Critical Commentary: “star Wars” by Vincent Canby

George Lucas’ science fiction multi-film “Star Wars” saga is deeply ingrained in modern society, and has significantly impacted popular culture. References such as “May the Force be with you” or “I am your father” are known by most in English-speaking countries, even by those who have not watched any of the films. As seen in Vincent Canby’s 1977 New York Times movie review, “Star Wars” was an entirely new genre, which shocked some, but also helped propel the series to stardom. In the article, Canby shows why the film can be enjoyed by a wide spectrum of people, even a more mature audience, using allusions to other well liked literary works and putting into evidence its ‘wow’ factor.

What seems evident is that Canby believes all younger people will enjoy the film, due to its sheer excitement and novelty. Indeed, it is immediately affirmed that Star Wars “is the movie that the teenagers in American Graffiti would have broken their necks to see.” (l.2-3). Such a harsh image puts into perspective the anticipation created by the arrival of Star Wars; no one has ever seen anything like this before, and they will do anything to catch a glimpse of it. Indeed, it “is the most elaborate, most expensive, most beautiful movie serial ever made.” (l.5-6). Here, the description made of Star Wars resembles views critics had of the very first films, when cinema had just been invented. Not only is Star Wars entertaining, it is completely revolutionary and perfectly embodies the dreamy aspect that is given by Hollywood. Moreover, the “landscapes, housing, vehicles, weapons, religion, [and] politics” (l.19) were all “variations on the familiar.” (l.20), confirming the notion that people at the time were faced with an entirely new genre. Canby explains that the simple plot is ideally suited to a younger audience, as it is “a breathless succession of escapes, pursuits, dangerous missions,