In this day and age, who doesn’t know who George Lucas is? Few figures, if any, have had as big of an influence in the movie world, particularly with world-building, than George Lucas. Though Lucas is primarily known as the creator of Star Wars (please watch THX 1138), his approach to screenwriting blends mythological archetypes, unique structures, and incredible visual storytelling techniques.
Lucas’s contributions go significantly beyond crafting scripts since his influence redefines the nature of a standard narrative. While plenty of books discuss the topic in great detail, let’s highlight a few key points of George Lucas’s screenwriting that are worth analyzing as writers.
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Influences and Inspiration
Mythologist Joseph Campbell significantly influenced George Lucas, especially early on in his career. Campbell’s theory of the monomyth, or the Hero’s Journey, provided a structural foundation that Lucas would use extensively in Star Wars. The journey of Luke Skywalker follows Campbell’s model almost to the letter, from the Call to Adventure to the Ultimate Boon and Return.
Lucas was also heavily influenced by classic serials of the 1930s and 1940s, such as Flash Gordon and Buck Rogers. Cliffhangers and quick action are staples of Lucas’s writing in Star Wars, and it’s no surprise these components are found in these mini adventures.
In the film world, works from legendary filmmaker Akira Kurosawa played an essential role in Lucas’s craft. Lucas notes that Kurosawa’s model for dynamic character relationships, perspective, movement, and visual storytelling primarily influences his filmmaking.
Structure and Storytelling
Lucas’s screenwriting is rooted in a commitment to classical narrative structure. His use of the three-act structure, combined with the elements of the Hero’s Journey, ensures that his stories resonate universally. His scripts emphasize clear character arcs, moral dilemmas, and transformative journeys, making them relatable to a wide audience.
For example, Star Wars: A New Hope (1977) follows a near-perfect Hero’s Journey:
Act 1: An ordinary farm boy, Luke Skywalker, receives the Call to Adventure when he discovers Princess Leia’s message in R2-D2. He initially refuses the call but is drawn in after the death of his family.
Act 2: Under the mentorship of Obi-Wan Kenobi, he trains, faces challenges, and experiences loss. He gains allies in Han Solo, Leia, and Chewbacca while contending with the powerful villain, Darth Vader.
Act 3: Luke and his companions finally confront the Empire, culminating in his use of the Force to destroy the Death Star, marking his transformation from a naive youth to a hero.
This structure ensures that the story is both engaging and emotionally resonant. Lucas’s ability to weave personal stakes with grand-scale conflicts is one of his defining strengths as a screenwriter, evoking deep emotional responses from the audience.
Character Development
Lucas’s characters are often simple yet deeply archetypal, allowing audiences to relate to them instinctively. Luke Skywalker represents the classic Hero; Han Solo embodies the Rogue with a Heart of Gold; and Leia is the Princess, a fierce leader. Even Darth Vader, one of cinema’s greatest villains, follows the tragic arc of the fallen hero.
A key aspect of his screenwriting is his focus on character relationships. The dynamic between Luke, Leia, and Han serves as the emotional core of Star Wars. Their banter, conflicts, and eventual camaraderie give weight to the galactic stakes. Similarly, the mentorship between Obi-Wan and Luke adds a layer of wisdom and philosophical depth to the adventure.
Dialogue and Visual Storytelling
One of the more debated aspects of Lucas’s screenwriting is his dialogue. Critics often point out that his lines can be stilted or overly expository. However, his dialogue serves a clear purpose: it is designed for clarity and accessibility, often emphasizing thematic elements and character motivations in straightforward terms.
More importantly, Lucas excels in visual storytelling. His scripts are written with a keen eye for cinematic composition. The opening shot of A New Hope—the massive Star Destroyer overwhelming the frame—instantly establishes the power dynamic of the Empire versus the Rebellion without a single word.
Experimentation and Innovation
Lucas is not just a writer but a pioneer of new storytelling techniques. His scripts often push technological boundaries to enhance narrative possibilities. For Star Wars, he envisioned a universe far beyond the capabilities of 1970s filmmaking, and he created Industrial Light & Magic (ILM) to bring his vision to life.
While this article is meant for screenwriting, experimentation, and innovation coincide with screenwriting, and the more opportunities available in the filmmaking world, the more possibilities there are for writing. Fewer constraints on what’s possible on the big screen will enable us to craft endless possibilities.
Criticism and Legacy
It’s no secret that Lucas’s prequel trilogy suffered from excessive exposition, wooden dialogue, and an overreliance on digital effects. Even the biggest Star Wars fans agree that these prequels aren’t in the same appreciation realm as episodes 4 through 6.
However, even in these films, Lucas’s ambitious storytelling remains evident. For example, Emperor Palpatine's rise, Anakin Skywalker's tragedy, and the political underpinnings of the Republic’s fall demonstrate his commitment to layered, mythic storytelling.
Regardless, Lucas’s impact on screenwriting extends beyond Star Wars. His work laid the foundation for countless modern blockbusters, and his storytelling techniques are influenced by films ranging from The Lord of the Rings to the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
Moreover, Lucas’s establishment of Lucasfilm, ILM, and Pixar (which he initially funded before selling to Steve Jobs) revolutionized the industry. His emphasis on technology, sound design, and visual effects changed how screenwriters and filmmakers approach storytelling.
Conclusion
Screenwriting and cinema wouldn’t be the same without George Lucas. The influence of Lucas is difficult to explain since there isn’t anything out there that’s comparable to Star Wars and its impact. While Lucas is known for Star Wars, his influence is undeniable, even if you’re not a fan of the franchise.
As a writer, Lucas is an example of how to craft a world surrounded by character-driven narratives that pioneers engineers to its fullest extent. It’s an example of an artist who shaped and pushed modern filmmaking for others to reap the benefits. His writing lessons will remain relevant as filmmakers craft films with unique and compelling stories.