Word: scenes
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Dates: during 1990-1999
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...subdued theme. In this case, its not the sound of a threatening attack of a Star Destroyer on a tiny vessel or the thumping triad notes of Darth Vader's theme but a grand, sweeping piece that is reminiscent of the Indiana Jones films. Mark my words: the opening scene of the film, judging simply from the music, will have some sort of advancing army or caravan, be it droid, human or beast, across a plain or desert (or maybe through a city). Following the main title track is the surprising appearance of a chorus, something that will maintain...
...kids, they're passable. Portman is also not given much to do as the divinely painted-up queen, and she seems a little overwhelmed by the giant scale of the project. Sometimes her lines (which were redubbed in post-production) don't exactly synch with the scene, but she's a pretty young thing, and it's forgivable. And talk of Lloyd's wooden performance (he had been dubbed "Mannequin Skywalker" by certain crewmembers) isn't really fair. The kid's no natural, but he gives a straightforward, acceptable read, especially considering the artificial dialogue he's given--that second...
...though, The Phantom Menace is not about the performances or even really about the characters. It's about the whole scene, the blissful dream of the Star Wars experience. Lucas delivers on the visuals--he paints breathtaking vistas and wondrous creatures that prove he's got imagination to spare. It's a little too clean for my taste--part of the charm of the original series was that it made the long, long time ago seem just as grungily medieval as it was techno-cool--but it's still pretty darn impressive. Even while the film's big showpiece...
...daylight looks convincingly real as it filters into the castle through the newly opened windows, and one of the most touching scenes occurs as Frederic walks Svetlana out into the overgrown garden after they have triumphed over Dracula. But this is merely the finale to one of the most impressive displays of lighting I've seen. A shadowy darkness continually permeates Dracula's castle yet somehow we are always able to see the dancers clearly. And during the village scene in the second act, a warm glow is cast over the entire scene to further enhance the dichotomy between...
...other hand, the fact is that Portia is worth it. Tegan Shohet '01 seems to take a new delight in every scene she is in, navigating Shakespeare's pentameter flawlessly and bringing out its comedy. Her tireless work in this production helps it steer clear of unnecessary angst or belligerent darkness...