* THE OFFICIAL * GEORGE LUCAS THREAD

100% agree, especially about the part with Lucas being forced out by the fans. I mean, he even made Red Tails, with a record biggest all-African American cast, yet fans and critics lambasted him. I saw the movie, and while it's not Star Wars, I felt an almost connection with his style and skill in American Graffiti. I do hope that however, fans will soon hail Lucas again, and see him as a great movie-maker, who's path was so very different and amazing. Heck, fans not only will sooner or later applaud his work, but his decision to sell the company to bring even greater talent. That took some guts, and I think it will pay off greatly. Thank you, Lucas, for guiding me and others down the path of Star Wars.

 

I have a friend who is now an archaeologist- thanks to George Lucas.
Another friend is an animator- thanks to George Lucas.
One became an actor- thanks to Harrison Ford... and George Lucas.
My boyfriend is an astrophysicist- thanks to George Lucas.

He's not only given enjoyment to millions, he's also inspired people for over a generation. There are engineers out there who wouldn't be doing their jobs if they hadn't seen a speeder and thought 'I wonder if that could be replicated' and NASA scientists whose obsessions with space began in a galaxy far far away.

As I've grown up, other films might have become 'my favourites' based on clever twists of plot or award winning performances by the actors, but they're not the ones I'll turn to if I've had a bad day. After half an hour aboard the Millennium Falcon or in the company of Indy, I always feel better; the characters Lucas created are tangible now, they're old friends.

And you know what? I even like Phantom Menace and Crystal Skull. In pub conversation, I can be as cynical as I like about them, but I'll never forget the thrill I had stepping into the cinema, or the dopey grin I wore afterwards. Could I tear them to pieces intellectually? Yes... even if I was eight when I saw the former. But did they make me feel good? You bet!

When I first saw George Lucas my impression was 'yep, that's one hundred percent the man who dreamed up ewoks,' now there are few people I regard more highly. I'm excited for the post-Lucas Star Wars age, but at the same time I know I'm not the only one who'll be mentally inserting some sparkly green letters just before the scrolling text begins.

 

Let's hope that George Lucas enjoys his retirement.
He sold Lucasfilm and is no longer at the helm.
I would like to know if he regrets it sometimes.
Nonetheless thanks Mr. Lucas for your vision, creativity and your contribution in pop culture, you left your stamp and set the bar higher.

 

Regardless of whether you enjoy his later work or not, he's not an evil person like some try to make him out to be. He wants to tell stories, create movies, progress the medium and entertain people. And from all the interviews, commentaries, and comments related to Star Wars over the years, he seems highly intelligent and thoughtful, and he put a lot of effort and ideas into crafting all six movies - if it worked out or not is a subjective matter.

I despise his refusal to properly restore the original versions of the OT, but I will always remember him as an artist and craftsman who deserves the praise he's received, if not more.

 

Strange Magic is one of his very best films. It's a shame that it never had a chance. I'll always miss GL's pioneering spirit and quirks. I feel like SW has been handed over to the fans now and will never be as interesting or satisfying for me.

 

Apparently Strange Magic sucked according to critics.

 

I thank George lucas for making my childhood awesome!!

 

Apparently TH1138 sucked according to critics. They also didn't much care for Temple of Doom, Tucker or many other films he's made. The studio didn't want to release American Graffiti. Vincent Canby gave ESB a bad review. So much for critics.

 

Red Tails is an excellent film. I do feel that it could have used one more pass in the editing stage but it really showed Lucas loosening up and getting back to his roots as a filmmaker in many ways. After RT and SM I'm really sorry he didn't do SW7. I think he would have surprised a lot of people. It's great see some Red Tails love online I was waiting for that movie since 1992! It was surreal to finally see it on the big screen. I saw it twice and both times the audience loved it.

 

Although I was disappointed by some historical aspects of Red Tails, I was very happy to see the amount of interest the film generated in the Tuskegee Airmen.

Before the film was released I was approached by a local military history museum that I've done work for in the past, and I was asked if I would build them a 1/8 scale model of a Tuskegee P-51B Mustang with proper paint and markings for the new Tuskegee Airmen exhibit they were putting together.

I ended up building 2 models. I put together a static display model for the museum, and an R/C version for myself. With the research involved, and the opportunity to meet one of the actual pilots, it became a thoroughly enjoyable project.

This is the R/C version-

 

I am a much more happier person today because of things that George Lucas brought into my life. Star Wars being one of them. And the Indian Jones series to a lesser extant. But SW was such an influential part of my younger developing years. I grew up with the OT and I continued to grow with the PT as well. For me his films have such an amazing quality and feel to them that can not be duplicated, only imitated. I also can appreciate all the elements of film making he brought to the table.

I am not a film maker or one in the making either, but if I did choose that road he would be the prime inspiration for me doing so. But he should be a prime inspiration no matter what one does in life. How he opened new doorways and always pushing the envelope. That could be applied to anything in life. But I am thankful for this mans contributions to society and those contributions had a profound effect on my life that will last me my whole life.

Thank you,
Mr. Lucas

 

Good read from /Film.



/FILM
How Involved Was George Lucas in 'Star Wars 7′ and Will He Be Involved in 'Indiana Jones 5 ...

And from Screenrant
- http://wp.me/pguxy-2mkN

 

He created the SW universe, I'm thankful for him creating such an amazing story. He made my childhood come to life.

 

The first movie theatre experience I had was ROTJ in '83. At only 3 I was completely mesmerized by Luke Skywalker, Darth Vader, Light Sabers, and of course the Millennium Falcon. To this day I can still close my eyes to the tune of certain iconic images from that experience like it was yesterday. Star Wars affected me so much at such an early age that it was truly inescapable. It continues to affect and consume me to this day. Growing up with Star Wars has created an inexplicable bond with the story, characters, and music in all of us. All thanks to this man and his ideas.

Just stop and think for a moment about how Star Wars has affected your life.

We're so fortunate and I know thankful that we've been allowed to take part in a universe spawned by one man's extreme imagination and vision. From Star Wars to Indy and everything in-between, truly one of the most classic story tellers of the ages.

Thanks George!

 

Welcome to the Cantina. Great first post!

 

Wise words George. Too bad that you didn't apply them to the Prequel Trilogy.

 

Looking forward to seeing the new Lucas interview this December!