"All's Fair in Love and War: Justifying an Attack of the Clones" By Adam Slight

While Ryan and I could debate back and forth about the pod-race sequence like an astromech and a protocol droid, instead I will use my analysis of Attack of the Clones to demonstrate the importance of viewing Star Wars from an stand point of “as is” instead of “what should be”.

Attack of the Clones was attacked by popular critics for being wooden and awkward. By implication these critics are referring to what Star Wars “should be”. I would like to debate that Attack of the Clones, while the most anomalous installment of the six, also has some of the most interesting thematic complexities of the Saga. If the film were any different these complexities would not exist and we’d be left with a weak younger brother of Empire Strikes Back.

I compare Attack of the Clones to Empire Strikes Back because they are both “second acts” of their respective trilogies. The most dominant characteristic of the second act is that it is often the darkest and most ambiguous chapter of the story. The characters falter after a successful first act and they become unsure of themselves. This is most obvious with the Jedi Order in Attack of the Clones. Mace Windu sums it up when he says “We’re keepers of the peace, not soldiers”. It is in Attack of the Clones that the role of the Jedi becomes questioned. How far does a Jedi’s mandate go? And the question can extend to the viewer: What justifies violence?

This struggle is mirrored in Obi Wan’s quest throughout the movie which resembles that of a 1930’s gumshoe detective story. Obi Wan’s quest begins in a familiar diner with a familiar friend named Dex and from here-on, Obi-Wan delves deeper into the unknown. This is the first time the series that the Jedi must face the unfamiliar apart from the Sith. Both Kamino and Geonosis are planets outside of Republic jurisdiction. This reflects not only in the actually unfamiliarity of the planets, but also in the architecture, weaponry and creatures that are seen on these worlds. The hive-like structures, and complex factories on Geonosis inhabited by their bug-like denizens are not only foreign to Star Wars audiences but difficult for any person to relate to as familiar creatures. Their weapons are unfamiliar (are they guns? are they canons?...and what about the seismic charges?). This is also the first time we see Jedi casually killed. Obi Wan and the Jedi are up against a chaos of unknown forces. This brings to bare many questions of conduct and reveals the ambiguity of the Jedi Order.

And just when you thought things were ambiguous enough, let’s not forget about the highly criticized Anakin/Padmé love plot. It’s important to investigate what people disliked about the love plot. Primarily it is scrutinized for feeling unnatural. This is a “should be” instance, implying that it “should be” more natural. I’ll be the first to go on record that the awkward dialogue and unnatural love scenes are instrumental contributions to the film’s thematic framework. Considering most reading this essay have a theoretical interest in Star Wars, it safe to assume that they have lived their share of awkward experiences with the opposite sex. How would you act if you were a member of a sexually repressive order, fell in love with someone, dwelt on it for 10 years and finally had your chance to express your feelings? This almost justifies Anakin’s hate for sand, doesn’t it! (Wink, Wink, Nudge, Nudge). This mutual sexual confusion, and awkward dialogue (and the death of Anakin’s mother not to mention) creates tension in the characters and in audiences that further strengthens the unknown anxiety of the film.

John Williams’ score, while less grand than any other Star Wars score, further propagates the mysterious and anxious tone of the film. The love theme “Across the Stars” is more haunting than romantic as it hints to the unpredictability of their relationship and the psyches of the film’s characters.Ultimately, we can understand that within the context of the film, this anxiety comes to represent the dark side which is slowly veiling the senses of the Jedi and are becoming more and more entrenched in the events of the story. The original pending title of Attack of the Clones was actually Star Wars: Episode II: Rise of the Empire, and to risk sounding hypocritical, I’d say that would be the only “should be” that I will endorse in this essay. Let me explain.

After 90 minutes of “anxiety”, as I’ve been calling it, the viewer begins searching for some kind of catharsis or relief. In the face of such chaos George Lucas demonstrates how tyranny is born. As the viewer becomes more anxious, they are willing to accept any type of salvation. It is at this point that Chancellor Palpatine makes his plea for emergency powers and the adoption of a Republic Army. Just as the audience hopes for some order to repair the chaotic anxiety of the film, the Galactic Senate hopes Palpatine can restore order to the Galaxy – and you have to admit…you know Palpatine is evil, but you wouldn’t mind seeing those clones in action either.

And so, all this time Lucas has been building up tension in the audiences so that they feel the justification of war, autonomy and an army. Lucas demonstrates the effects of charisma on a population by using the very audience as an example. The final battle is the catharsis the audience has yearned for, and yet, we don’t have the Jedi to thank…but instead the army.

In light of the ambiguity that Attack of the Clones displays, the film concludes on a different note. The ambiguous, emotional nature of the Jedi is rectified as we see orderly legions of Clone Troopers departing for battle, off to replace the Jedi. We also see Anakin and Padmé’s chaotic love tamed by the stabilized institution of marriage. And thus The Empire is born. Does this entire scenario sound familiar to anyone?

While I defended Episode I for its “Star Warsness”, I defend Attack of the Clones for its lack thereof. It stands alone as a concise commentary on global politics and global conduct. While I may not be able to defend C-3P0’s conduct, nor the rolling in the grass, I think it is important to consider the films “as is” instead of jumping to “what should be”. You may be surprised what you find from “a certain point of view”.