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My understanding is that Dune is Earth's future (http://dune.wikia.com/wiki/Earth http://dune.wikia.com/wiki/Earth), so that doesn't really fit. :) But the ope
by lukifer 13y ago
My understanding is that Dune is Earth's future (http://dune.wikia.com/wiki/Earth http://dune.wikia.com/wiki/Earth), so that doesn't really fit. :)
But the opening line of Star Wars is truly impressive in its economy and efficacy. It tells the viewer all that they need to know so that they have permission to accept the truly fantastic. No need to connect it to Earth or anything vaguely familiar, no reason to wonder if this "future" could really happen, because everything they're seeing has already happened. It even has a beautiful rhythm and cadence, despite never being spoken aloud.
That iconic phrase is one of many little touches that prevents Episode IV from slipping into the silly B-movie niche occupied by so much prior sci-fi.
- jonnathanson 13y agoCorrect; Dune is meant to take place in the far future of our galaxy. Star Wars is a "far away" galaxy and in the distant past. The "long time ago / far away" disclaimer is brilliant in a number of ways, not the least of which is that it helps the viewer suspend disbelief. It's also an elegant way to future-proof the technology, clothing choices, etc., on display in the movie. If Star Wars had made a claim about being the future of our galaxy, it would age pretty badly (the way that the "futuristic" inventions in Star Trek tend not to age well; consumer technology tends to advance more quickly than projections thereof).