Lost in Translation 476: Star Wars Origins (2020)

Fan works are a way for fans to explore a work’s setting. Whether the work is fanfiction or a fan film, the fan not only digs into the original’s materials but also learns the mechanics of the medium being worked in. Quality can vary between extremes, from the early efforts in using the medium to a quality beyond professional levels. Here at Lost in Translation, fan works that do get reviewed are the ones that trend towards the better end. This is in part to not discourage the beginners and in part to highlight what a fan work can accomplish. Fans have free reign on what they can do with a franchise, not being restricted by a studio.

Star Wars is popular. The movies draw an audience, and the various series streaming on Disney+ build and expand the setting beyond the nine films. Lucasfilm allowed fan projects provided that the fans didn’t try to profit from them. That means, each and every fan work based on Star Wars is a labour of love. Outstanding works get attention.

Case in point, *Star Wars Origins*. Written and directed by Phil Hawkins and starring James Costa as Watt, Marie Everett as Ellie, Hadrian Howard as Saif, and Philip Walker as Ackbar, The setting moves, from a galaxy far, far away to the Saharan desert. The film takes inspiration from not just *Star Wars* but also from the *Indiana Jones* franchise, another one that George Lucas worked on.

As can be seen above, the film uses aesthetics from both franchises, from Walt’s fedora and early silhouette calling back to Indiana Jones to Ellie using a replica of Rey’s satchel. Saif’s first appearance has his robes billowing much like a Sith’s robes would. Saif’s men are faceless, blue robes instead of white armour. The Nazi stormtroopers have white head wraps, covering their faces. Even the Wilhelm scream makes an appearance. The film also reuses some key phrases from the Star Wars saga, though in new contexts. The music takes its cues from the soundtrack of the Star Wars saga, adapted for the situation in the fan film.

As with all adaptations, the details make the difference. The heroes of the piece, Walt and Ellie, are named after George Lucas’ parents, George Walton and Dorothy Ellinore, though some artistic license is taken there. The implication is that the Star Wars saga is something Ellie told her as yet unborn son about.

Star Wars Origins, despite being set in WWII North Africa, is at its core a Star Wars film. It is the triumph of the underdog standing up against the forces of evil and winning. It is about family, and the sacrifices taken. No blasters, no starfighter battles, just *Star Wars* distilled down to the personal level yet still having far ranging effects. The film captures the audience’s imagination and holds it through the potential realized.


This article was originally published at THE REMAKE ZONE.

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