm picturing this edit differently.
My idea (if you were to use my video clip concepts) is that the gungans are there when the droids land. We meet Jar Jar too. A little later, the gungans battle the droids. The battle takes place before Tatoonie...maybe. After that, the gungans really don't show up again-...which, now that I think about it...that doesn't make much sense. You need some kind of closure with the gungans. But since I *think* you're cutting the end celebration, what fate will the gungans have? I guess my other question would be: are the Naboo and the gungans friends or enemies?
It also allows Jar Jar to come out of the swamp later and comment something like "a massacre... they're all dead!", just before the raid briefing scene.
I think without seeing any battle in the underwater city, what's the point of having JarJar mention it?
As I understand it, by this point in the movie, we've seen the gungans battle the droids and lose...right?
Plus Jar Jar doesn't seem too upset if it were a massacre...
Also, another thought: do we NEED the briefing scene? I guess a briefing scene is normal for star wars...it just doesn't have much...gusto.
Plus, does that mean you have to cut out the talk about the gungans fighting the droids? Or do they fight them again?
There's a few things to chew on...
Just bringing thoughts to the table, Ith!