Why Did They Leave the Scene Where the Stormtrooper Hit His Head in Star Wars IV?

During a viewing of the original Star Wars trilogy, viewers may notice that certain scenes, like one where a stormtrooper hits his head, are inexplicably included in the final cut of A New Hope, the first installment in the series. Why did they leave this scene in, and is it merely a mistake or a deliberate choice?

Documentary Insights

I recently came across a documentary about extras and bit players in the original movie, which included fascinating details such as David Prowse, who played Darth Vader, receiving a premium for his autographs due to his brief appearance. This left me wondering: if several extras can capitalize on being the trooper who hit his head, is there any legitimate reason for leaving this funny and unexpected moment in the film?

The Case for Keeping the Scene

It is perfectly reasonable to argue that people in a galaxy far, far away might not be immune to accidents. After all, even powerful figures like Luke Skywalker bump their heads, and that does not prevent him from being Force-sensitive. A stormtrooper, wearing a bulky helmet and armor, could easily bump his head, especially while navigating narrow spacecraft hallways. This incident highlights the extraordinary capability and resilience of the stormtroopers, showing that even under such difficult conditions, they manage to perform their duties.

The Potential Humor

Another possible explanation is that George Lucas, the creator of the Star Wars franchise, deliberately included this moment in the film for comedic effect. After all, George Lucas is known for his somewhat unconventional and eclectic approach to storytelling. The inclusion of C3PO having to bluff his way past stormtroopers suggests a comedic tone, and adding a sound effect over the bump further enhances this humor. Perhaps Lucas and his editor believed that this moment would add an amusing twist to the scene and complement the overall tone of the film.

The Multifaceted Reasons Behind Unusual Cinematic Choices

It is also worth considering the numerous factors that might have led to the inclusion of unused footage. Sometimes, a director or editor might overlook the presence of such moments until the final cut is assembled. In other cases, an alternate take that turns out to be inferior might still be used. Perhaps the production team initially planned to reshoot a particular scene but encountered difficulties in doing so due to time constraints or budget issues. Alternatively, the footage could have been compromised due to damage, necessitating the use of the only available take.

Ultimately, the decision to include unnecessary moments in a movie goes beyond simple mistakes. It reflects the complex and often multifaceted nature of filmmaking. Just as travelling through hyperspace isn’t like dusting crops, assembling a coherent and engaging narrative is not an exact science. Every decision, no matter how insignificant, contributes to the final product and can be analyzed from various perspectives.

So, to conclude, while the scene where a stormtrooper bumps his head might appear to be an anomaly, it serves as a reminder that every element in a film has its own unique place and purpose. Whether intentional or not, this moment adds a layer of humor and character to the film, becoming an integral part of its enduring legacy.