Adam Golanski's piece explores a hypothetical "Revenge of the Jedi" directed by David Lynch, imagining how Lynch's surrealist style and thematic obsessions might have transformed the Star Wars saga's conclusion. Golanski analyzes how Lynchian elements like dream logic, grotesque imagery, and explorations of duality could have manifested within the existing narrative framework of Return of the Jedi. He suggests a darker, more psychologically driven film, filled with unsettling visuals and ambiguous morality, contrasting sharply with the relatively straightforward heroism of the original. This imagined Lynchian version delves into the subconscious of characters like Luke Skywalker and Darth Vader, potentially offering a more complex and disturbing resolution to their conflict.
Adam Golaski's essay, "On David Lynch's Revenge of the Jedi (2018)," published in the Bennington Review, delves into a fascinating counterfactual: what if David Lynch, the surrealist filmmaker behind Eraserhead and Twin Peaks, had directed Return of the Jedi, the concluding chapter of the original Star Wars trilogy? Golaski meticulously constructs a hypothetical Return of the Jedi imbued with Lynchian sensibilities, drawing parallels between Lynch's established oeuvre and the thematic and narrative elements present in Star Wars. He doesn't simply superimpose Lynch's style onto the existing film; rather, he extrapolates how Lynch might have interpreted and reimagined the core narrative beats, characters, and even the very fabric of the Star Wars universe.
Golaski explores how Lynch's penchant for dreamlike sequences, psychological horror, and grotesque imagery could have manifested in a galaxy far, far away. He envisions a darker, more introspective Jedi narrative, potentially focusing on Luke Skywalker's internal struggles with the dark side and the psychological weight of his lineage. The Emperor, a figure of malevolent authority, could have been rendered even more unsettling through Lynch's distinctive lens, possibly emphasizing the insidious nature of power and corruption. Golaski also contemplates how Lynch's fascination with the duality of human nature, often expressed through doppelgängers and fractured identities, could have played out in the conflict between Luke and Darth Vader.
The essay further speculates on how Lynch might have utilized practical effects and sound design to create a more visceral and unsettling cinematic experience. The alien landscapes and creatures of Star Wars, already fantastical, could have been imbued with a new level of strangeness and otherworldliness under Lynch's direction. Golaski imagines the potential for distorted soundscapes and eerie ambient noises, amplifying the psychological tension and creating a sense of unease.
Ultimately, Golaski's piece isn't about advocating for a Lynch-directed Return of the Jedi. Instead, it uses this hypothetical scenario as a framework to analyze the distinct artistic sensibilities of David Lynch and how they might interact with the established mythology of Star Wars. It's an exercise in creative reimagining, exploring the potential for alternative interpretations of a beloved cultural artifact and prompting reflection on the nature of authorship, adaptation, and the enduring power of imagination. The essay serves as a testament to the impact of both Lynch's and George Lucas's distinct directorial styles, highlighting how different artistic visions can dramatically reshape a familiar narrative.
Summary of Comments ( 116 )
https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=43084145
Hacker News users discuss Adam Golaski's piece on David Lynch almost directing Return of the Jedi. Several commenters express fascination with this alternate history, pondering how different the film might have been under Lynch's vision. Some highlight the stark contrast between Lynch's surreal style and Star Wars, leading to speculation about a darker, more psychologically driven narrative. Others point out Lynch's aversion to studio interference, questioning whether he could have navigated the pressures of such a large franchise. A few comments mention the existing pre-production work by Ralph McQuarrie and how Lynch's vision might have incorporated or diverged from it. The overall sentiment leans towards intrigued curiosity about a "what if" scenario, acknowledging the improbability but enjoying the thought experiment.
The Hacker News post titled "On David Lynch's Revenge of the Jedi (2018)" links to an article exploring the hypothetical scenario of David Lynch directing Return of the Jedi. The discussion in the comments section is relatively brief, with only a handful of contributions. Therefore, a detailed summary of "compelling" comments is difficult, as the overall engagement is low.
One commenter expresses skepticism about the premise, suggesting that Lynch's style wouldn't mesh well with the established tone of Star Wars, envisioning a result that would be "weird and unpleasant" rather than successful. They imagine Lynch's version would be "slow, dark, and filled with uncomfortable silences," contrasting sharply with the generally fast-paced and adventurous nature of the original trilogy.
Another commenter simply states their preference for the existing Return of the Jedi, implying contentment with the film as it is and a lack of interest in a Lynch-directed version.
A third comment briefly touches on the potential influence of George Lucas, suggesting that even if Lynch had directed, Lucas's overarching creative control would have likely prevented a truly "Lynchian" film. They mention the example of Dune, where Lynch's directorial vision was significantly constrained by studio interference.
The remaining comments are very short, expressing mild interest or simple agreement with previous points. There's no extended discussion or in-depth analysis of the hypothetical scenario. In summary, the comments are limited and primarily express skepticism or disinterest in the idea of a Lynch-directed Return of the Jedi.