How The Meance Rises to The Surface in the 2002 Star Wars Prequel "Attack of the Clones" A Film Which Wasn't That Bad
Attack of the Clones Trailer
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The consensus was that Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones – released in 2002 and directed by George Lucas, the originator of the Star Wars films – fell short and the reason was obvious: a boring middle section. Dull, and plodding, the middle did nothing to ignite blockbuster excitement.
The Story
In this Star Wars episode, something shadowy sinister is at work in the galaxy that sets up the next episode. With a ‘job description’ as “guardian of peace and justice”, Jedi Knight Obi-Wan Kenobi (Ewan McGregor) is thrust into a mystery. In investigatory mode, Obi-Wan is finding out why Senator Padme (Natalie Portman) was attacked which may have to do with her opposition to the building of a droid army.
It’s all played out as quite mysterious: on his investigations, Obi Wan encounters a dubious bounty hunter, friendly, perhaps too friendly aliens, a clone factory that is fascinating (in a fictional sense) and disturbing (in a real sense), and old friends who may help him to uncover the mystery. Come in Dexter…All the while, the stability of the galaxy is being overturned behind his back…
Meanwhile, Anakin Skywalker, now accomplished Jedi, is falling in love with the former Queen of Naboo, Padme. Anakin has been assigned to look after Padme when her life is under threat from those dividing the Republic into Separatist states. He also has recurring nightmares over his mother and his separation from her. That is all quite deep, but not quite fleshed out to the core in this episode.
Themes
The opening of the film would seem to indicate a theme of anti-war as Senator Padme might have been attacked due to her opposition to the building of a droid army. Padme is on the side of justice and starting a war to her would be unthinkable.
One must separate from one’s sins (self-centred actions like lust and greed) and walk the path of right. In Attack of the Clones, we are shown what happens when passions go unchecked and not reigned in.
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Qualities and Lack Thereof
Attack of the Clones is the slowest Star Wars movie ever made but which is one of the longest as well, as if one needed that. Therapeutic massage for the lost in Star Wars set as the slight action scene in the middle does wonders for a long middle section bogged down with aromatherapy but one or two aliens compensate. What mattered was Anakin's drift into the dark side for those mythologically deprived and emotionally needy, as John Williams blasts his music on all strings. What it needed was a spark or two to lift proceedings into the average rather than mundane. However, one does accommodate, if only to explore deeper themes buried underneath.
There’s a lightsabre duel between diminutive Yoda and the villainous Count Dooku (played by horror film maestro Christopher Lee), the battle in the colosseum, and action in the droid factory. That was the consensus from the public on the matter of what was good about Attack of the Clones. But there is something more subtle as well. The plodding long middle, which was much maligned, can be enjoyed in the right mood, if one is susceptible to going along with it, how is the question. Just let the mystery side of the story unfold before your senses and engage.
Personally, I found the middle section more intriguing than the much-liked end sequences as it was quieter and more subtle. It was these simple pleasures that made me come on board the second episode. It just subtly intrigues one.
Cast: Ewan McGregor, Natalie Portman, Hayden Christensen, Ian McDiarmid, Samuel L. Jackson, Christopher Lee, Anthony Daniels, Kenny Baker, Frank Oz, Pernilla August, Temuera Morrison, Jimmy Smits, Jack Thompson, Leeanna Walsman, Ahmed Best, Oliver Ford Davies, Ronald Falk, Jay Laga’aia, Andrew Secombe, Ayesha Dharker, Daniel Logan, Joel Edgerton, voice of Rena Owen. Screenplay: George Lucas and Jonathan Hales, from a story by George Lucas. Director: George Lucas. Released May 16, 2002.
© 2023 Peter Veugelaers
