The Bearded Trio

Michael Heather Takes A Look At The Humour In Star Wars An oft repeated maxim about John Williams music for Star Wars (that is episode IV, A New Hope) is that, rather than use a futuristic type score, the genius was using very traditional classical themes that would ground the action and make what was occurring on screen relatable to the audience.  This is, of course, absolutely true and his contribution, as ever, is absolutely key to the films success. One thing of note about the original film (and which follows through to the two original sequels, and that I loved as a young fan) was also how funny the film is. Star Wars... as comedy. Much like John Williams score it was key in making the film relatable and successful. Now I am not saying that if you fancy a good laugh you select Star Wars over Chevy Chase’s broken glasses (or Steve Martin having a conversation with a brain on a lake) but Star Wars definitely uses humour for effect and to humanise and sympathise the character...

Harrison Ford: The Icon and His Appeal by Michael Heather This is the essay that I had resisted to write because it's pretty much my slam-dunk of a topic choice...I can already hear the groans from all of the people that have ever known me. But, I write it because I am not alone...I can already hear the applause from a million geeks like me and they won’t be silenced. Harrison Ford is the Elvis of several geek generations, certainly the ever-ageing ones like me that grew up on the cinema of Lucas and Spielberg. There is a wonderful moment in the film ‘500 Days of Summer’ where Joseph Gordon Levitt’s character Tom, having fallen for the quirky charms of Zooey Deschanels’ title character, does an impromptu street dance in celebration of his new love. All the supporting characters celebrate this new feeling with him and they all join in the parade...and then Tom suddenly catches a reflection in a window. It’s Harrison’s reflection from the medal ceremony in Star Wars, re-purpose...