« LE PORTFOLIO!!!!! | Main | Clapping to the Rhythm of the Waves »
May 25, 2007
Happy 30th Birthday, Star Wars!!
Thirty years ago, a movie event unlike any other in cinema history took place at the Mann Chinese Theater in Hollywood Boulevard. Hundreds of people, young and old, lined up for a science fiction film with no big actor names and a relatively unknown young director. For many, this unforgettable screening would be one of the most memorable events of their lives (and one that us youngin's envy like hell).
My equally nerdy (maybe even more so) older brother was the prime influence for my love of all things sci-fi. I officially became a Star Wars fan in early 1993 when I had viewed all three movies in local Puerto Rican television, even though I like to believe my fandom dates as far back as 1983, where my Mom was forced to get her crying baby daughter out of Return of the Jedi's screening in San Juan (I guess I was just grossed out at Jabba). The very first English-language novel I ever read was Heir to the Empire in Summer of '93. I was hooked. I rewatched the films over and over again, especially Empire Strikes Back, the most layered and emotional of the trilogy (I mean come on, "Luke I am your father", you can't beat that).
Every teenager has a world to escape to, be it imaginary or real. Mine was Star Wars. I would bring my nerdy Star Wars paperbacks to class and read them. I have no idea how I never got my ass kicked. I was that girl. I didn't care. I loved this galaxy far, far away. I was intrigued with what became of Luke, Leia and Han after the Empire was overthrown, how they helped rebuild the New Republic and the Jedi Order and what became of their lives. I read all the novels, even fan fiction written by fans like me all over the world.
Two years ago, George Lucas and his team revealed plans for a live-action TV series. I was peeing in my pants from the excitement. Ideas flourished into my mind, then into paper while at work. A dark and gritty, post-Revenge of the Sith Galaxy where the very few remaining Jedis are still fleeing for their lives while hopelessly fighting againt the rising tyranny of Emperor Palpatine. Gosh, if I had stayed in the film department, I'd be whoring myself to Lucas just so I could write that series.
That's how much I love Star Wars. We know the looks we get from people. The roll of the eyes, the derogatory whispers. Whatevs. Through Star Wars I have met wonderful people, even a boyfriend who shared the same geeky sci-fi passion as me. Star Wars is as part of me as... my talent or my ridiculous humor. It is part of what I am, of what I still dream of at night. It's that fleeting promise that someday..someday, we might reach those far away stars and begin adventures of our own.
May 25, 1977, Mann Chinese Theater
Posted by starmagn at May 25, 2007 02:41 AM