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Jumpman

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20-Sep-2006
Last activity
11-May-2007
Posts
150

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Post
#286266
Topic
George Lucas calls Spiderman 3 'silly'
Link
https://originaltrilogy.com/post/id/286266/action/topic#286266
Time
It's interesting that every critic's opinion of this films seems to count except for Lucas'...even though he's dead on about his assessment of the film. The film, to put it bluntly, is a complete mess at the script level. And it becomes unintentionally silly because of it.

Say what you want about the Prequels but they are no where near the mess that Spider-Man 3 is, at the script level. I mean, it's just plain bad on a lot of serious levels...things that should've been caught before this film even started shooting.
Post
#284369
Topic
Darabount rips Lucas over Indy IV script
Link
https://originaltrilogy.com/post/id/284369/action/topic#284369
Time
"Every filmaker who makes these summer blockbusters today forgets what made the Spielberg/Lucas era movies great: Characters. I talked about this in an earlier post, but the CG has ruined the summer blockbuster, because it is the #1 focus by every filmaker, and even Lucas fell into that trap with the PT."

That's a matter of opinion, not fact....especially when there are plenty of fans/critics who see plenty of character and plenty of story(more than the Original Trilogy) in the Prequels.



Post
#284139
Topic
Darabount rips Lucas over Indy IV script
Link
https://originaltrilogy.com/post/id/284139/action/topic#284139
Time
CO,

Of course his reputation as a filmmaker is in the toilet after the Prequels...even if I feel it's totally unwarranted...and if you look at the dregs that Hollywood puts out year in and year out compared to the Prequels.

And as for the credit for the Originals, it actually works in reverse now. It seems the on going thing now is to take credit away from the guy just because of what people think of the Prequels and that's totally unfair to do so.

Where's the balance with this guy? To me, he's never been infallible. But compared to a lot of people in the industry who think they know cinema, the guy's got them dead to rights....

I mean, criticize him for his writing and directing, which he's well aware of (even if everyone tends to go overboard in those two departments) but think about where cinema would've been had this guy not continued to push...





Post
#284131
Topic
Darabount rips Lucas over Indy IV script
Link
https://originaltrilogy.com/post/id/284131/action/topic#284131
Time
CO,

How is it his ultimate undoing....just because they say the Prequels are inferior to the Originals? That's not factually correct. That's subjective.

For the life of me, I don't understand how this guy, George Lucas, gets the hate that he does. All he basically did was say that these are the versions I prefer...this is what I want.... That's all he's basically done to receive the hatred he gets. And, that's pretty freakin' sad, if you ask me....

...and his legacy is tarnished in the eyes of SOME fans...not all.
Post
#284109
Topic
Darabount rips Lucas over Indy IV script
Link
https://originaltrilogy.com/post/id/284109/action/topic#284109
Time
Mike O,

The problem is still Frank. Lucas hasn't said one thing about Darabont's script in public...not one. He's kept his mouth shut and decided to go into a different direction....with Spielberg's approval (no matter Spielberg's true feelings on the situation). Frank has been going on and on about his script for years now. It's time for him to get over it. What's the point of harping on it again, even if he was just asked a question....?

Frank just needs to let it ago. All he had to do when asked by Lucas if he wanted to write the script or not was to decline it. This is what happens when you're a writer for hire. Sometimes it works out, sometimes it doesn't. End of story, really.




Post
#283850
Topic
Darabount rips Lucas over Indy IV script
Link
https://originaltrilogy.com/post/id/283850/action/topic#283850
Time
Darabont could've easily stayed away from all this angst if he wasn't a writer for hire. I mean, seriously, get over it already. Spielberg liked it, Darabont, of course, liked it but Lucas, the creator, didn't. It's his and Steven's baby. Is Lucas just suppose to shut up just because Darabont think it's the greatest script ever?

Lucas' opinion matters just as much as Frank's and Steven's. In the end, his ego is really, really starting to show, since this has been a non-issue for a few years now.
Post
#278374
Topic
The Secret History of Star Wars
Link
https://originaltrilogy.com/post/id/278374/action/topic#278374
Time
zombie,

With Episode I, I definitely agree as I'm sure many, many fans do that there is an alternative version of Episode I and we pretty much know what that is. At the same time, I see what Lucas was thinking...even if he went a tad too far.

Sure, he could've shown Anakin, as a teenager, to be just as sweet and as innocent and selfless as he is in the film now. But, like all teenagers even if they are only raised by one parent, tend to want to get away from the nest and tend to be a tad rebellious in those teenager years. And if he had done that, there would've been no mystery to Anakin turning into Darth Vader.

At least, at the age of 9, you could literally reflect after the film was over and truly wonder how the hell "that kid" becomes Darth Vader after witnessing the character in Episode I.

I mean, for Lucas, it comes down to two options; do it the way I've hinted at in interviews and what's been hinted at in the EU or go in a totally different, dangerous direction.

The majority felt that the totally different, dangerous direction is what killed the Prequels from day one. But there are some who see what he was going for and believes it works....

But, truly, his decision did change how would eventually come out. For the record, I don't have a problem with the 10 year gap between Episodes I and II. There was enough, in Hayden's performance, to make the connection between how the character was in the first film and what you can infer within that 10 year gap when Episode II starts.

Post
#278366
Topic
The Secret History of Star Wars
Link
https://originaltrilogy.com/post/id/278366/action/topic#278366
Time
zombie,

Which is all very true...but some of what you've written will be used as an "I told you so" mantra when it comes to the Prequels. For me, having read many of his interviews, it was pretty clear that he was making this stuff up as he went on or "mis-remembers" certain aspects and remembers others perfectly well. It is very interesting but at the end of the day, it just goes to show how all-encompassing the creative process is when it comes to film.

I mean, this guy literally to the last moments in the editing room of Episode III, was still shaping the overall thematic structure of the saga, even though the five previous films were already done. I find that fascinating that he can ever do that.

Some would see your essay as the definitive evidence as to why the Prequels "don't work." I find it as evidence that the films themselves have flaws but the whole of the Saga is perfect.

Some of your conclusions I don't agree with, but you do provide ample evidence to said conclusions...most of the time. Again, it's a very informative write-up, you've produced. And, I'm glad you're putting it out there.
Post
#278360
Topic
The Secret History of Star Wars
Link
https://originaltrilogy.com/post/id/278360/action/topic#278360
Time
It doesn't make him look like a fool. It humanizes him, more than anything. I mean, how many people remember everything they've ever said....especially in a 30 year span?

The greatest thing this shows is the creative process of ALL films. Whether he was lying, he forgot, he's spinning, or he just naturally changed his mind on alot of decisions concerning Star Wars, it just shows a guy continually altering his art until he gets it where he wants it.

The truth about Lucas, as in all things, lies somewhere in the middle.

Interesting and informative write-up, zombie....
Post
#273739
Topic
a rumor from thedigitalbits.com...
Link
https://originaltrilogy.com/post/id/273739/action/topic#273739
Time
Fang,

It has nothing to do with "not enough film fans out there." It has everything to do with the fact that a significant majority feel that the "updates and changes" aren't nearly as earth shattering as some make them to be. I mean, essentially, there are people out there that feel that the Special Editions are Star Wars...granted, updated but feel just the same with pretty much 90% of the changes and updates.....

And again, this is only a "rumor" right now. Technically, Lucasfilm has never once stated they were actually releasing a Saga Boxset....we just all assumed it was coming, considering the 30 Anniversary and the fact that the films, as one, have never been released....

"please someone tell me what's prevented LFL over all these years from remastering the OUT."

Because, he didn't want to. The Special Edition is closer to what he wanted all along, from the beginning. He feels this is what HE wants to see out there in the general public when it comes to Star Wars.

Also, this notion that Lucas won't or can't stop changing things is stupid. From '97 to '04, he didn't really change much at all. '97 was the year he changed and updated. '04 was the year he fixed the updates he made. I can pretty much guarantee that whenever the films are released again, the changes and updates will be very minimal compared to what he did in '97. It'll be fixing lightsaber colors, correcting matte lines, and another transfer. He'll do the most updating with the Prequels.

But Lucas' days of constantly redo the films is pretty much coming to an end....The scenario of what's going to be changed in this boxset has gotten way out of hand in the online community.
Post
#273738
Topic
What the fuck??? : George is definitely gone "bye bye"
Link
https://originaltrilogy.com/post/id/273738/action/topic#273738
Time
Not on Episode V. Sure, brainstorming ideas and such, but it was Lucas who put pen to pad and created the structure and scenes for Episode V after Brackett died. Remember, Lucas essentially started from scratch after reading Brackett's draft of Episode V. Once he did his draft that set the tone, Kersh and Kasdan did the rest.

Episode V doesn't work without Lucas. He shouldn't get all the credit but he shouldn't be left out either.
Post
#273636
Topic
a rumor from thedigitalbits.com...
Link
https://originaltrilogy.com/post/id/273636/action/topic#273636
Time
CO,

As far as I can tell, Lucas never said they were crap and even if he did, fans don't have to consider them crap. We all know Lucas considers mostly the original film in its theatrical form as a "work print." Now, obviously he would never say that in the press during the time of its release, but that doesn't change the fact that he may have had serious problems with the film during its intial run and that's bugged him for very long time and I tend to agree. I'm not saying the theatrical version of Episode IV doesn't work because it obviously does. It's my favorite Star Wars film. But, I'm not naive or bias to not see that they were some serious cosmetic flaws that could be corrected using new technology.

Now, the argument goes, "well, those cosmetic flaws won Academy Awards." And I would say, they sure did mainly because nobody had seen anything quite like the work that was done in Star Wars, during that time in cinema. They had better reward that film properly. But, and like Lucas, I felt that some of those things could be corrected to suit what Lucas was originally going for.

CO, you can't tell me The Battle of Yavin doesn't look 20 times better in its Special Edition for than the theatrical version?

As for that 2006 release, I'll even admit that Lucasfilm screwed the pooch on that one...eventhough I think it was right to call the theatrical films in that 2 disc set as "bonus material" mainly because to Lucas, the Special Editions are the films. And to him, he's already spent the money on remaster and restoring the films....the films he deems Original Trilogy. But, as I've stated, it would've essentially closed the gap between creator and fanbase had he remastered the theatrical versions.

I see the argument both ways.

But, Lucas didn't deployed Stormtroopers across the country, making the fanbase buy these DVD releases either. That's purely choice. You knew exactly what was in the set from day one....
Post
#273613
Topic
a rumor from thedigitalbits.com...
Link
https://originaltrilogy.com/post/id/273613/action/topic#273613
Time
CO,

Personally, having Hayden at the end of Episode VI does make sense, especially after Episode III. But that's just me.

As for the rebuying issue, you're probably correct. Diehards do continue to rebuy them. I can't dispute that.

"As for the overall story, I do agree that that has stayed the same, but that still doesn't justify it is right." It doesn't justify it as being wrong either. It depends on point of view, which essentially has boiled down to Lucas' and the "core fans." It's a difference in ideology of what is truly Star Wars, which no one can ever answer....

As far as releasing the theatrical versions remaster, I want them to be released so we can get this entire stupid ass episode behind us and start enjoying the films again and talking about the content in the films. Personally, I made eternal peace with the Original Trilogy with the release of the 2004 DVD set. Sure, there are maybe a few things in the entire boxset that I'd change, in terms of what's in the films themselves (as someone who's interest in film is far beyond the casual fan) but the boxset, I felt, was pretty much a great set. I didn't need a Lord of the Rings Extended Trilogy Boxset-type of set with the Star Wars Saga. That boxset was overkill to the nth degree.

But, admittedly CO, I'm of two minds of releasing them remastered. Again, I would like it to be released from a public relations standpoint because that's the only hurdle that separates Lucas from certain circles in the film community. At the same time, apart of me doesn't because had Lucas had the technology back then that he had while making the Prequels, the Original Trilogy would never look as it did when they were originally released. So, I see the Special Editions as Lucas fixing what he was always wanted to be there in the first place.

Now, you're argument is "well, which version, '97, '04, or what we might be getting with the boxset?" And I would answer, what did he really change from '97 to '04? Jabba...but he needed to be changed from the '97 version mainly because by the time the '99 Jabba from Episode I was shown, Jabba '97 was already dated. Technology just caught up really fast with that decision. Luke's scream...well, that was just a dumb decision on Lucas' part to begin with. This is an example of him not really sure what he wanted until someone knocked some sense into him. Boba's voice...it makes sense in the context of how Lucas looks at the Star Wars now. It's not two separate trilogies. It's one and Boba's voice should sound like Jango's.

As for the other issues, transfers and lightsabers, that's a matter of opinion, especially with the transfers. I'm sure it wasn't on purpose for the lightsabers to change colors in the manner that they did and I'm sure it'll be corrected when the boxset gets released. It's not like he actually planned that.

So again, if he really wants to mend fences with certain circles, then he should release them remastered. But, I think Lucas should continue to push for what he feels Star Wars really is (since this is his creation from pretty much top to bottom)....because again, it's not like changed them in the manner of say Kingdom of Heaven or Alexander. He changed some things that would've been that way had he had what he needed back when he was originally making these films....





Post
#273610
Topic
a rumor from thedigitalbits.com...
Link
https://originaltrilogy.com/post/id/273610/action/topic#273610
Time
CO,

Not going to discuss the merits of having Hayden at the end of Return of the Jedi. It's been done to death.

As for the "rumor", what do you think is the percentage of "fans" that desperately need a remastered version of the theatrical releases? I'm curious because I don't see it as large as some here seem to think it is....

And the reason he's celebrate the 30th Anniversary with "his version of Episode IV" is because basically, it's still the same, damn film...cosmetic changes and all. It's still the same film that has Luke, Han, and Leia as the main characters. Obi-Wan still gets it in the end. The Death Star still gets destroyed. The music is still by John Williams. The actors that played them in 1977 are still playing them in the 2004 versions. I mean, it begins the same and ends the same....

Casual fans, which make of the majority, don't have this feverish need to have the theatrical versions of the film released on DVD. When they pop in Star Wars, that's what they see. It feels Star Wars to them.

And even if Lucas were to relent and release it how this "core group" wanted them, the bitchin' would never, ever stop. It just wouldn't. That's the nature of Star Wars fans now. If everything was perfect except for one small oversight that nobody at Lucasfilm caught but some zealot fan caught, all hell would break loose and the bitchin' at Lucas would continue. It just would.

Why should he relent?
Post
#273608
Topic
a rumor from thedigitalbits.com...
Link
https://originaltrilogy.com/post/id/273608/action/topic#273608
Time
CO,

They might if they don't see the changes as the destruction of the story like some believe they are. Changes or no changes, the stories haven't changed. It's not like Lucas went back to the Original Trilogy and literally disassembled each film and re-edited the films to be something totally different. He's nowhere near that point. A subtle story point here and there, maybe but it's not like Ridley Scott's Kingdom of Heaven or what Oliver Stone had done with Alexander....

And what I find the most funny about this "rumor" is the fact that many fans said they were done with Lucas after the last release of the films and weren't going to spend any more cash and TIME on Star Wars and yet, this "rumor" comes out and everyone is upset. Either you stick to your guns and be done with Lucas and Star Wars or you're not.

People talk about Lucas changing his mind on a whim but fans are even worse at it when it comes to this franchise.
Post
#273607
Topic
What the fuck??? : George is definitely gone "bye bye"
Link
https://originaltrilogy.com/post/id/273607/action/topic#273607
Time
Without Lucas' script for Episode V (before Kasdan and Kersh), there would be no Episode V as we see it now. I give Kersh alot of credit for the work he did on that film, along with the rest of the crew but the story points that make Episode V what it is today, still came mostly from Lucas after Brackett passed away.

They share equal credit for that film...eventhough it's not even close to being my favorite.
Post
#260934
Topic
ANH screening with modelmaker Lorne Peterson...WHY ARE THEY SCREENING THE SE??
Link
https://originaltrilogy.com/post/id/260934/action/topic#260934
Time
Tiptup,

Wouldn't you use Star Wars as a money making machine if numerous companies depended on the brand to survive? Sure, Lucas' companies do have other sources of income, but not as much as when Star Wars is front and center.

And the notion that he scarfices his art for money is subjective considering differences of opinion when it comes to the Prequels, which is what this thread, again, is all about....the opinions of the Prequels...
Post
#260850
Topic
ANH screening with modelmaker Lorne Peterson...WHY ARE THEY SCREENING THE SE??
Link
https://originaltrilogy.com/post/id/260850/action/topic#260850
Time
Tiptup,

I can explain it by the fact that he was financing The Empire Strikes Back with his own money and the fact that Kurtz was going way over budget. Empire had more riding on it than just continuing the story. He wanted to make a great film first, but he had plans for the profit that Empire was to generate. He is an artist but he's a businessman. And for me, he never sacrificed one for the other. From where I stand, he's done a perfect balance when it comes to the Star Wars brand.

"the films are very efficiently and cheapl made, amazingly so, but the quality is kind of "meh," because theres no one there to give the artistic side the same amount of emphasis--and no one talented enough, for that matter. "

OPINION....

"Thus, he is equally concerned with efficiency, cost-savings and getting stuff "good enough," as opposed to "good," which was the reason for the split between Kershner and Lucas and between Kurtz and Lucas."

Aren't all filmmakers concerned with being effecient and saving costs, while trying to maintain one's vision"? It seems when it comes to Lucas, he can't be in that category. He's in the "he's too cheap to make his films better" eventhough there are maybe a few filmmakers on the planet right now who's films look just as good as Lucas'. Say what you will about him, but there are only a handful of filmmakers right now that can make Lucas' visual eye. The rest don't even come close. And it's very apparent in the Prequels and the Originals....

"Furthermore, the lack of any original creations by Lucas since the 80's leads me to believe he is currently a hack, and not an artist."

And this is a stupid statement. Just because you haven't seen much from him doesn't make him a hack. We have no idea what Lucas does on the Ranch. I've read online from a source that has been very close to Lucasfilm and the folks there (during the Prequels and beyond) that Lucas has indeed shot a documentary and another feature film (all on digital of course) and just refuses to release them. Others inside the company and friends want him to release them but he refuses. You can blow off this statement if you want but from whom I heard it from and this person's track record during the spoiler years of the Prequels, I have no reason to doubt this person's claims.

Post
#260744
Topic
ANH screening with modelmaker Lorne Peterson...WHY ARE THEY SCREENING THE SE??
Link
https://originaltrilogy.com/post/id/260744/action/topic#260744
Time
There is no evidence that Lucas is in it for the money and not in it for the art, which it comes to him as a director. Period. Him milking Star Wars has everything to do with keeping his company afloat. They're not WB, Paramount, or Universal. They don't have a cascade of films in a library.

And you don't spend from November of 1994 to April of 2005 and hundreds of millions of your own money, just to make a quick buck. You just don't do it. That's 11 years he could've done numerous amounts of projects(easier ones) to generate more money.

You may not like the Prequels but you can't say it wasn't a labor of love for Lucas. How can you explain why he changes the entire Star Wars saga from being about Luke to being about Anakin....openingly knowing that it would piss off the fanbase once all six were seen at once.

If anything, Lucas is stubborn...but not detached. But that stubborness has gotten him to where he is now. He's always been this way. He just has way more money and way more toys now. Plus, he's in his mid-sixties. The guy is set in his ways. Spielberg would even tell you that.

Post
#260726
Topic
ANH screening with modelmaker Lorne Peterson...WHY ARE THEY SCREENING THE SE??
Link
https://originaltrilogy.com/post/id/260726/action/topic#260726
Time
How can you say Lucas has grown detached? There's no basis for that statement unless you're argument is that "he has treated the Original Trilogy with the proper respect" to which I say....horseshit!

As far as Empire is concerned, Kasdan and Kershner are given alot of credit when it comes to the Han and Leia apsect, as well as Kershner directing. But, the basic plot and major beats and the difference in tone, all belong to Lucas' original draft he wrote before Kasdan got a hold of it.
Post
#260657
Topic
ANH screening with modelmaker Lorne Peterson...WHY ARE THEY SCREENING THE SE??
Link
https://originaltrilogy.com/post/id/260657/action/topic#260657
Time
The Empire Strikes Back was written, first draft after Leigh Brackett died, by George Lucas. The foundation of that story was written by Lucas. Lawrence Kasdan and Kershner eventually beefed up the dialogue and other tweaks. But, that film doesn't work without Lucas doing that first draft after Brackett died. He gave her credit even when nothing from her original script remains.....

And the Jackson love is getting to be a bit too much. He gets the love eventhough he makes 3 self-indulgent films in a row (Two Towers, Return of the King, and Kong.) that no one takes him to task on.
Post
#256291
Topic
The Merits of the Prequel Trilogy and the "Saga"
Link
https://originaltrilogy.com/post/id/256291/action/topic#256291
Time
Go-Mer,

I think you only share a minority view on here. To me, it's impossible to figure out how everyone views the Prequels. The box office can't tell you that. The online community can't really tell you that either. At best, it's a guess what everyone thinks of the Prequels. You can make certain conclusions from media reviews and reviews from the online community, but you juxtapose that with the box office and then what are you left with? It's the same with the DVD sales and merchandising. The Prequel Trilogy cleaned house in merchandising from '99 to '06.

Clearly, the Originals will always be number one to a certain generation. That's not going to change. But, a new generation will see it differently than us. Who's more right?

With the addition of the Prequels, Lucas has created a generational gap in his Saga. I personally feel that that was going to inevitable anyway.