ICYMI: My Star Wars Lecture!

[eldritchhobbit]

In case you missed my public Star Wars lecture entitled "The Jedi, the Cowboy, and... Thomas Edison? Pulp Science Fiction and Star Wars," it is available now for free as a video and in audio-only form here.

In addition, tremendous thanks to everyone who voted in my recent October-related poll. If you haven't yet, the poll is still open!

Comments

[ace hamilton (from livejournal.com)]

Great job, Amy! Loved it!

You know, even as a wee child, I was always conscious of how Star Wars was a patchwork of influences, yet still felt so completely fresh and original. I guess it's just a magical recipe; the ingredients are familiar but the flavor is unique.

I had a similar experience when I saw Raiders of the Lost Ark. In that case, although it was obvious that the film was based on past adventures, I really had seen any of the old serials, so I could never figure out why it evoked such nostalgia for me.

[eldritchhobbit.livejournal.com]

Thank you so much!

the ingredients are familiar but the flavor is unique

Well said. You're right about Raiders, too. I had the same impression when I first saw it!

[ace hamilton (from livejournal.com)]

Maybe Raiders is just the quintessential adventure film, frame of reference not required.

I remember around the same time seeing a parody on SCTV of the Bowery Boys. I had never seen one of those movies, had only vaguely been aware of their existence, but when I saw that I immediately felt like I knew them perfectly.

[mosinging1986.livejournal.com]

Thanks for the link! I look forward to watching when I get a chance!

[eldritchhobbit.livejournal.com]

My pleasure! Thanks for watching/listening. :)

[gilda-elise.livejournal.com]

Thanks for the link. I really enjoyed the lecture, and like the idea of being able to rematch it anytime I chose.

[eldritchhobbit.livejournal.com]

My pleasure! Thanks again for attending and being so supportive. And, you know, being generally and unfailingly awesome. :)

[jim long (from livejournal.com)]

Awesome!