The shadow scene.....

It is no small mystery on these boards that I feel AotC is barely worthy of Lucas's potential or the SW Saga. However... I would like to take a break to thank it:

Anakin, ridden with nightmares, is led back to Tatooine to find his mother and eventually the Lars homestead, the future home of his son Luke.

After hearing the tales of Cliegg about the fate of his mother, Anakin stands from the same table Luke and Owen eventually have their Academy discussion; and goes to find her.

As the camera fades to Anakin, staring at the setting suns of Tatooine, the classic Star Wars theme clicks in and Padme comes beside him, noticeably worried and heartbroken for him. They hug, shadowcast across the Lars stead, and Anakin turns to leave ... never to truly return again.

I must say that moment is one of the all-time great scenes in the SW Saga, and truly a glorious PT contribution....

 

Well it sort of tells where Owen gets the idea that Anikan is a fool and an idealistic.

 

They hug, shadowcast across the Lars stead, and Anakin turns to leave ... never to truly return again.

I love Attack of the Clones and this is one of my favorite moments from the movie. It truly is a "no turning back" point. When Anakin returns to the Lars' Homestead he isn't that innocent little boy anymore; he's a murderer and there's no turning back for him.

Powerful stuff.

 

I must say that moment is one of the all-time great scenes in the SW Saga, and truly a glorious PT contribution....

Hudnall, I heartily agree!

 

That scene was ruined for me by the change of the position of their shadows on the wall. Ruined a perfectly good scene.

 

What I love is that when Anakin leaves the table he has a plan, he is going to find his mother.

When Luke leaves the table he is frustrated and has no idea what to do.

Big difference between the two. From just that you would assume Anakin has it all together and Luke will turn because he is so frustrated and angry and all Anakin is, is afraid for his mother.

The difference is that Anakin finds a dead mother and Luke finds Ben...and thats what shapes their lives.

-Seldon

 

That scene was ruined for me by the change of the position of their shadows on the wall. Ruined a perfectly good scene.

A bit picky, aren't we?

 

Yeah, and it's a nice tender, moment too.

 

It's one of my favorite parts of AotC. Plus the Vader shadow is present...

 

I don't see why any disgruntled SW PT viewers could be disappointed in the scenes of Chancellor Palpatine. I think those could be actually appreciated by even the hardest critiques.

 

^ Which has what to do with the shadow scene, the topic of this thread?


Rick McCallum loves you!

 

This was too me the most powerful scene in the movie i think it was great the only other thing that matches how moving this scene is is after the slaughter when Yoda's meditating he hears QGJ and the quick input of Vader's breathing goosebumps everytime.
I also love the Paply scenes in the PT particularly towards the beginning of AOTOC when Padme and the loyalists walk in on the meeting with the Jedi Council great scene really shows to me how he's playing both sides and i LOVE the look Yoda gives him when he suggests Jedi be assigned to protect Padme.

 

Which has what to do with the shadow scene, the topic of this thread?

Everything!

I was just pointing out that Hud, doesn't need to feel so helpless in his disappointment with AOTC. Since he said he was unhappy, I wanted to brighten him up. I think he might agree that Palpatine's scenes and lines are worthy of SW for Hud.

In other words just indirectly discussing his first few lines, before the point in hand

 

It is a hugely pivotal scene indeed, Hud.

So much symbolism in this scene, and the ones which follow:

This is the moment that will define Anakin Skywalker for the next 26 years; notice that the sun is setting as he makes his decision. The sun is going down on the old Anakin; fundementally he is about to change.

Padme, and Anakin's relationship with her, is going to be a huge part of his downfall. And she appears on cue as a symbol of this. Their shadows on the wall are symbolic of their transient and secret relationship, to come. The sun is also setting on this relationship too, before it has even really begun. Because the consequences of the chain of events Anakin is about to set in motion, will contribute directly to the destruction of their love.

Anakin's shadow also looks exactly like Vader's helmet and cloak, and is another visual motif of the parting of ways between the old Anakin, and the new one.

As mentioned earlier, as he leaves, he leaves his old self behind. He will return a changed man. He even states to Padme: "I won't be long." But of course it will be a very long time, 26 years, before the old Anakin really returns. And Padme will not be witness to this ressurection. Very dark.

The scene is full of foreboding.

It is also followed by Anakin racing across Tatooine, directly in front of the sunset. A sunset that is made up of two suns, representing the two Anakins that are about to do battle within him. It is no cooincidence that The Duel of the Fates is playing at this very moment. Jedi versus Sith.

Anakin is about to begin the selling of his soul.

As Anakin reaches the cliff above the Tusken camp, we see more evidence of what is going to happen his character. The sun has gone down and we are faced with darkness all around. Anakin drops from the cliff, straight down. A motif often used in Japanese cinema to symbolise a character's 'descent into hell'.

Anakin is setting out on this journey of change because he wants to save his mother. However, as we know, the road to hell is often paved with good intentions.

Powerful stuff.

-JR

 

This scene rivals the binary sunset of ANH and Anakin leaving home in TPM - to me. AotC has a few moments that truly are worthy of the Saga. so - openmind - i'll spare my reponse on Palp from this thread -

This is "Hud's positive AotC thread." I'd like to keep it on that note ... it may be the last

 

Awesome post, OBIWAN-JR

 

Indeed That scene is just.... brilliant. Brilliant.

-sj loves kevin spacey