George Lucas's influences on the original trilogy are wide and vast. From Flash Gordon to Japanese art films to Joseph Campbell's writings, Star Wars is akin to many works of art. One lesser-known influence was a short film steeped in Star Wars lore.
The short film Black Angel, directed by Roger Christian, debuted before The Empire Strikes Back in 1980. Lucas was looking for a short film to accompany the sequel's release and selected Christian's script and work. The film was shown before the sequel in Europe and Australia. However, it became a great influence on Empire.
Black Angel centers on a mythical medieval landscape, and its influences can be seen in the darker scenes of Empire. In the fight sequences, Christian employs a slowed-down fight sequence, which inspires Lucas to use the same technique in the pivotal battle between Luke and Vader at the climax of the film.
Christian himself was very excited about his work on the short and compared it to his love of the Star Wars franchise.
"I feel like Luke staring at the two twin sons and there's your destiny ahead of you and you have to take it or not—the same as Arthur pulling the sword out," Christian told EW via Collider in a recent interview. In addition to linking to The Empire Strikes Back, Christian was also the set decorator for the original Star Wars film in 1977 and served as the second unit director on both Return of the Jedi and The Phantom Menace.
The negative of Black Angel had been lost for several years but was found back in 2011 and restored to its original glory, allowing for Star Wars and medieval fans alike to revel in the short film. The film is available on Amazon Prime for purchase. It is also available on YouTube with an introduction from Christian.
Many fans are looking for new and exciting ways to enjoy the Star Wars franchise. One way may be to look at this classic film, which influenced George Lucas.