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Anakin’s poignant return to Tatooine in Episode II is not talked about enough

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Anakin's poignant return to Tatooine in Episode II is not talked about enough

As a gamer with over two decades of Star Wars fandom under my belt, I have to say that the underrated brilliance of Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones has always been a hidden gem for me. Contrary to popular opinion, this movie is far from being a mere action spectacle. Instead, it delves deep into the human emotions and struggles of Anakin Skywalker, played brilliantly by Hayden Christensen.

In casual terms, it’s often noted that “Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones” is seldom considered critically and typically ranks lowest among all the Star Wars films.

The second episode is often criticized for its heavy use of dialogue that feels awkward, excessive reliance on visual effects, and Hayden Christensen’s portrayal of a young, emotionally turbulent Jedi apprentice, Anakin Skywalker, who would later become Darth Vader. This was Christensen’s debut in the Star Wars series, and his performance as Anakin often received criticism for not capturing the essence of the man before he transformed into the iconic villain. However, it seems that George Lucas intended to depict the gradual downfall of Anakin and the circumstances leading to this transformation, rather than focusing solely on Christensen’s portrayal of Darth Vader. The idea was to show that beneath the menacing exterior of Darth Vader, there was once a man who loved too deeply.

As a gamer, I found a crucial moment in Episode II where George Lucas delved deep into Anakin’s human struggle, revealing why he couldn’t thrive as a Jedi. This underrated scene took us back to his roots on Tatooine, shedding light on aspects of his life that shaped his eventual fall from grace. The revelation about the truth behind his nightmares reshaped Anakin’s perception of what it means to be a Jedi and questioned everything he believed the Jedi Order stood for.

Anakin's poignant return to Tatooine in Episode II is not talked about enough

In “Episode II,” Lucas establishes a heart-rending storyline for Anakin early on through his recurring nightmares about his mother’s predicament. However, despite the agony these dreams cause him, he is not permitted to take action regarding them. He confides in Obi-Wan Kenobi and Padme Amidala about his disturbing dreams, but Obi-Wan reassures him that dreams eventually fade away. Regrettably, Anakin’s dreams do not dissipate, prompting him to disobey orders in order to protect Padme on Naboo and investigate his mother’s whereabouts. Upon arrival, he learns that Shmi has a spouse and stepson but was abducted by the Tuskens over a month prior. This revelation confirms that Anakin’s dreams served as a dire warning about Shmi’s perilous situation.

Unfortunately, the Jedi Order refused to let Anakin visit his mother Shmi, a decision that ultimately led to their demise. Tragically, Shmi passed away in Anakin’s arms, allowing him to keep his promise of seeing her once more, but at the cost of never being able to do so again. This loss enraged Anakin, pushing him towards the dark side as he mercilessly killed every inhabitant of the Tusken village. He did not regret this act, for until then, Anakin had strived to be a good Jedi, feeling constantly restrained by their rules and regulations. This emotional turmoil reached a peak when Anakin broke down before Padmé, revealing his resentment towards the Jedi Order, including Obi-Wan, whom he believed hindered him from realizing his full potential as the most powerful Jedi possible.

In this scenario, Anakin’s fixation on saving those he cherishes from peril starts to develop, and the Jedi Council plays a significant role in how events unfold. If they had granted Anakin permission to visit Shmi immediately upon his dreams of her being in jeopardy, things might have taken a different course. It’s possible that Anakin would still succumb to the dark side, but the Jedi Order wouldn’t shoulder as much blame for his subsequent tragic state.

Anakin's poignant return to Tatooine in Episode II is not talked about enough

George Lucas portrayed how a 19-year-old who had always been restricted might respond in such a situation. Anakin found it difficult to accept leaving Shmi vulnerable, and when faced with an opportunity to save someone dear to him, he felt helpless. In this instance, even after killing the Tusken, Anakin demonstrated his most human traits. His deep love for his mother and the desire to shield her, or anyone he cherishes, is natural and human. Regrettably, the Jedi instilled in him that it was incorrect to wish to safeguard those he loved.

George Lucas skillfully portrayed Anakin’s sense of powerlessness and remorse for adhering to Jedi guidelines. Through his work, Anakin’s eventual tragic descent became not only plausible but deeply moving. The scene in Tatooine stands out as a prime example of masterful storytelling, and I can’t fathom why it often goes unappreciated. Hayden Christensen’s performance is exceptional, conveying an array of emotions such as simmering anger, mounting frustration, despair, rage, and profound sorrow with great depth.

It’s evident that after burying Shmi, Anakin undergoes a significant transformation, distancing himself from the person he was before her passing. This event marks the end of his trust in the Jedi, a disillusionment that is powerfully conveyed by Hayden’s acting. This portrayal captures grief in its many phases. Anakin’s vow to Shmi never to let anyone he cares about perish again represents his struggle to come to terms with his past mistakes but also sets the stage for his downfall.

After this point, it seems likely that Anakin could revert to being a Jedi, but he will no longer hold faith in their teachings. His confidence in them has been shattered, and deep down, he understands that there’s something inherently flawed and inhumane about the Jedi way. This lesser-known aspect of Episode II – Attack of the Clones serves to explain Anakin’s disenchantment with the Jedi Order and his eventual fall, which Hayden Christensen delivers convincingly.

Let’s pause on the prequel memes for a bit, and instead, let’s revisit “Attack of the Clones.” There’s a wealth of untapped depth in this film beyond Anakin’s distaste for sand and the quick-paced relationship between him and Padme.

Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones is streaming on Disney+.

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2024-08-13 01:22

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