[MOC] "I've been waiting for you, Obi-Wan"

[Max_Lego]

I created this small diorama as a tribute to the actor, who voiced Darth Vader almost everywhere - James Earl Jones, who passed away yesterday. The Darth Vader voice acting is what he probably will be remembered by most. Ironically, he claimed it to be a mere 'sound effect', giving full credit to the late David Prowse for playing the Dark Lord of the Sith. R.I.P., James Earl Jones.

I chose this particular scene because of Star Wars' fans' undeserved backlash towards this scene. They always complained that the duel was lazy. It was subject to many parodies and a re-imagining with stupid Force-lifting (I hate when Jedi or Sith lift anyone in the air! It should be impossible!) and powerful chopping blows, which make no sense but look 'awesome'.

I used to share this opinion until I realised that it's the most accurate representation of a lightsaber duel in the entire Star Wars saga - it may not be exciting to watch, but it's correctly executed. The two opponents are fully aware that they are armed with two-hand hilts emitting a weightless plasma blade that has no sharp edges and is equally dangerous from any side. The duels in ep. V and VI stayed faithful to this idea. The Prequels added some blows for greater spectacularity, and fans were happy. So they got the Sequels where lightsaber duels were ruined once and for all. I can't say anything about the Acolyte disaster, since some of the fans who actually hated the show claimed that the lightsaber duels there were very good, being inspired by Akira Kurosawa's movies, and I don't intend to watch this trash myself (I mean the Acolyte. Kurosawa's films are a classic, and I enjoyed the "Seven samurai" very much).

An overall view of the MOC:

As always, may the Force be with us all...

Edited September 10, 2024 by Max_Lego

[Sentinel_Brix]

Very nice reenactment of the scene, great lighting and a very heartwarming tribute overall 

R.I.P. JEJ

PS: I could imagine that seeing the duel first time was mind blowing. Of course the filmmakers want to beat themselves in any sequel. It's just natural. For me, the most compelling lightsaber duel is the one from Episode I. That was incredible, seeing it back then 

PPS: another unpopular opinion: *whispers* I enjoyed the Acolyte (mostly because of the good worldbuilding) It had some ups and downs I admit though 

[Max_Lego]

32 minutes ago, Sentinel_Brix said:

Very nice reenactment of the scene, great lighting and a very heartwarming tribute overall 

R.I.P. JEJ

PS: I could imagine that seeing the duel first time was mind blowing. Of course the filmmakers want to beat themselves in any sequel. It's just natural. For me, the most compelling lightsaber duel is the one from Episode I. That was incredible, seeing it back then 

Thak you for your kind words! 

I agree with you, the duel from episode I is, perhaps, the most amazing in the entire saga - partially because Maul had a sword with two blades (I first saw the movie somewhere in 2012, no big deal for me, but I imagine the first viewers' amazement) and a lot of acrobatics (they say Ray Park strived to perform all the stunts by himself). I just believe the first duel was more lore-accurate - duels from Prequels are still very good, especially compared to the Sequels.

40 minutes ago, Sentinel_Brix said:

PPS: another unpopular opinion: *whispers* I enjoyed the Acolyte (mostly because of the good worldbuilding) It had some ups and downs I admit though 

I understand. I'm just personally not into the 'hundreds of years before OT' thing, so I didn't watch it myself. The creators' statements didn't help either. 

Episode I may be the first Star Wars movie I saw (is it why I like Jar Jar so much?), Filoni's Clone Wars was the first SW I actually saw, but now the original (pre- Special editions) OT is THE real Star Wars for me now.

[Feuer Zug]

Nice MOC. The starkness of the scene and the build put all the tension into the interaction between the two characters as it should be.

[Max_Lego]

9 minutes ago, Feuer Zug said:

Nice MOC. The starkness of the scene and the build put all the tension into the interaction between the two characters as it should be.

I'm glad you liked it