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Star Wars: The Surprising Revelation of its Origins in the 60s and 70s
A long time ago, in a not-so-distant galaxy, George Lucas created a saga that would become one of the most iconic in the history of cinema: Star Wars. For decades, fans have marveled at the saga’s captivating characters, rich mythology, and stunning visual effects. However, what many don’t know is that Lucas built Star Wars from a tapestry of influences from the 60s and 70s, including Flash Gordon, swashbuckling films and other pop works. Get ready for an eye-opening journey through the surprising origins of Star Wars.
Flash Gordon: The Initial Spark
When George Lucas began to create Star Warshe was already familiar with the space genre due to his love for Flash Gordon. Flash Gordona character from comic books and TV series from the 1930s, was an early influence on Lucas. The retro-futuristic aesthetic, flamboyant villains, and intergalactic adventures of Flash Gordon played a fundamental role in the creation of the universe of Star Wars. Elements like vibrant spaceships, epic battles, and fearless heroes have clear roots in Flash Gordon.
Cloak and Dagger Films: The Epic Touch
Lucas also drank from the source of swashbuckling films, such as “The ten Commandments” (1956) and “Ben-Hur” (1959). These epic productions from the 60s and 70s influenced the narrative and tone of Star Wars. The reluctant hero, the journey of the call to adventure, and the grandiose battles are all elements that Lucas incorporated from films that had already won over audiences.
Akira Kurosawa: A Pinch of Japan
Another unexpected influence on the creation of Star Wars was Japanese director Akira Kurosawa. The films of Kurosawaas “The bodyguard” (1961) and “The Seven Samurai” (1954), introduced the world to the concepts of reluctant heroes and complex moral conflicts, which Lucas skillfully incorporated into his own characters, such as Han Solo It is Darth Vader.
Experimental Cinema and Counterculture of the 70s
While the 60s influenced the epic aspect of Star Wars, the 70s left their mark on the look and spirit of the saga. The 70s were a time of cinematic experimentation, and Lucas did not hesitate to adopt visual innovation. He incorporated elements of the countercultural movement, such as drug use and the search for spirituality, into Jedi Code and in search of Luke Skywalker by “Force”. Furthermore, the revolutionary visual effects of the time, such as those created by Industrial Light & Magic (ILM), helped bring the universe of Star Wars.
The Emergence of Star Wars
As we saw Star Wars It didn’t come out of nowhere, but from a melting pot of influences from the 60s and 70s. George Lucas was a wizard who mixed elements of Flash Gordonswashbuckling films, the narrative of Kurosawa and the spirit of counterculture to create something truly unique. This surprising revelation only deepens our appreciation for the genius behind the saga and makes us admire even more the lasting legacy of Star Wars in pop culture. After all, the Force has always been strong with George Lucasand he used it to create a galaxy far, far away that captivates generations to this day.
Source: Atrevida
Earl Johnson is a music writer at Gossipify, known for his in-depth analysis and unique perspective on the industry. A graduate of USC with a degree in Music, he brings years of experience and passion to his writing. He covers the latest releases and trends, always on the lookout for the next big thing in music.
