The Influences Behind Star Wars: From Jidai-Geki to Metropolis and Beyond
Summary
In this special episode of Footnote, we delve into the many influences on the Star Wars saga. From the origins of the Jedi in Jidai-Geki movies to the parallels between the monomyth and the hero’s journey in various storytelling traditions, we explore the diverse sources of inspiration for George Lucas’s masterpiece. We also take a closer look at the characters, such as the droids R2-D2 and C-3PO and Qui-Gon Jinn, and how their designs were influenced by iconic films like Metropolis.
Table of Contents
- The Jedi as Ronin and the Influence of Jidai-Geki Films
- The Monomyth and the Hero’s Journey
- Iconic Characters and Their Inspirations
- The Role of Friendship and the Force
- Conclusion
Introduction
Hello, and welcome to this special episode of Footnote. With Star Wars week in full swing here at Wired, we decided to take a closer look at the various influences behind the beloved saga that has captured hearts and imaginations across generations. From its origins in classic genre films to the storytelling traditions that underpin the monomyth, we will explore the many inspirations that helped bring Star Wars to life.
Q&A
The Jedi as Ronin and the Influence of Jidai-Geki Films
Q: Where did George Lucas derive the term Jedi from?
A: Lucas derived the term Jedi from the Japanese Jidai-Geki, a genre that focuses on the Edo period of the early 1600s to mid-1800.
Q: What films served as the framework for the Jedi in Star Wars?
A: Classic Jidai-Geki movies such as Seven Samurai and the innovative, though less popular, 6.5 Samurai served as the framework for the Jedi in Star Wars.
Q: What is a Ronin?
A: Ronin were masterless Samurai that were forced to wander around helping people. When the Empire replaces the Republic in Star Wars, the Jedi are cast out and become Ronin-like exiles.
The Monomyth and the Hero’s Journey
Q: What is the Hero with a Thousand Faces by Joseph Campbell, and how did it influence Star Wars?
A: The Hero with a Thousand Faces is a book by mythologist Joseph Campbell that explores the common themes, motifs, and structures of myths and legends around the world. It influenced Star Wars in part because it provided George Lucas with a blueprint for the monomyth and the hero’s journey that Luke Skywalker follows.
Q: What is the monomyth?
A: The monomyth is a narrative structure that appears in myths and legends across cultures. It features a hero who embarks on a journey or quest, faces trials and tribulations, and ultimately achieves a transformation or enlightenment.
Q: Does the monomyth apply to modern heroes like Luke Skywalker?
A: Yes, the monomyth applies as much to modern heroes like Luke as it does to classic heroes like Odysseus.
Iconic Characters and Their Inspirations
Q: Where did the name Qui-Gon Jinn come from, and what does it mean?
A: Qui-Gon Jinn likely derives from the Japanese Chi-Go, the practice of balancing the life energy known as Chi. It’s this energy that we see mirrored in the Force, which supposedly binds the universe together.
Q: What are Jinn in Arabian mythology?
A: Jinn are the genies of Arabian mythology.
Q: What inspired the design of R2-D2 and C-3PO?
A: The design for C-3PO was inspired by the robot in the classic silent film Metropolis. R2-D2 and C-3PO also appear in Indiana Jones.
Q: What eventually became of the robot in Metropolis?
A: The robot in Metropolis became pretty and did a sexy dance that incited men to riot, which may well be C-3PO’s fate in the upcoming Star Wars film.
The Role of Friendship and the Force
Q: What unites space and time in the Star Wars universe?
A: It’s not the Force but rather friendship that unites space and time in the Star Wars universe.
Q: What is the Force?
A: The Force is an all-pervasive energy field that supposedly binds the universe together. It’s a mystical and spiritual concept that is central to the Star Wars mythology.
Q: What is Ch?
A: Ch is the life energy that is balanced in the practice of Chi-Go, from which Qui-Gon Jinn’s name derives.
Conclusion
We hope you enjoyed this exploration of the diverse influences that helped shape the Star Wars saga. From the Jidai-Geki films that inspired the Jedi to the monomyth that guided the hero’s journey of Luke Skywalker, Star Wars is a testament to the power of storytelling and the way in which artists draw upon diverse traditions to create something new and unique. We can’t wait to see what the future holds for the Star Wars universe and the creative minds who continue to expand and enrich it.
