Earlier this year, I sat across from a veteran who served two tours in Iraq at the turn of the millennium. He shared his experiences with me about how his PTSD & time aboard manifested into a drug habit. It became a means of escape. Some veterans who serve suffer strongly from PTSD. Some, much like this young man, turn to drugs. While others turn to the bottle or anything to numb the pain of the terrors of war. Some people even go as far as suicide. I just want to have an aside with those individuals, in particular. First off, thank you for serving for our country and granting me this little thing called freedom. It’s something that I try my best never to take for granted. Secondly, I want to encourage you to call the Veterans Suicide Hotline – which can be found directly on our resources page.
Now back to your regularly scheduled review on the third Star Wars film, Revenge of the Sith. Picking up three years into the Clone Wars, Sith gives us once again a split narrative. In one corner, we have Obi-Wan Kenobi (Ewan McGregor) hunting down the sinister General Grievous, of the Clones army. While Anakin (Hayden Christensen) is serving as a dual agent for the Jedi Council and the sinister Supreme Chancellor Palpatine (Ian McDiarmid). Once again, it feels almost as if George Lucas (Writer/Director), wrote himself into a corner. Most ways, this film serves as the climax and eventual turn to the dark side for Anakin but it’s also the resolution of this epic war, we’ve spent two films building up.
Not to mention, an entire animated series as well. While its predecessor in Attack of the Clones had a bad split focus, it gave purpose to the larger narrative of the war. Here, most of the war is over and it feels like we’re just trying to find something for McGregor to do. For the first couple of acts, it seems like his arc’s purpose is just drawn out. Something that could have taken just a few minutes, ends up taking way longer than it should have. Though, he still finds the charm. Even taking that emotional charm and climaxing it for a truly satisfying finale.
While a good chunk of the narrative does focus upon McGregor, it is the unfolding of the relationship between McDiarmid and Christensen that the eyes are glued to. The mentor triangle of Palpatine, Anakin & Obi-Wan create beautiful tension. The relationship between good slowly losing to the dark side is a fasincating character study to watch unfold. Even if the dialogue isn’t always the best. This is the best that Christensen has ever been in the role. His chemistry with McDiarmid fuel this film to new heights, resulting in the eventual creation of Darth Vader. This is the main reason to invest to this film. Unlike his time in Clones, Christensen actually feels like he fulfills his purpose. Crafting an engaging and compelling emotional arc for the character along the way.
Overall, Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith, has a strong franchise. Though, only strong in the sense of training wheels. An overdrawn narrative for Ewan McGregor, which could have served as a prologue, takes too much residency for the story. Though, viewers will want to stay, as McGregor leans into his cosmic charm and choreography once again. While we’ve seen it a bit in its predecessor, Sith confides heavier into the madness for Anakin Skywalker. Masterfully descending into the madness, Hayden Christensen is fascinating to watch. When matched with Ian McDiarmid, the film becomes incapable to take your eyes off. Emotional, engaging and entertaining – Revenge of the Sith is what you’ve been waiting for in the Star Wars saga.
RORSCHACH RATING
And more importantly, if you or someone you know is struggling with suicide, addiction, self-harm or depression - please free feel to reach out. Use any of our resources, call the suicide lifeline (1-800-273-8255) or text 741-741.
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