Escaping Modesto: George Lucas, Film Auteur, and the Alteration of Movie History
Document Type
Oral Presentation
Event Website
https://source2022.sched.com/
Start Date
18-5-2022
End Date
18-5-2022
Keywords
Film Auteur, Movie Altercation, Biography
Abstract
This video essay analyzes the early filmography of George Lucas as a critique of auteur theory. Dissecting THX 1138 (1971), American Graffiti (1973), and Star Wars (1977) based on their autobiographic qualities, this short documentary investigates the advantages and disadvantages of reviewing a complicated cinematic work through the lens of an individual author. Analysis will focus on Lucasfilm founder George Lucas and his reputation for controversially altering his works through special edition re-releases, calling into question the sanctity of theatrical releases and the confines of a film auteur. Does a filmmaker, particularly one whose films are drawn from personal experience, have the right to restrict access to their original works by substituting theatrical releases with director endorsed re-edits? “Escaping Modesto” attempts to answer this.
The author's introduction when screening this film can be viewed here: https://youtu.be/Yu9LSaZMpx8?t=605
Recommended Citation
Persson, Krister, "Escaping Modesto: George Lucas, Film Auteur, and the Alteration of Movie History" (2022). Symposium Of University Research and Creative Expression (SOURCE). 16.
https://digitalcommons.cwu.edu/source/2022/CAH/16
Department/Program
Film and Video Studies
Additional Mentoring Department
Film and Video Studies
Escaping Modesto: George Lucas, Film Auteur, and the Alteration of Movie History
This video essay analyzes the early filmography of George Lucas as a critique of auteur theory. Dissecting THX 1138 (1971), American Graffiti (1973), and Star Wars (1977) based on their autobiographic qualities, this short documentary investigates the advantages and disadvantages of reviewing a complicated cinematic work through the lens of an individual author. Analysis will focus on Lucasfilm founder George Lucas and his reputation for controversially altering his works through special edition re-releases, calling into question the sanctity of theatrical releases and the confines of a film auteur. Does a filmmaker, particularly one whose films are drawn from personal experience, have the right to restrict access to their original works by substituting theatrical releases with director endorsed re-edits? “Escaping Modesto” attempts to answer this.
The author's introduction when screening this film can be viewed here: https://youtu.be/Yu9LSaZMpx8?t=605
https://digitalcommons.cwu.edu/source/2022/CAH/16
Faculty Mentor(s)
Asad Farooqui, Justin Daering