George Lucas and the Making of Star Wars: Beyond the Fans and Casino Capital

Often, discussions about the creation of Star Wars revolve around fan expectations and the massive success of the franchise. However, the story behind the birth of Star Wars is far more complex and interesting than just the reaction of fans. Let's delve into the motivations and context behind George Lucas's ambitious project.

Impressions Beyond the Fans

When George Lucas embarked on his Star Wars project, he was driven by a desire to create something that would stand the test of time and resonate with a broader audience. Lucas was profoundly influenced by specific cinematic elements that were not driven by a desire to impress his fan base.

Fans of THX 1138

THX 1138, released in 1971, was a landmark film that tackled themes of dystopian society and technology's role in oppressive control. The dark and futuristic atmosphere of THX 1138 heavily influenced Star Wars. Lucsas was motivated not by a craving for fan adoration but a genuine passion for directing a visually stunning and thought-provoking film.

Fans of American Graffiti

Before Star Wars, Lucas had already established himself as a director with his 1973 flop American Graffiti. This film, set in the 1960s, depicted the nostalgia and coming-of-age stories of the generation that would later form the core of the Star Wars fan base. But for Lucas, American Graffiti was more of an exploration of that lost era—and a personal saga rather than a creation to impress fans.

Playlist for a Space Opera

Lucas was keen on incorporating the visual and narrative elements from older serials into Star Wars. He wanted to create a space opera that transported audiences to a bygone era, complete with the excitement and adventure of the serials from the 1940s and 1950s. The goal was to revive a form of storytelling that had fallen out of fashion, not to cater to any pre-existing fan base.

Franchise without Fans

It is often said that Star Wars was created to impress fans, but there's another side to the story. At the time, there was no existing fan base for Star Wars. The idea was revolutionary, and the studio, 20th Century Fox, was initially skeptical. They saw the project as an unusual and risky venture.

Rejection and Chance

Lucas's pitch for a space opera based on Akira Kurosawa's The Hidden Fortress was not well-received by many studios. It was only after Fox took a chance that the project moved forward. The idea of a space opera was still a niche concept, and the studio's backing was essential in bringing the vision to life.

Theaba 1: Celebrating Silent Films

Lucas's unique perspective on storytelling was not just about creating a blockbuster. He was also interested in experimenting with old techniques, such as narrative techniques from silent films. He wanted to incorporate ancient storytelling methods into a science fiction setting, pushing the boundaries of traditional filmmaking.

FX and Financials

The budget for Star Wars, at $11 million, was considerable, but the majority of that went towards visual effects rather than on a star-studded cast. For a film about a homogeneous white society, the budget allocation was striking, showing Lucas's commitment to creating a unique visual style rather than relying on Hollywood's traditional methods.

The Aftermath and Disney Connection

After the initial debut, Star Wars struggled to gain traction in the early months. It was only through word of mouth and a dedicated marketing strategy that the film eventually overtook Smokey and the Bandit to become the highest-grossing film of 1977. The success of Star Wars led to the franchises we know today, but it was driven more by creativity and a passion for storytelling than by the desire to impress fans or maximize profits.

Bringing it to Disney

Lucas eventually sold his rights to Disney in 2012. This move allowed him to distance himself from the studio's influence, focusing instead on creative control. The Disney purchase symbolized a shift in the franchise's narrative, from an independent film artist to a corporate entity, but it did not change the core vision that Lucas had for his work.

The success of Star Wars was a testament to creative vision and risk-taking, far beyond the simple desire to impress fans. George Lucas's project was a feat of innovation and storytelling—a true masterpiece that has stood the test of time.