It's regarded as one of the most disappointing blockbusters of all time, but has Attack of the Clones merely been misunderstood?
Director: George Lucas
Starring: Hayden Christensen, Natalie Portman, Ewan McGregor
Running time: 142 minutes
Can you believe it’s been twenty years since this absolute masterpiece came into the world? The second in George Lucas’ acclaimed prequel trilogy, Star Wars: Episode II - Attack of the Clones is the pinnacle of fantasy storytelling, an utter thrill ride that is both a pulse-racing action adventure and a Machiavellian political thriller, a masterclass in both screenwriting and direction, and a victim of utterly unfair treatment from both critics and fans.
Following Jedi Knight Obi-Wan Kenobi (Ewan McGregor) and his Padawan Anakin Skywalker (Hayden Christensen) as they try to take down Separatist leader Count Dooku (Christopher Lee) and his droid army, this sequel to the second-greatest Star Wars movie of all time, The Phantom Menace, takes things to bigger, bolder and more beautiful places.
The character work here is simply phenomenal, diving into the complex psyche of the tormented Skywalker with remarkable grace and nuance. So often, the audience is in the dark about Anakin’s thoughts and emotions, left only to pick out subtle clues from his intricately-crafted dialogue, with lines like “I don't like sand. It's coarse, and rough, and irritating, and it gets everywhere” and “They're like animals, and I slaughtered them like animals! I HATE THEM!” providing a mere glimpse into the inner workings of this closed-off character.
Panned by critics and audiences alike when it was released back in 2002, this may well be the most unfairly-treated movie in cinematic history
Everyone has their part to play in a complicated web of deceit and dishonesty, raising the stakes to almost unbearable levels. Like Game of Thrones set in the stars, there are double-crossings, dodgy deals, and an underlying tension that threatens to boil over at any moment. Critics have argued that the political elements of this film are convoluted rather than complex, but they can talk to my severed hand. This is Lucas’ true genius - taking a giant, galaxy-spanning adventure and turning it into an introspective, exposition-heavy and dialogue-centred drama. It’s a stroke of brilliance, and one that has been criminally overlooked.
Yet for all its wonderful wordsmanship, Episode II also boasts enough exhilarating action to get fists pumping and smiles widening. While the original trilogy won plaudits for its groundbreaking practical effects, Attack of the Clones relies predominantly on CGI, and it has aged like a fine wine. Although more recent films like Avengers: Infinity War and War for the Planet of the Apes won plaudits for their photorealism and stunning scope, it’s easy to argue that Star Wars was doing this decades earlier - putting together a visual spectacle that is undoubtedly standing the test of time.
Panned by critics and audiences alike when it was released back in 2002, this may well be the most unfairly-treated movie in cinematic history. With an intelligent script, fully fleshed out characters and superb special effects, this is a true work of art that deserves greater respect. Hopefully now, twenty years on, it will finally receive it.
Did you know? When Jango Fett gets into his ship after his fight with Obi-Wan, he bangs his head on the partially open door. This was intentional, and is a reference to a famous goof from Star Wars (1977), where a stormtrooper accidentally bangs his head on a door.
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