If you’re a Star Wars fan, you may have wondered what movie came before the franchise. After all, Star Wars is one of the most iconic movie series in history, so it’s natural to be curious about its roots. In this article, we’ll explore the movie that came before Star Wars and how it paved the way for this beloved sci-fi epic.
The Movie That Came Before Star Wars
The movie that came before Star Wars was 2001: A Space Odyssey. Directed by Stanley Kubrick and released in 1968, this groundbreaking film was a critical and commercial success. It was also a game-changer for science fiction movies.
- Visual Effects: One of the key reasons why 2001: A Space Odyssey was so influential is its groundbreaking visual effects. The movie used innovative techniques like front projection and miniatures to create realistic space scenes. It also featured stunning shots of spacecraft and planets that were ahead of their time.
- Ambitious Story: Another reason why 2001: A Space Odyssey stood out was its ambitious story. The film explored themes like human evolution, artificial intelligence, and the nature of consciousness.
These were complex topics that hadn’t been tackled in sci-fi movies before.
- Sound Design: The sound design in 2001: A Space Odyssey was also innovative. The film used classical music pieces like Richard Strauss’ “Also sprach Zarathustra” and Johann Strauss II’s “The Blue Danube” to create an otherworldly atmosphere. It also featured eerie sound effects like the monolith’s hum.
The Impact Of 2001: A Space Odyssey On Star Wars
Now that we’ve established what movie came before Star Wars, let’s explore how it influenced George Lucas’ space epic. There are several ways in which 2001: A Space Odyssey impacted Star Wars.
Visual Effects
Firstly, the visual effects in Star Wars were heavily influenced by 2001: A Space Odyssey. George Lucas was impressed by the realistic space scenes in Kubrick’s movie and wanted to replicate them in his own film. He hired John Dykstra, a special effects expert who had worked on 2001: A Space Odyssey, to create the groundbreaking effects in Star Wars.
Ambitious Storytelling
Secondly, both movies shared a commitment to ambitious storytelling. Just like 2001: A Space Odyssey, Star Wars explored complex themes like the nature of good and evil, destiny, and the power of the Force. It also featured memorable characters like Luke Skywalker, Princess Leia, and Darth Vader who had deep motivations and flaws.
Soundscape
Finally, the sound design in Star Wars was also influenced by 2001: A Space Odyssey. Just like Kubrick’s movie, Star Wars used classical music pieces to heighten the emotional impact of certain scenes. It also featured iconic sound effects like R2-D2’s beeps and Darth Vader’s breathing that have become synonymous with the franchise.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while there were other sci-fi movies before Star Wars (like Forbidden Planet and The Day The Earth Stood Still), it was 2001: A Space Odyssey that had the biggest impact on George Lucas’ space epic. From its groundbreaking visual effects to its ambitious storytelling and soundscape, Kubrick’s movie paved the way for one of cinema’s most beloved franchises. So next time you watch a Star Wars movie, remember that it all started with a visionary director named Stanley Kubrick.
