The force awakens Friday, Dec. 18, when the new Star Wars film opens in theaters. (Early showings are available in Baton Rouge Thursday.)
In honor of the highly anticipated movie, we talked to local creatives about how the Skywalker saga has influenced—and continues to influence—them.
Co-owner, Fable House | Film director and editor
When did you see your first Star Wars movie?
I was pretty young, maybe 6 or 7. My dad loved it and talked about it all the time, so I was really eager to watch. I think he was waiting until he thought I’d be old enough to appreciate it. I watched episodes 4, 5 and 6 back-to-back-to-back. I even remember him watching me watching the movies to gauge my reactions to it.
What grabbed your attention the most?
The moment that Star Wars starts and you hear the music you’re either hooked or you have bad taste—in my opinion. It’s just so epic in the truest sense of the word and just awesome and timeless storytelling. Star Wars creates its own universe, and I think that’s so appealing to me, because it is such an amazing escape from reality to immerse yourself in another, more magical world.
Are you still inspired creatively by the series?
It’s been a constant in my life outside of work and now as a filmmaker eagerly waiting for The Force Awakens, it still is. The science fiction genre is my favorite to work in, and that’s in large part due to Star Wars.
OK, besides Jar Jar, who’s your favorite character and why? Kidding!
The first time I saw Darth Vader walk onto screen and heard the “The Imperial March” I said out loud “That’s me!” I’m not sure that there has ever been a cooler character than Darth Vader. When I got married I actually walked down the aisle to the “The Imperial March.”
Editor/colorist, Digital FX
“Star Wars was one of the biggest game-changers in the film industry that helped direct the course for modern special effects. As a kid, I had it on VHS, and watched it way too many times. The asteroids made from potatoes changed my life. Now when I think of potatoes, I think of fries, baked potatoes, mashed potatoes … and asteroids.”
Musician, Pacifico | Assistant, Louisiana International Film Festival
“Han Solo has to be my favorite character. He was a rough outsider, and yet still caring and good. The [John Williams] music is, well—perfect, and just as important as the story itself. You can close your eyes and know exactly what’s going on because of that score. What did I learn from Star Wars? I learned that if an isolated evaporator farmer and son of a terrible man can have such a great purpose, then maybe a musician and son of a minister can too!”
Recreate ‘Star Wars’ style in Baton Rouge: In advance of the return to a “galaxy far, far away,” 225 shows you how to feel like a hero without looking like you’re at a costume party. Whether exploring the outdoors, kicking back in the bar or turning heads at a black-tie gala, may the Force of fashion be with you … always.
LSU alum shares his experience working for Lucasfilm: Mark Landry is a writer, director and sound editor for film and television in Los Angeles. The LSU alum talks about his time as an intern at Lucasfilm, where he selected and edited photos and wrote copy for the Star Wars and Indiana Jones websites right in the heart of the Star Wars universe.
Baton Rouge artist talks his drink-dispensing R2-D2 replica: You may have spotted the fully functional R2-D2 replica at LSU football tailgates and arts festivals around town. The robot is the creation of artist Barton Gilley. While discussing tailgate ideas back in 2010, he and a friend had an idea: R2-D2, serving beer.
