The Empire Strikes Back (1980)--5/5

There's not much left to write about "The Empire Strikes Back." Yet I continue.

At the very end of the film, Luke, Leia, and the droids remain on the medical frigate while Lando and Chewbacca leave to plan for Han's rescue from Tatooine. The space camera remains stationary while the small Rebel fleet floats away. With the ships still in motion, a wipe cuts to the closing credits: "Directed by Irvin Kershner."




George Lucas did write the story, create the world, and approve every decision. Though judging by the last shot, and tonal qualities of much of the rest of the film, he liked a lot of Kershner's ideas.

Lucas needs resolution. The endings to the "Star Wars" films he's helmed (I, II, III, and IV) all feature awkwardly-posed pageantry. See: Han and Luke receiving medals (IV) or Anakin and Padme marrying (II).

Kirshner's final "Empire" shot shows a just-introduced ship's backside, the characters inside microscopic blobs. The shot cuts out before a natural endpoint--not surprising for a film that so regularly subverts a sequel's expectations. It's this lack of conventional visual satisfaction, combined with the forward momentum of the ships, that tantalizingly promises the next step in the series. (Or it hypnotized 1980 filmgoers back in line for a repeat viewing.)

I've seen this one a few times.