Bohemian Cinema By Jonathan Pacheco

It’s Quiet in Space….

Tags: Star Wars, Blog-A-Thon, Edward Copeland on Film

NOTE: This post is a contribution to the Star Wars Blog-a-thon at Edward Copeland on Film.

The music to the Star Wars Saga is absolutely iconic.

The main theme is one of the most recognizable pieces of music, possibly ever. And who doesn’t think of the Imperial March when you know someone (a boss, a wife) is about to rain down fire and brimstone? I mean, the Imperial March is so associated with the series that so many casual fans don’t realize that it wasn’t even introduced until The Empire Strikes Back.

Who doesn’t get swept up into the moment when Luke gazes at the twin suns of Tatooine, and John Williams’ sweeping score lifts your heart and gives you chills? Speaking of chills, what about the asteroid field chase in Empire? Easily my favorite piece of music from any Star Wars film.

We could go on all day about boogie-ing to Cantina music or how Han and Leia’s theme secretly makes us feel all gooey inside. The score and the films go hand-in-hand, so much so that it’s easy to forget that some of the greatest, coolest, most effective moments in the films came at times of silence (or at least silence from the score).

Here are some examples of action scenes enhanced by silence:

The Asteroid Chase, Star Wars: Episode II: Attack of the Clones

Just when it seemed like it was as quiet as be, there’s that moment just before Fett’s seismic charges went off, where you were on edge waiting for that big wammy of the “typical explosion.” Instead what you get is a reverberating boom, filling that bass and making you rumble in your seat. (The good part starts around 6:20)

The Podrace, Star Wars: Episode I: The Phantom Menace

Just the sound of those puppies purring. Ahh, the open road….

The Battle of Yavin, Star Wars: Episode IV: A New Hope

A dogfight in space filled with tension, death, and fate. (I can’t seem to find a decent clip of this Battle….)

Obi-Wan Vs. Darth Vader, Star Wars: Episode IV: A New Hope

The first time we ever saw a lightsaber duel, all was silent. Tension mounted as we wondered what would become of this event.

Luke Vs. Darth Vader, Star Wars: Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back

There were a few moments of music within the fight, but from the beginning, as they stand facing each other, and the crisp sound of a saber igniting…. Yes. Not to mention the silence that fills the windy air as Vader swings wildly at Luke, eventually connecting on his right arm, severing his hand. Absolutely epic.

Obi-Wan Vs. Darth Maul, Star Wars: Episode I: The Phantom Menace

Sure, the three-way duel was filled with John Williams’ “Duel of Fates,” but once Obi-Wan takes the Sith apprentice one-on-one, it’s almost total silence. I remember almost jumping out of my seat watching a fast-paced duel for the first time, hearing the sharp connections between the sabers so rapidly. Ahh, 1999…. (The good part starts around 3:30)

Anakin Becomes Darth Vader, Star Wars: Episode III: Revenge of the Sith

There’s music throughout the entire transformation, but it halts for one moment. It ceases at the point that the helmet closes in on Anakin’s head, locks into place, and through the silence, we hear that familiar breathing. As someone put it, it’s our moment of Zen. My goodness, for me, that moment will never get old. (The good part starts around 1:35)

There are so many more moments that I’m forgetting, but these are all of the ones that had an effect on me. I love it because John Williams (and his directors) know how important music is to a space opera like this, but they also know when to just shut up and let the sound effects and the events be their own music.