Of all the Star Wars directors, Richard Marquand seems to get the least attention, typically being dismissed as a mere proxy for George Lucas. While it’s true that Marquand was definitely a hired gun, and probably exerted less of an influence on his film than any other Star Wars, here’s an interesting interview that he did, and I especially like his comments on directing Darth Vader: https://bit.ly/2W98HeE I think that does come through in Return of the Jedi. The mask does actually does seem to convey much more sadness and emotion here than it does in the previous films. What are your thoughts?
Interesting. Very good point about Marquand putting humanity into the closeups of Vader. I find it odd that the interviewer calls him "an actor's director", given that allegedly Marquand cheesed off both Carrie Fisher and Harrison Ford on set for being rude & dismissive (and possibly somewhat sexist?) to the former, and obsequious to the latter. Still, I'd love to know more about that science fiction movie Marquand was planning.
Agreed, along with the Luke and Leia scene on Endor. He really knew how to get a great performance out of all the main actors.
I agree, I think they did a great job portraying Darth Vader's conflict and inner thoughts, even though all we see is the helmet. In scenes like his conversation w/Luke on the Endor moon landing pad, and while he's watching the Emperor hit Luke with force lightning. The movements are perfect to (at least subtly) express in a way what's going on in his head at those moments.
The Luke/Vader scene on Endor, the Luke/Leia/Han scene on Endor, the "So you have a twin sister" moment and the final confrontation between Vader, the Emperor and Luke are some of the most powerful scenes in all of SW. Some great filmmaking on display.
