After graduating from the University of Southern California’s directing department, he worked for some time as an assistant to other directors. Thanks to the grant obtained He managed to acquire a set of Francis Ford Coppola’s musical “Finian’s Rainbow” (1968). Already at the stage of this collaboration, Coppola noticed the potential of the young virtuoso in 1969 With him he founded the “American Zoetrope” studio.. Thanks to this, Lucas’s cinematic debut was possible, “THX-1138” (1971), based on the short film “Electronic Labyrinth: THX 1138 4EB” (1967) made during his studies, although the first feature film was not a financial success Success, it was an expression of the interests that Lucas was to develop in subsequent productions – themes related to technological progress or imagination.
In 1971, George Lucas established his own independent film studio, Lucasfilm Ltd., which over the years has become one of the most important studios. Currently, it is controlled by The Walt Disney Company, which bought it in 2012 for approximately $4 billion.
W “THX-1138” (1971) Lucas told the story of humanity controlled by machines, devoid of feelings and individual characteristics. The world was like a totalitarian state, a prison where every member of society was merely a cog in the machine. Names were replaced with identification codes and emotions were drowned out by mandatory medications. However, the pair of main characters decide to let go, and as a result, they have the opportunity to discover true feelings for the first time.
Another major headliner in his career was also “American Graffiti” (1973) – Presenting an emotional story of a group of school friends facing doubts regarding their entry into adulthood. The characters idealize their past and remember their childhood with nostalgia.
It’s also worth noting that it’s Lucas He is responsible for creating the character of Dr. Henry WaltonOr Indiana Jones (Harrison Ford) – the cult hero of adventure films directed by Steven Spielberg.
Contrary to what it seems, the plot presented in Star Wars is not innovative or original. The story of a family of Jedi Knights, set “a long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away.” Refers to well-known motifs found in myths, fairy tales and adventure novels. While creating, the director also referred to the achievements of other important artists; This is especially evident in the lightsaber battle scenes inspired by Akira Kurosawa’s classic samurai film The Hidden Castle (1958). The key to the “Star Wars” series is the attractive appearance and the combination of all the above-mentioned elements in an attractive way. A story about the struggle between good and evil, which deals with themes of maturity, the essence of family, love and the power of friendship (even friendship between species).
There is no doubt that George Lucas influenced the popular imagination and became one of the most important directors in the world. His works are continually appreciated and inspire subsequent generations of creators, as evidenced by new, though not necessarily successful, works created around the “stellar” universe. The artist revolutionized science fiction cinema One might dare to say that contemporary cinema would not be the same without him. Moreover, the director He will be honored with the Palme d’Or for his artistic achievements throughout his life During the closing ceremony of this year’s Cannes Film Festival. One would like to say today – “May the Force be with you,” Mr. Lucas!
See also: 25 years since the world premiere of the hit film. Facts you probably didn’t know
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