Movies reflect the changing roles of men in the 21st century. Here is what our community says about the ‘Star Wars’ series.
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This is the fifth post in our “Movies and Manhood” series that gives our regular writers a voice to share their views on how movies have impacted their thinking about men, as well as the culture at large. Our objective is to find the intersection between these films and the themes and topics we address here at The Good Men Project. Be sure to check out our other posts on Dead Poets Society, Field of Dreams, The Godfather trilogy, and the Back to the Future trilogy.
No other film series has had as much impact on the modern male pyche than Star Wars. The story of Anakin Skywalker’s rise to power, defeat, and ultimate redemption, as well as his son Luke’s journey to become a Jedi, is a modern-day version of the Hero’s Journey. Joseph Campbell’s writing on the Hero’s Journey had a profound impact on George Lucas, creator of Star Wars. And although many stories over the years have covered similar territory, George Lucas spun it in a new way, complete with ground-breaking special effects and a youthful energy that has captivated audiences for decades. (For more insights into the modern mythology of Star Wars, check out Bill Moyer’s in-depth interview with George Lucas from 1999.)
Since Star Wars: The Force Awakens is just a few weeks away, this is a perfect time to revisit the original films (and the prequels, if you liked them). Chances are pretty good that you have been impacted by these stories, much like some of our Good Men Project writers. Check out their comments after the clip.
Here are the GMP Perspectives:
I saw Star Wars at 6 and was hooked. I had toys, posters, the fan club with the Bantha Tracks newsletter, a dog named Leia, and you guessed it, hero worship. Luke was the wide eyed prince that was going to get leveled up to beat the bad guy, but for me it was Han Solo. I loved seeing him be a scoundrel, yet heroic and flawed, and grow a familial bond with his band of merry star chasers. He showed that every person is a true puzzle who cannot be defined by a simple label. I’ve always identified with his character, and come to think of it, I’ve been happy to tell the world, “Don’t get cocky.”
Sean Ackerman, The Good Men Project Author
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This series does a great job of proving how important it is to have a mentor in your life. Luke learns things about himself from wise men who only want to help him stop a great evil from ruling the galaxy. As a result, he becomes an amazing Jedi. When he meets his father, the bond they share make things happen that nobody thought was ever possible. But the best thing about this series is the friendships. It proves that no task is impossible as long as you have a group of friends by your side.
Jay Snook, The Good Men Project Author
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The Star Wars series, and, in particular, the original film (now known as Episode IV: A New Hope) is rich in models of manhood, as well as in depicting the choices that each man must make about how he lives his life. In A New Hope, Luke is presented with the choice between a “good” father figure (Obi-Wan Kenobi) and a “bad” father figure (Darth Vader.) Luke’s uncle Owen Lars, who raised Luke and seemingly lost his life protecting Luke, is never mentioned again after his death.
Luke’s choice to ally himself with the Light side of the Force seems to dispel Uncle Owen’s fear about Luke automatically turning out like his father. However, it’s important that Luke makes that choice for himself rather than being shielded from the realities of his parentage. At the end of the film, with Owen and Obi-Wan both dead, Luke is mature enough to fight his own battles and decide the course of his life.
Mary Ann Borer, The Good Men Project Author
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Obi-Wan Kenobi said, “Trust your feelings,” and I wish it hadn’t taken me 35 years to do so.
Feelings Detective, The Good Men Project Author
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Is it possible that Star Wars was the origin of the “Sleep with, Marry, Kill” game? For the record it is Han Solo, Luke, and Darth for me.
Anna Rosenblum Palmer, The Good Men Project Author
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The Star Wars series has had more of an influence on the modern dad than any other fictional depiction across any media for the current generation. Where men of ages past have been formed by religion or indoctrination, the fathering men of the new millennium almost all seem to have been deeply affected by the Star Wars movies. Its basic premise of good, and the spiritual entity “The Force” versus evil and “The Dark Side” form the core of a common spirituality and morality.
The movies are all about the search for the perfect fatherly inspiration. When the real birthfather is thrown into absenteeism at the hands of “The Dark Side,” several surrogates step forward to guide the developing man along. Ultimately, he captures his legacy, incorporates the combined wisdom of all his fathering relationships, forgives the betrayal of his biological one, and ends with self-actualization.
One of the most significant contributions to the core sensibilities of society is in the portrayal of the women of Star Wars. Princess Leia, in particular, is no one’s damsel in distress, a full equal, if not superior to, all other characters she encounters. Her path to self actualization is tighter than her brother’s, but if compared to the princesses waiting in towers of other fables, it’s quite astounding. Princess Leia, and her influence on how modern dads might treat their significant others, is as likely an influencing factor on today’s families that are more open to female leaders and stay-at-home dads.
Rob Watson, Lead Editor Dads and Families, The Good Men Project
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The Star Wars series IS the Hero’s Journey in Sci-Fi version. There is no denying that it taps into the struggles and triumphs through the masculine journey.
Wilhelm Cortez, Executive Editor at The Good Men Project
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Photo: Lucasfilm
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