STAR WARS: THE EMPIRE STRIKES BACK (1980)

OFFICIAL OPENING NIGHT GALA SCREENING

When George Lucas produced and co-wrote the second Star Wars film, he had transformed the definition of a sequel. Earlier sequels had been low-budget knockoffs of the original, but Lucas created a new concept of a film franchise, one that expanded upon both the story and the themes of the first film in a series of “chapters.” As the rebels continue fighting the evil Empire, Luke (Mark Hamill) travels to Dagobah to further study the Force with Jedi Master Yoda, while Han Solo (Harrison Ford) and Princess Leia (Carrie Fisher) admit their love for each other. Exhausted from his work on the original Star Wars (1977), Lucas decided to focus on writing and producing this time. For director, he turned to Irvin Kershner, a specialist in character-driven films like A Fine Madness (1966) and Loving (1970) whose interest in Buddhism provided key insights for his treatment of the Force. His thoughtful approach helped ground Lucas’ epic vision to create a film often hailed by many as one of the greatest sequels ever.

d. Irvin Kershner, 124m, DCP

Courtesy of The Walt Disney Studios.