The Making of Darth Vader’s Badass Moment in Rogue One
Summary
In this article, we will delve into the making of the iconic scene in Rogue One where Darth Vader has a badass moment. We will explore the creative process behind the scene, the challenges faced by the crew, and the significance of the scene in the Star Wars franchise.
Table of Contents
- The Idea
- Visual Milestones
- Shooting the Sequence
- The Death Star Plan Prop
- Making Vader Iconic
- Mixing Camera Styles
- Director’s Cameo
- Conclusion
The Idea
The creative process behind the scene started when the editor, J. Bez Olse, suggested adding a final moment with Darth Vader to the film. The crew felt the same way, but it was already four months away from the release. When they pitched the idea to producer Kathy Kennedy, she loved it.
Visual Milestones
Director Gareth Edwards likes to work by creating visual milestones of what he would love to see in the film. They brainstormed for three days to come up with cool shots and little moments for the scene. The idea of having Vader kill everyone and the only thing that could escape was the card that Princess Leia gave to R2-D2 was born. The props department suggested different ideas for the card, and they settled on a credit card with a gold disc.
Shooting the Sequence
The crew had only three days to shoot the sequence. The golden rule was not to let Vader do anything that was not established in the original trilogy. They tried to mix the classic and frenetic camera moves to keep the scene energetic. The director also had a cameo in the film as the guy who runs down the corridor and pulls the handle.
The Death Star Plan Prop
Gareth Edwards took the prop for the Death Star plan to keep it safe. The only reference for the card was in the Blu-ray of A New Hope, where Princess Leia starts to slide it in.
Making Vader Iconic
Greg, the DOP, had Vader hold a real lightsaber, but they had a problem with it. When they turned it on, they couldn’t see Vader, only the lightsaber. So, they put the light behind Vader and smoked up the background to illuminate the silhouette. The contrast between the classic and frenetic camera styles also kept Vader iconic.
Mixing Camera Styles
The crew mixed the classic and frenetic camera styles to make the scene more energetic. The scene intercuts both styles, and the contrast keeps it lively.
Director’s Cameo
Gareth Edwards had a cameo in the film as the guy who runs down the corridor and pulls the handle. He felt it was appropriate to play the role because he loves Star Wars so much.
Conclusion
The making of Darth Vader’s badass moment in Rogue One was a creative process that involved brainstorming, mixing camera styles, and making Vader iconic. The significance of the scene in the Star Wars franchise cannot be overstated, and it remains one of the most iconic moments in the series.
