One Week Until Rogue One
The anticipation for the release of the very first standalone Star Wars film, Rogue One, is something I am enjoying. Much like last year at this time, where the anticipation for Episode VII, Star Wars: The Force Awakens was ongoing, it is a time to look forward to a new chapter in the Star Wars films.
Fan Chatter
Although there has been a significant amount of both positive and negative chatter within and among the fan base, I am trying not to prejudge the film in any way. The re-shoots, the Gareth Edwards issues, the alleged changes in the tone of the film, the change in score composer from Alexandre Desplat to Michael Giacchino, and any other various ”controversies” are only adding to my anticipation. I can’t wait to watch Rogue One in IMAX 3-D at my favorite cinema location this month.
Dark Side vs Light Side Icons
As has become an integral aspect to my history (and yours too!!) with Star Wars, there will surely be a fair share of iconic images, sounds, characters, and scenes in Rogue One. Based on my observations of the trailers, photos, and other media representations, it is the Death Troopers that seem to be intriguing me the most at this point.
For the vast majority of my fandom for Star Wars, I have always tended towards the “good” or the light side. Some of the important references to the Light Side are the Jedi, the Rebellion, Han Solo, R2-D2, and X-wing Starfighters.
R2-D2 and Princess Leia
Beginning with Episode III and its relentless portrayal of Anakin’s transformation to the Dark Side, the icons related to the Dark side became more appealing to me. (I am not sure what that is saying about me as I am getting older. Perhaps a consult with a therapist is in order!)
Within Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith are images that are epochal for the entire Star Wars saga. These include: the appearance of General Grievous, the scene where Anakin takes out Mace Windu’s lightsaber (and his arm!), Anakin’s eyes turning red, the not-so-subtle imagery associated with the light saber battle between Obi-Wan and Anakin along with the film score in the scene, and Anakin physically transforming into Darth Vader with the placement of the mask and the breathing. In The Force Awakens, it’s Kylo Ren and all that he represents and what he does. Of course, it’s also the voice in the mask that is really cool!
Right now the images of the Death Troopers in Rogue One are having an impact on me. We will see if that holds true and if any additional ones appear while viewing the film.
[yop_poll id=”1″]
In your opinion, what are the two most iconic aspects (images, scenes, sounds, characters, etc.) of the Star Wars films and why?
First, love the name of this feature! I’m excited for the Deathtroopers…but also wondering what happens to them since we never see them again?
Great question! They may be wiped out as a unit altogether before Episode IV, al la Clone Troopers after Episode III, or maybe we will see them resurrected in Episodes VIII or IX. Perhaps their fate will be decided by the fandom’s response to their presence in Rogue One. Exciting times for us indeed.