I watched Empire again on its anniversary last May, and was surprised to see just how well it holds up. Like Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan, Empire is just so well-crafted and expertly paced, that every time I watch it, it's just as exciting and rewarding as the first time. It is the finest of the Star Wars films, and Kershner's experienced hand is a large part of its success.
Irvin Kershner definitely made Empire a better movie. I just wish he had done RotJ too. He will be missed.
ReplyDeleteI think RotJ was made better because of the actor's experience with him on Empire. Hammill BROUGHT it in RotJ. What they really needed him for was the new movies-- then again maybe they actually couldn't be made right regardless of who was involved.
ReplyDeleteI agree with the assessment. A rich and rewarding film. You get the impression the stock of Empire can only grow.
ReplyDeleteThe past few days have brought a lot of sad news for fans of pulp cinema.
Well said. Empire stands by itself among the Star Wars deal... (which is kind of ironic given the open endedness of the story)... in no small part due to Mr. Kershner's adept work.
ReplyDeleteI'd like to mention Leslie Nielsen here too. He passed yesterday. Not exactly sci fi but he was prolific on TV in the 70's and did outstanding comedic work in the early 80's.
Two great men with remarkable legacies.
* Mournful Wookiee howl *
ReplyDeleteHow it is "[n]ot exactly sci fi" the brave captain of the United Planets Cruiser C-57D?
ReplyDeleteFunny how Empire only seems to get better every time you watch it, while a single viewing of Attack of the Clones is almost unbearable. I guess not even the Schwartz is with George Lucas nowadays.
ReplyDeleteMr. Kershner will definitely be missed.
@ Lektu... You're right!!! "Forbidden Planet". Not 70's but some seriously classic sci fi. Can't believe I forgot that. Thanks for the correction.
ReplyDeleteEmpire had a great plot, but the cinematography was AWFUL. Too many poorly-lit scenes and wasted shots/weird angles which detract from the overall flow. Empire looks more like a TV show compared to the "majestic" finish of the original Star Wars and Jedi.
ReplyDeleteJedi has the look. Empire has the story. But the original is still the masterpiece IMHO. Regardless, may the force be with Irvin.
Ugh, I didn't know Irvin died either! ESB is without a doubt the best of all the Star Wars movies. It is a darn shame that he didn't get to direct ROTJ and the prequels.
ReplyDelete