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| Are you implying I'm old? |
I
was 3.5, living in Bountiful, Utah and my parents took me to see Star Wars on opening weekend. There was
no “A New Hope” at that point. It was
simply Star Wars and all the
literature and media coverage at the time will confirm that for you. That’s not really important, unless you’re on
a tearing rant about George Lucas.
I’m
not.
Today.
Because
of the social structure of the Salt Lake City valley, my parents took me to the
theater on Sunday and walked right in, only pausing to buy tickets. Lines that
had been out the door and around the block the previous night had evaporated Sunday
morning.
Huzzah
for cultural Mormonism!
I
do not remember watching the movie, as I do later films. I remember the sense of wonder and fantasy
that the movie created. I remember,
quite simply, loving it. My parents,
clever folks that they are, picked up on this and in short order Star Wars
themed merchandise began to appear.
Sheets, action figures, ships, etc.
My mother (if I recall correctly) cut out the Time article about the movie, which came with tons of movie images,
and taped them to my bedroom wall.
I’m
sure I drove them nuts with Star Wars this
and Star Wars that—as only an
imagination-driven three year old can.
I
am not, currently, a Star Wars nut. I enjoy the films, the books, the
culture. But I found Star Trek much more to my liking,
and—sin of sins—fantasy far superior.
But
you can’t really forget your first, the one that instilled in you a passion and
desire you didn’t even know existed. At
3.5, being shown what is easily the seminal
science fiction film, it certainly has an impact. And like Lucas or love him or hate him or
tolerate him, you have to give it up to Star
Wars.
Many
of us would not be who we are today.
Ah Star Wars! I was five when my parents took me to see it. I too remember the wonder, it was the first film to make an impact on a child who would rather be out climbing trees. And yes, I grew up to become a Trekkie but you never forget your first love. Happy reminiscences. I'm now looking forward to watching it with my children.
ReplyDeleteExactly. You never forget your first love! :)
DeleteAh Star Wars! I was five when my parents took me to see it. I too remember the wonder, it was the first film to make an impact on a child who would rather be out climbing trees. And yes, I grew up to become a Trekkie but you never forget your first love. Happy reminiscences. I'm now looking forward to watching it with my children.
ReplyDelete