STAR WARSThe Early Years

Creator and Inspiration

Star Wars was Created by George Lucas.Inspired by:Flash GordonChildhood WesternsSamurai

In the WorksStar Wars was a “Brain Toy”, as Lucas went through College, and filmed American Graffiti, and THX 1138.

Lucas finally decided to create it after losing Apocalypse Now.

Finally Casting

Fan Reaction“Instant Hit”- both Sci-Fi fans, average moviegoers, and serious moviegoers loved it.

Only people who disliked it: Hollywood executives, and Trekkies.

Contagious Diffusion

Silence on the Front

From the mid 1980’s verry little Star Wars material was produced, and it became more cult like.

1999 The Phantom Menace was released, causing it to explode back into pop culture

The Prequels

The Prequel saga saw a rift form between George Lucas and his fan base as the Star Wars culture underwent Commodification.

Examples of this Pop Culture

Jedi Census Phenomenon-2001Ronald Reagan's Star Wars Defense SystemParodies- Weird Al, Spaceballs, Chad Vader, Robot Chicken.

Olympics bidEnron Scandal501st Legion