Posted on 05/17/2005 8:56:41 AM PDT by missyme
If there's one thing Europeans and U.S. film critics can spot a galaxy away, it's hatred of President Bush's policies.
Actually, some are claiming to see traces of Bush animosity in George Lucas' latest flick, "Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith," where Lucas may have stuck in an anti-U.S. military policy message.
When you think about it, it makes sense that somebody at the Cannes Film Festival would step up and toss the Europeans some red meat since Michael Moore wasn't around this year to dish his documentary dog chow.
Apparently, the Cannes audience noticed similarities between Anakin Skywalker's fall to the dark side coupled with the cinematic rise of a warmongering emperor and President Bush's foreign policy approach.
Newsweek's David Ansen saw a resemblance. He wrote: "It's hard not to feel that Lucas's engagement with this story has a contemporary urgency, as line after pointed line invites us to see a parallel with today's wartime climate. As the Senate cedes power to Palpatine under the guise of intergalactic security, Natalie Portman's Princess Padme exclaims bitterly, 'So this is how liberty dies -- with thunderous applause.'"
Before Anakin (played by Hayden Christensen) transforms into Darth Vader, he declares, "If you're not with me, then you're my enemy." The line is reminiscent of Bush's post-Sept. 11 statement, "Either you are with us, or you are with the terrorists."
And Obi-Wan Kenobi (played by Ewan McGregor) explains that "only a Sith Lord deals in absolutes."
While at a Cannes news conference, Lucas said: "I hope this doesn't come true in our country. Maybe the film will waken people to the situation."
In case there was any confusion as to where Lucas stands, politically speaking, he made his proclivity clear, saying, "We were just funding Saddam Hussein and giving him weapons of mass destruction. We didn't think of him as an enemy at that time. We were going after Iran and using him as our surrogate, just as we were doing in Vietnam. ... The parallels between what we did in Vietnam and what we're doing in Iraq now are unbelievable."
Lucas added: "You sort of see these recurring themes where a democracy turns itself into a dictatorship, and it always seems to happen kind of in the same way, with the same kinds of issues, and threats from the outside, needing more control. A democratic body, a senate, not being able to function properly because everybody's squabbling, there's corruption."
The Left Coast Report says that while it's true Lucas is a typical Hollywood lib, Europeans hate us so much these days they see anti-Bush messages in "House of Wax."
LOL. You are going to be one surprised puppy when "Jedi, am I" the miniseries appears next season on the SciFi channel.
George Lucas should have killed off Darth Vader at the end of Star Wars I.
I'm putting out the word now that I want copies of Jedi, Am I.
Wait til Darth hitlary wins, george.
Seems like an "absolute" type of statement.
BWAHAHAHAHHAHAHA!!!!!!!!!
Considering Obi-wan's 'points of view' statement in Return of the Jedi, I think Obi-wan lived to eat those words after he spent around 20 years in exile thinking over the events and actions that lead him to where he was at.
(Tell LOTS of people! I can't wait until I get that phone call from someone at the studios expressing an interest in it.)(Even with guest appearances by Yoda thrown in!)
Not to mention that I can comfortably wrap My hands around Portman's (well-shaped) thighs...
Here's wishing you success with your creative endeavors. Remember me when you're rich and famous! (smile)
Mine was when he stated publically that "I did not have sexual relations with that (noticeable pause) woman. Not a single time..." (looking at a picture of Mrs Klintoon just off camera)
No worries! *grin* Pass the word! It could be a big one!
From a poster I had on my wall long ago and far away.
"Behold the turtle! Who makes progress only when he sticks his neck out."
and:
"Yea, though I walk through the Valley of The Shadow of Death, I shall fear no evil.
'Cause I'll SHOOT the first Son of a B***h that gets in my way!"
Ah memories...
my favorite poster had one word... farrah.
teeman
How about "Carpe Diem" (Seize the Day, of course) and "Non carborundum illegitimi" (spelling?) (Don't let the bast***s get you down).
LOL! I remember that one! My parents absolutely forbade Me to purchase it -or otherwise possess it!
If the Star Wars series shows anything.....
It's that the "Good Guys & Gals " need to stay strong and vigilant.
Because sooner or later,Some power hungry shmuck will come along and think he owns the joint.
In which case,They will need to be dealt with appropriately.
Speaking of paralels with the current events...
Am I the only one who thinks Palpatine looks like a clone of Dem. Senator Lieberman?
And also, his actions of supressing the Senate and annihilating their vote reminds me of "Dingy" Harry Reid's plans to lock Senate operations .
Actually I think he looks more like Robert Byrd, in his black sheets.
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