On May 19, 1999, Star Wars made his big return to the cinema with episode 1, entitled The Phantom Menace. On the occasion of his 25th birthday and Star Wars Day, May 4, we look back at what he brought to the saga.
Today is May 4 and, like every year on this date, it is the day dedicated to Star Wars. 2024 nevertheless represents a somewhat special milestone: this year, episode 1, called The Phantom Menace, celebrates its 25th anniversary on May 19 in the United States. Yes, it has already been a quarter of a century since Star Wars returned to the cinema with a new trilogy, a prologue to the one we already knew. At that point, Disney hadn't won everything yet.
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Star Wars, Episode 1: The Phantom Menace is clearly not the most memorable film in the cult saga. From the prelogy, fans rather remember Revenge of the Sith, which sees Anakin Skywalker turn to the dark side of the Force to become Darth Vader. It prevents, The Phantom Menace cannot leave you totally indifferent. This is the episode that breathed new life into the world of George Lucas, just before the transition to the 2000s.
Proof that it was a global event, Star Wars, Episode 1: The Phantom Menace titillated billion dollars at the global box office — it finally crossed this threshold in 2012, with a 3D release (treatment to which the other two films were not entitled). It was more successful than its two direct sequels. The wait was therefore immense.
The 7 memories of Star Wars, Episode 1: The Phantom Menace
The transition to synthetic special effects (CGI)
The original trilogy Star Wars — opuses 4, 5 and 6 — relies on an undeniable charm, due to the use of what we call practical effects (handcrafted special effects, with objects and filming tips). For The Phantom Menace, George Lucas embraces the computer-generated images revolution. This allows him to go even further in exploring his universe. From then on, he gave it his all, multiplying the scenes created on a computer (except Yoda, in particular, who will switch to CGI with episode 2). This is also why the prelogy has aged less well than the original trilogy: the CGI has evolved enormously since 1999 and, in this sense, The Phantom Menaceby cheating too much, is much less to his advantage today.
The music Duel of the Fates
Star Wars would not Star Wars without the iconic composition of John Williams. It's quite simple: the conductor largely contributed to popularizing classical music in films. For the prelogy, Duel of the Fates is undoubtedly the most emblematic piece, which reflects the clash of destinies between two Jedi knights (Obi-Wan Kenobi and his master Qui-Gon Jinn) and a Sith warrior (Dark Maul). He also appears at a key moment in the film, with events that will shape Anakin Skywalker's future. It is also an atypical theme, one of the rare Star Wars where we hear singing, with a choir. A sure sign: the title is John Williams' most listened to, according to LastFM, and one of the composer's most popular, according to Spotify. Certainly one of John Williams' masterpieces, among the many he offered to Star Wars.
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Darth Maul and the highly choreographed fights
Episode 1 of Star Wars allows you to discover new characters, including Darth Maul. A taciturn Sith (who remembers what he says?), this villain is distinguished by his weapon: a double lightsaber which he wields with great dexterity. Played by Ray Park, a specialist in martial arts (notably the wushu discipline), Darth Maul brings a very spectacular touch to the action scenes of Star Wars : choreographies. No more rigid duels, where you have the impression that the duelists are waving broomsticks. The Phantom Menace offers anthology clashes. They also work together to get rid of Darth Maul – Qui-Gon Jinn, who will die, and Obi-Wan, his padawan, who will avenge him. Subsequently, George Lucas will go even further, notably with a Yoda who twirls everywhere while he walks with a cane the rest of the time.
The podracer race on Tatooine
There are ultimately few truly striking sequences in The Phantom Menace, which focuses mainly on setting up the sequel (the meeting with Anakin, the rise in power of Obi-Wan, Anakin's attachment to Padmé). If we had to remember just one moment, then the podracer race would be the winner. In addition to establishing Anakin in the role of skilled driver, from a very young age, it provides a thrilling and sensational spectacle, worthy of a real car race. It's not for nothing that a video game is dedicated to him.
The arrival of midi-chlorians in the lore
In the original trilogy, the Force is a mystical concept. Individuals are sensitive to it and we don't really know why. From the outset, it added a layer of mystery and magic to a science fiction universe where technology is everywhere. In The Phantom Menace, George Lucas strives to bring a scientific dimension to the Force: thus, a form of microscopic life, called midi-chlorian, would determine its sensitivity to the Force. A simple blood test would then allow us to know whether or not someone can become a great Jedi knight. This is the case of Anakin Skywalker, whose rate exceeds 20,000 units (a record). Which makes Qui-Gon Jinn think he is the Chosen One, a status contested by other characters, such as Mace Windu. Episode 8 shook things up a little more lore starting from the fact that everyone has the Force within them.
Palpatine's rise to great villain
The three trilogies Star Wars are based on the Skywalker family, but not only. One character is ultra-important in the films: Palpatine, who is not yet emperor, but a simple senator. It is active from The Phantom Menace, where he conspires in the Senate, without his shenanigans being seen. He does not yet have his frightening appearance (caused during his fight with Mace Windu), but displays a friendly face. In the following films, his dark designs will become more and more evident.
That damn Jar-Jar Binks
We end with an angry note: Jar-Jar Binks, who had the misfortune of becoming one of the most hated protagonists of the entire saga Star Wars. Goofy and insufferable, Jar-Jar Binks aimed to bring a touch of humor throughout the prelogy, without completely succeeding. Proof that it didn't rain: despite an important role in episode 1, we hardly see him anymore, relegated to minor appearances. According to wild theories, Jar-Jar Binks is actually a powerful manipulative Sith. His stupidity would then only be a decoy to better deceive his enemies. That shows if he traumatized fans. The actor who played Jar-Jar Binks went through some tough times following this role. But Star Wars recently offered him a nice revenge.