I can tell you what it was like, because 1977 is when I first saw it. I had missed the hype, because I was in college and saw no TV all that year. But some friends I worked with during the summer back in Kentucky insisted I go with them to see Star Wars. I had no particular expectations, but when the Imperial Star Destroyer filled the big screen during the opening scene,and got bigger, and bigger, and bigger, I knew it was something special. We went back to see Star Wars again and again, even though that meant an hour-long drive there and another back each time. I was hooked. This video gives the perspective of different people who recall their first impressions.
I drove home at night after seeing Star Wars in a Datsun 1200 and felt like I was in an X-wing fighter. I was 25,taking my 18 year old sister to see it at an evening showing across town. I still remember the surreal sensation of that little car feeling like it was floating while we jabbered away about how wonderful the movie was.
ReplyDeleteI went to see Star Wars in the theatres in 1977 too. I was a young university student then. I loved the amazing special effects, of course, and enjoyed the movie as a bit of lightweight fluff. In terms of the plot, I thought it was obvious and derivative rather than being particularly original. And I still think that about every Star Wars movie/series since then as well, including "The Mandalorian." Enjoyable, but really just a retelling of basic themes from old myths and fairy tales. Old wine in new bottles.
ReplyDeleteThat first viewing in the theater was a revelation, it made me realize how complicated and boring movies had become. Suddenly leaving the theater I wasn't thinking about where I parked, how bad traffic is, should we grab a bite on the way home. For they first time in years I was thinking about the cast of characters and story line. Actually the first three were just plain fun.
ReplyDeleteI was honestly underwhelmed by it in 1977. I thought it was one scene too long with the medal ceremony after the battle. I thought there was lots of overacting. Blowing things up isn't sci-fi, there wasn't any deep message for us. Much of that applies all through the series.
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