The 33-year-old, California-raised George Lucas delivered his revolutionary breakthrough Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope piece in 1977.
After Fox introduced Lucas’s second masterpiece (American Graffiti being the first), the movie had the New York Times declaring the New Hope “A Trip to a far galaxy that’s Fun and Funny.”
At the expense of Hollywood, the illustrious TCL Chinese theatre, and movie bugs across the globe, the sci-fi, action-packed, diverse entourage would go on to garner a whopping $300 million in the summer of ‘77.
It’s simply refreshing and moving to reflect on the appearance of the 1977 blockbuster hit. One of the key elements of A New Hope could be reminisced about daily. The underrated aspect that I find cheerful, is none other than the main setting of the first Star Wars movie: Tatooine.
The wasteland planet could bring back memories of Mad Max or perhaps the 2021 dystopian film Dune. I undeniably believe the homeland of Luke Skywalker should attract further elaboration – even for us Star Wars die-hards.
Let’s be honest, who can’t acknowledge that Tatooine is like “music to our ears”? With this being stated, I’m going to portray three reasons why Tatooine rocks (perhaps more than Hoth).
The Cantina scene
When a Star Wars fan is asked to reflect on A New Hope, one of the first things to arise in one’s subconscious is the intriguing, blood boiling cantina scene. Obi-Wan Kenobi, who is the INFJ sage and new mentor of young Luke, says it best when they are at the doorstep of the cantina. Kenobi says, “You will never find a more wretched hive of scum and villainy. We must be cautious”.
The hot spot to hang out early in the film isn’t a nightclub with your average joes. The audience gets introduced to Greedo, Boba Fett (who is now getting the love he deserves), and of course: Han Solo. Obi-Wan and Luke sit down with Solo and Chewbacca to discuss the details of their voyage to Alderaan. Outside of Star Wars nation meeting a few television heroes, a few nice themes were in play over the course of “Obi-Wan and Luke’s” lively experience.
The bartender angrily tells Luke that droids weren’t allowed and that they don’t serve their kind. In the real, somewhat Star Wars-less world, countless groups of people face baseless discrimination for prior negative actions from others actions. The masterpiece film also takes its time to point out the dangers and illicit activities that can occur in party-like clubs.
An aimless feud between Luke, Obi-Wan, and an estranged stranger occurred that resulted in the enemy getting his arm chopped off, Solo executed Greedo over an ill-founded gig, and Jabba the Hutt made a stop by to confirm everybody’s judgment about just how crooked the environment was.
Through the unusual moments of the infamous Cantina scene lies sincerely engaging, unique entertainment. The cantina’s characters and a splash of music make its presence felt for ages.
A beginning for the Skywalker boys
What do Anakin Skywalker and Luke Skywalker have in common? All jokes aside, the emotionally gifted Anakin Skywalker and his green lightsabered son do begin their journeys on the desert planet of Tatooine.
The circle goes 360 and “Roots” by Imagine Dragons”is in full effect when it comes to the Skywalker boys kicking things off to their stories. Their humble roots are represented well in the rigid, competitive, and resourceful atmosphere. A dreaming interview can witness Anakin kick butt in podracing and win a golden ticket out of his home planet with Qui-Gon Jinn and Obi-Wan Kenobi.
As previously stated, we see the farm-raised Luke grow out of his parents’ helm and blast off with a few adventurous souls in the Millennium Falcon.
The atmosphere of Tatooine coupled with the activities that occur on the planet that may resemble Arrakis from Dune make the setting an inspiring environment. There is something poetic about an optimistic character fighting through the struggle on the planet that simply showcases “no hope.”
The coolest view and potentially scene in the Star Wars franchise (*Let’s be honest*)
After a long day of agonizing, boring, chores, Luke wants to reset his mind clock. The night is drawing near and the young, unspoiled soul wants to get as much inspiration as possible. The then 19-year-old protagonist heads out of his igloo-like home and aims to take one deep look at sunset before the pitch-black approaches.
Once Luke heads out to catch the numerous sunsets, he begins to daydream about the possibility of something bigger happening in his uncertain, easy-going, small world. The young, immature, warrior looks onto see the two suns falling down and the time for self-reflection begins for the young Skywalker. John Williams’ music would also of course deliver one of its finest tunes in the epic, dramatic experience.
The utterly beautiful scene is short and sweet, but it still stands out in an unparalleled robust fashion. The likes of Moana or Family Guy’s parody of Star Wars unveiling an iconic vision from a youngling to the outer edge of their farthest view don’t compare to that of a New Hope’s version. Rest assured, that is the truth.