Free Sample Essays > Film and TV
A Space Opera Journey
A Space Opera Journey by Harold L. Holman
The assignment for this paper was to share my opinion on the Luke Skywalker’s “Return With the Elixir”. It is my belief that to properly do this a person must first discuss Luke at the beginning of the journey, and then compare and contrast that to his character at the end of the journey. The copy of the movie that I watched had an interview with the director, George Lucas, at the beginning. Lucas shared that the proposed script that he wrote was way to long for the original movie, and that at the time he planned to split it into three different movies. Hence, the original Star Wars trilogy. Having watched the entire original trilogy numerous times, I feel that all of them together give a much more thorough look into Skywalker’s journey. It is my opinion that the “Return With the Elixir” in the original Star Wars movie is a small part, and that to really feel the cycle returning you have to watch the three movies with the end of “The Return of the Jedi” being the true “Return With the Elixir”. But, that not being the assignment, I will try and attempt to share my views on the first movie.
As the movie begins we see that Luke is not content with his life on the planet Tatooine. Through him runs an urge to explore and be adventurous. He voices his want to get off the planet numerous times only to have his grumpy uncle shoot down all of his plans. The way that he shares his dreams only result in him sounding like the child that he is. His quote, “But, I was going into Toshi Station to pick up power converters” reeks of whining. Although at this point in his journey he is respectful of his elders, and a good worker, you fail to see how this boy could save the universe.
At the climax of the movie we see Luke aided by his ally, Han Solo, and his mentor, Obi-wan, destroy the Death Star and defeat Darth Vader (for the time being). This attack on the empire has freed the galaxy from its impending doom, and given the rebels the fighting chance that they need to return the universe back to the side of good. Although Luke does not return full circle to his home, he does return to the familiar. He returns to his friends, and his sister (unknown to the first time viewer). There he receives all the praise that he can handle. Hands are shaken, medals are doled out, and all seems well for the time being.
Physically Luke returns with safety and power for the people of the rebellion. Luke also returns with changes inside of him. Luke went from being an ignorant boy to a mature man. He has found the force within himself, and is on his way to [next page]