A classic short film was once an opener for The Empire Strikes Back

As a lifelong Star Wars enthusiast with a soft spot for behind-the-scenes trivia, I must say that discovering the influence of Roger Christian’s short film “Black Angel” on the original trilogy has been a truly enlightening experience. The fact that this forgotten gem played a significant role in shaping the iconic battle sequences between Luke and Vader is nothing short of mind-blowing!

The impacts of George Lucas on the original Star Wars trilogy were extensive and far-reaching. Ranging from ‘Flash Gordon’, Japanese art films, to Joseph Campbell’s writings, Star Wars can be likened to numerous pieces of art. One less recognized influence was a brief film deeply rooted in Star Wars history.

In 1980, prior to the release of “The Empire Strikes Back,” the short film titled “Black Angel,” directed by Roger Christian, was premiered. George Lucas, seeking a suitable short film for the sequel’s premiere, chose Christian’s script and production. The movie was screened before the sequel in Europe and Australia. Notably, it had a significant impact on “Empire.

Black Angel Explored

Christian himself was very excited about his work on the short and compared it to his love of the Star Wars franchise.

In a recent interview, Christian shared with EW via Collider, “It feels to me like Luke facing the two young men, and your fate lies ahead, a choice you must make – just as Arthur drew the sword,” echoing the scene from ‘The Empire Strikes Back’. Notably, Christian was not only a set decorator for the first Star Wars movie in 1977 but also served as the second unit director for both ‘Return of the Jedi’ and ‘The Phantom Menace’.

For many years, the elusive ‘Black Angel’ short film had been missing, but it was miraculously discovered in 2011 and brought back to its pristine condition, providing a delightful experience for Star Wars enthusiasts and medieval fans alike. The movie can now be bought on Amazon Prime, while also being accessible on YouTube with an introductory message from Christian.

Many enthusiasts seek novel and thrilling methods to engage with the Star Wars universe. One possibility is exploring an original movie that served as inspiration for George Lucas.

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2024-10-19 20:51