Pop Art Flashback: 1999, by Arthur Tebbel – Pop Art #157

December 6, 2011 Arthur Tebbel 1 Comment

Art is still on break.  Here is one last column from the archives.  This week’s installment is from 1999.

Dear Art,

This month I am releasing a very ambitious project.  Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace will be releasing this month.  While there is no doubt that the project will be a tremendous financial success I’m a little concerned what it might be doing to my reputation as an artist.  Help me with this Art, what can I do to make sure that I will be respected as a filmmaker both in my own time and in future generations.

-George Lucas

George,

I don’t know what you could possibly be worried about.  You’re one of the most influential filmmakers of the 20th century.  Between Star Wars and Indiana Jones you changed everything.  THX 1138 and American Graffiti were movies that would make even your most ardent critics concede that you’re something more than flashy special effects.  Sure, the Special Edition rereleases of the original Star Wars films drew some criticism from the fringe elements of your fan base but they still made a ton of money.  Your people still love you; that’s readily apparent.

You’ve never been shy about making money off of your creation.  There are more Star Wars toys than anyone could count and that might not even be the biggest part of your licensing empire.  You’ve got books, rides, lunchboxes, computer games and I’m sure I’m leaving out most of it.  I’ve never gotten the impression that this has got in the way of your ability to make movies.  The Indiana Jones movies were huge successes and brought in what I’m sure were truckloads of money.  That didn’t stop you from making the third movie in that series a serious effort.  It was definitely in the top two Indiana Jones movies.

I’m sure The Phantom Menace will be a solid film.  The trailer looks pretty cool.  I’m sure this time next year the Internet will be lit up arguing about where it ranks among the other flicks.  In a decade nerds will probably be being escorted out of comic-con when arguments about which trilogy is superior turn into giant brawls.  You’ll have returned to your reclusive status and all of us will be begging for more Star Wars content.  You’ve built up a lifetime of good will Mr. Lucas, I can’t imagine anyone would be capable of pissing that away even with a trilogy of mediocre movies.  Just do your best and try to make them heartfelt and meaningful and people will stick with you.