Star Wars Response

There are many similarities between Star Wars and Western films. A first obvious is the bar scene with Luke and Obi-Wan. It’s almost exactly like other bar scenes in Westerns. First, they come in as the two outsiders with everyone in the bar looking at them strangely. Then, the character that comes up to Luke in the bar and tells him that he and his friend do not like him is almost a stock character from Westerns. Another situation is when Obi-Wan cut the man’s arm off and Han Solo shoots the character with his blaster and nobody reacts. This is very similar to an overreaction in a Western bar, when the people just drag the body out, and the shooter stays at the bar. Many Westerns also portray anti-heroes, which Star Wars does with Han Solo. Also, I think the space in Star Wars is almost like the desert in Westerns. It is a giant, expansive setting where it seems anything is possible.
I think Star Wars is phenomenally popular first of all because it is a great, epic story. There are such a wide range of characters, which watchers of the movie almost certainly have to relate to at least one of the characters. At times it has many suspenseful actions parts, but it also has many times of comic relief that gives a great balance. Also, I think a big part, similarly to “The Lord of the Rings,” is having the six movies that have come out over a long period of time. I think this kept people’s interest in the story, and every movie at the end leaves you wanting to find out what is next and makes you want to watch the next one in the installment.
I think one of the themes is that if you trust yourself good things will happen. This was evident when Luke was practicing with the blaster droid. He’s getting it so Obi-Wan pulls the blaster-shield over his eyes. At first, Luke misses a few blasts then he finally gets the hang of it, and says to Obi-Wan that he felt something.
A big symbol in Star Wars, I think, is the Death Star. I think the Death Star simply symbolizes evil power. It shows its awesome power when it almost effortlessly destroys planets, almost like evil can destroy anything in it’s’ path. Its turning point is when Luke, who symbolizes everything that is good, destroys the Death Star using the Force. This, I think, is a classic good destroys evil scene.