Star Wars: Episode IV A New Hope

Trying to improve, pls give me feedback

Like Skywalker (A New Hope) as Lythronax Argestes

Chose this dinosaur because it’s part of T-Rex’s family (the tyrannosaurids) and I want T-Rex to be Tyrannakin / Darth VadRex

I know this series is kinda stupid but I have to fill my free time and I wanted to practice my artstyle

Next: Princess Leia ep 4

I take requests but for now I’m making ep 4

Behold: Chalmun's Spaceport Cantina in LEGO! Complete with 3,187 pieces, 21 minifigures (22 if you count the Dewback), and price tag of $400; this one I bought myself after saving for six months! Here are some photos I took.

The set in its entirety (signed Rogue One DVD not included)

The cantina (closed)

The cantina (open)

How long have you had these droids?

(Luke's landspeeder not included)

Hey! We don't serve their kind here.

This little one's not worth the effort.

(Self-explanatory)

Looks like somebody's beginning to take an interest in your handiwork.

Going somewhere, Solo?

(Greedo shot first)

Let me know what you think and any scenes you want me to recreate (I did the best I could, I shot all this with an iPhone on a desk/repurposed coffee table in my room). It is my favorite set, and even if I had every set ever made, it would probably still be a top 10. I highly recommend you buy it before it retires this New Years!

Today is the birthday of actor Harrison Ford, who has played the smuggler turned hero Han Solo in the Star Wars Galaxy in the Orginal Trilogy (1977-1983) and the Sequel Trilogy (2015 and 2019).

🎂HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO HARRISON!🎂

I know that there are some mistakes in my essay, but I didn't want to go down a 3-hour rabbit hole explaining all the lore behind it 🤣.

Introduction:

Star Wars: the most popular sci-fi fantasy film. Strictly speaking, Star Wars is not a fantasy film, with it more being a sci-fi franchise. However, it incorporates all of the stages of the Hero's Journey, and all of the character roles and archetypes. In this video, we delve into the story of this beloved franchise, exploring its memorable characters and epic adventures. Fantasy can be defined as narratives that take audiences into imaginative places that could be filled with anything from magic to mythical creatures, offering an escape into realms where anything is possible, inviting readers and viewers alike to immerse themselves in adventures. Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope, initially Star Wars, was released on 25 May 1977, and directed and produced by George Lucas. The Hero's Journey in Star Wars is an almost perfect template of the monomyth, with it including archetypal roles such as the tricky shapeshifter and heroic protagonist.

Fantasy Conventions:

Now let’s have a look at fantasy conventions. Fantasy conventions are recurring themes commonly found in literature and film. These conventions serve as roles that help define fantasy, including magical abilities and mythical creatures such as dragons and elves. While many films slightly alter these conventions, they are used as a template that audiences can recognise and engage with.

One fantasy convention used in the story of Star Wars is its first setting: dry, barren Tatooine. This convention is based on the archetype of a “normal” world, something that is repetitive, mundane. This planet encompasses the main character Luke's home with his uncle and aunt, the cities and towns, the nomadic tribes, and even palaces of evil crime gang leaders. Another fantasy convention used is the archetype of the powerful villain. In the story, this is perfectly displayed in Darth Vader, the evil protagonist and leader of the wrongful Empire. He uses a powerful magic known as the Force, something that some people like Luke, the protagonist, can use. Of course, neither of these conventions, Tatooine and Darth Vader, could have ever actually happened or existed in real life, but using film techniques such as dark, shadowy lighting and imposing visual design with menacing armour, George Lucas establishes Darth Vader as a formidable antagonist. In contrast, Tatooine is portrayed with bright, expansive desert landscapes and a warm colour palette, reflecting its role as a humble, "normal" world in the Star Wars galaxy.

The Hero's Journey:

The hero's journey, also known as the monomyth, is a narrative framework first identified by Joseph Campbell that outlines a common pattern found in many stories. It involves a hero who goes on an adventure, faces and overcomes a crisis, and then returns home transformed. It also includes 12 stages, which are: The Ordinary World, Call to Adventure, Refusal of the Call, Meeting the Mentor, Crossing the Threshold, Tests/Allies/Enemies, Approach to the Innermost Cave, The Ordeal, Reward, The Road Back, Resurrection, and lastly, the Return with the Elixir.

The call to adventure in Star Wars, is where Luke, the protagonist, finds a message, asking for the help of a man named "Obi-Wan Kenobi". Luke finds Obi-Wan, who reveals his new name as Ben. Ben asks Luke to come with him to a planet called Alderaan to help fight the Empire, this being the call to adventure, the second part of the Hero's Journey. This stage is very important, as it marks the end of the protagonist's ordinary life in the ordinary place. Another important part of Luke's Hero's Journey is the crossing of the threshold. This stage marks the moment when the hero leaves their ordinary world and enters another world of adventure or quest. For Luke, the Crossing of the Threshold happens when he decides to leave his home planet of Tatooine with Ben Kenobi and join the Rebel Alliance in their fight against the Empire. Despite initially not wanting to go, Luke ultimately makes the decision to leave Tatooine behind and begin a journey that will change his life forever. George Lucas uses film techniques such as the hologram messages, evocative music, cinematography and transitions to visually and emotionally signal Luke's call to adventure, portraying and emphasising Luke's departure from Tatooine.

Archetypal characters:

Now let’s have a look at archetypal characters. Archetypal characters are easily recognisable, appearing in all forms of fantasy, as they fill important roles in the story. These include the Hero, the Mentor, the Trickster, the Villain and the Shapeshifter. These characters serve as building blocks for narratives, conveying deeper conflicts in the story.

One such character in A New Hope is Ben Kenobi, who fills the role of the Mentor. Ben fulfils this role when he provides Luke with guidance and teaches him about the Force, the powerful magic of the galaxy. He gives Luke his father's lightsaber and instructs him in the ways of the Jedi. Ben's mentorship is crucial in preparing Luke for his challenges and making him into a Jedi Master. Another character, or characters, are the Threshold Guardians, who are obstacles that stand in the way of the hero's progress, normally at the threshold of a new world or stage of the journey. In Star Wars, these are the stormtroopers of the Empire. When Luke and Ben arrive on the Death Star, the Empire's ultimate weapon, to fight the Empire, they encounter stormtroopers, the Threshold Guardians, who threaten their mission. These adversaries are obstacles that Luke and his allies must overcome in order to progress in their journey. George Lucas, the director, portrays stormtroopers through imposing shots, using their presence to create obstacles that test Luke's determination on his path. In contrast, Lucas uses film techniques such as calm lighting and wise framing with Ben Kenobi, using dialogue to impart wisdom, solidifying his role as a mentor figure to Luke.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, Star Wars is a powerful fantasy film that captivates audiences with its world-building and characters. It follows the classic Hero's Journey narrative, tracing the transformation of Luke Skywalker into a heroic Jedi Knight. Alongside characters such as Darth Vader and Obi-Wan Kenobi, audiences are drawn into an epic tale of good versus evil. However, Star Wars is also very different from more traditional fantasy films, because of its use of science fiction and space opera elements, such as the story's reliance on advanced technology, instead combining many themes of fantasy, science fiction and mythology.

THANKS FOR READING!

My first tier list!!

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