20 Lesser Known Facts Surrounding The Making Of Star Wars
8. Preserving The Opening Of Star Wars
George Lucas believes that the openings of his films should pull the viewer in instantaneously. He didn't want to waste the audience's time as names of actors, producers, and the director flash across the scene. Instead, he decided to push every screen credit to the end of the film. The billing laws are complicated, but suffice it to say, it worked in A New Hope because the name of the director (George Lucas) matched the company name (Lucasfilm Ltd.) that had appeared before the film began. Lucas decided to keep the same format with the Empire Strikes Back, but the Directors Guild of America were not pleased. They insisted that Irvin Kershner be credited at the beginning of the film, since the company name of Lucasfilm was also there. When Lucas refused, they fined him $250,000, and also went after Kershner. Lucas stepped in and not only paid his own fines, but also protected Kershner by paying for his fines as well. After this incident, Lucas resigned from the Directors Guild of America. The lengths that George Lucas went to protect his movie and keep it authentic to his own vision makes me wonder why some people call him a sellout. Perhaps they should take a look at little moments like this to realize that Lucas always had Star Wars' best interests at heart.
7. Can You Find 1138?
George Lucas' directorial debut was a movie called THX 1138. The science-fiction film did not find box office success, but Lucas fans know how much this film means to its director. If you watch closely, Lucas continually tries to find a way to incorporate shout outs to his first film, more commonly known as Easter Eggs, within the Star Wars saga. I won't ruin it completely for you, but some examples of such Easter Eggs are a battle droid with 1138 labeled on its back in the final battle of Naboo in Episode I, and the number cell block number that Luke and Han claim to be transferring their "prisoner" Chewbacca from. As you view the six movies once more, try to keep your eyes open and ears listening for more signs of 1138. Once you know about the fact that it exists, you won't be able to stop looking for them.
