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The Last Jedi: Badly edited or just bad? My fixes...

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 (Edited)

Hello, guys. I’ve merely been lurking around in the shadows on this forum and can introduce myself first:

My name is Jukan (Icelandic) and I work as a movie editor and have been for eleven years. I grew up with Star Wars along with other big movie franchises of the time and love the process behind all of it as well as the community-driven discussions after its release(s).

THE LAST JEDI

What has not been said? The movie has some major flaws, and the first change i bring to the table that i would like to showcase is probably the most controversial one; Luke’s tossing of the saber.

WATCH CLIP HERE: https://streamable.com/co9b5

One of the most important things I’ve learned to utilize as an editor is when to use music, how to use it - and when not to. In this case it is very much a welcome addition and a great oppurtunity to show Luke’s inner turmoil as we go from a washed-out Vader’s Theme (his father’s saber, lots of pain and agony comes with it) and onto a slow and almost fading Force/Luke Theme (him giving the saber back).

In this second clip I’ve done some alterations to the Kylo/Luke Force projection reveal.

  • Added sound effect as if Kylo’s soul is being ripped as he slashes at Luke.
  • Added silence with the exception of Kylo’s saber after he slashes Luke’s projection. I think through this silent bit we fully grasp the power of that scene as our brains start to put the pieces together, before:
  • Added explosive Force Theme as Luke embraces his legend status, and as Kylo realize Luke’s full plan and power.
  • Finished “The Spark”/Luke’s TLJ Theme as he tells Kylo of (“See you around, kid”).
  • Added a couple bass boom’s throughout to intensify certain key moments.

WATCH CLIP HERE: https://streamable.com/174o6

I might showcase some more if my changes are a welcome addition to the fanediting community. Have a great day!

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The saber scene works well. I think tossing the saber would also work - if the score made it a dramatic moment instead of a comical one. (One of the edits, does this, don’t remember which). After all, this is not the first time Luke tossed his lightsaber.

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 (Edited)

Your work is good but you need to move further away from the original. Otherwise you repeat the same mistakes.
The movie is badly edited AND has a lot of bad ideas.
Still it’s quite decent if you can see beyond that.

Drop the sabre toss and use deleted scenes + TJA footage.
Link the movies and get right into Luke and Rey.

Here’s how my personal edit starts:
https://streamable.com/earh0

It’s not perfect, but somehow even the milk scene (with a small edit) falls into place.
I’ve added some stock footage to create establishing shots.

Just a suggestion, but don’t be afraid to move away from the original stuff.
And please, use the alternate Finn introduction (no water ball) 😃

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4throck said:

The movie is badly edited AND has a lot of bad ideas…

…and nothing can make this star wars like movie better…the worst of all star wars movies…
poor disney…

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Well, some of us think this is the best Star Wars film since ROTJ.

I think the alternate to Luke tossing the saber is interesting and in some ways more powerful. But you need to cut Rey looking back at where Luke tossed the saber.

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Hrmm, I personally believe it was a great film. I’m not quite sure why it gets so much hate. It’s flawed sure, but not terribly so. It seems like main issue is that The Last Jedi isn’t a traditional Star Wars film.

It was a slower, darker take on the franchise with subtle themes sprinkled in. Most of all, it didn’t heed fan expectations. Snoke as the big bad guy? Nope, killed off. Rey’s parents? Who cares! Epic lightsaber fight? It was a trick! I actually enjoyed these small twists.

So the movie ain’t a traditional Star Wars flick, but is it a bad Star Wars flick? Obviously a lot of people think so. I disagree, though that doesn’t go without saying it wasn’t a risky film. The overall tone and style of the film might have been better suited for a spin-off film rather than a core film.

Still, I am curious to see the other perspectives on this film. I think Luke handing back the lightsaber works, though the cut back to Rey felt a tad quick. I like the idea however.

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I have no problem with the dark themes and different direction.
That’s why I suggest not showing the saber toss (it’s not important) and instead go with Luke crying for Han.

The problem is not deviation from expectations, is bad execution.

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4throck said:

Your work is good but you need to move further away from the original. Otherwise you repeat the same mistakes.
The movie is badly edited AND has a lot of bad ideas.
Still it’s quite decent if you can see beyond that.

Drop the sabre toss and use deleted scenes + TJA footage.
Link the movies and get right into Luke and Rey.

Here’s how my personal edit starts:
https://streamable.com/earh0

It’s not perfect, but somehow even the milk scene (with a small edit) falls into place.
I’ve added some stock footage to create establishing shots.

Just a suggestion, but don’t be afraid to move away from the original stuff.
And please, use the alternate Finn introduction (no water ball) 😃

Hey, fantastic job on color grading! It looks soooo much better

Creator of ‘Star Wars: A New Hope - Remastered’