Star Wars: The Last Jedi comes out on Blu-Ray and DVD on April 9th, and if you happen to pick up a copy of the Blu-Ray, you will become the owner of not just the movie, but also the behind-the-scenes documentary The Director and The Jedi. It may seem like just any other ‘making of’ doc that you expect to see listed amongst the special features, but there is no denying that there is something much more significant to this particular feature.
Not only does The Director and The Jedi offer a more intimate look into Carrie Fisher’s last performance, but it also acts as a look into the process of a film which has arguably become the most divisive Star Wars film so far. Much of the arguments against the film place the blame on writer/director Rian Johnson for not delivering the kind of film that some fans were expecting (for the record, I adore The Last Jedi). The Director and The Jedi is therefore much more fascinating than any normal featurette, as it charts Johnson’s journey from being hired to pre-production and culminating at the end of shooting. It is insightful, touching and a pivotal piece in the on-going debate surrounding Episode 8.
For Star Wars fans, even those who may not agree with the decisions made in The Last Jedi, this documentary offers an invaluable look at what it takes to produce a film on this kind of scale. It is refreshing to see the likes of the incredibly endearing Rian Johnson and his producer, Ram Bergman, stress out over scheduling whilst sat in a hut somewhere in the middle of Pinewood Studios with a box of PG Tips just sat in the background. It is a reminder to those out there who have been inexcusably aggressive towards Johnson that the film is made by a group of fans and nervous human beings who are doing everything they can to tell a story that they are passionate about, all the while being very aware of the legacy and responsibility that they hold in their hands.
Anthony Wonke spends a great deal of time with the craftsmen and women behind the various departments who work tirelessly to ensure everything is ready for its scheduled day. The Director and The Jedi offers a peak behind the curtain, allowing you to gaze in awe at the staggering sets that are built, as well as discovering just how much of the effects were done practically and in-camera. It is spell-binding in a different way to seeing the spectacle itself on-screen in the final product; you simply cannot help but smile with joy at seeing animatronic creatures and fully textured sets come to staggering life.
Related: Star Wars: The Last Jedi review
Time is also dedicated to the cast members themselves, namely the old guard of the franchise: Mark Hamill and Carrie Fisher. Much has been said about Hamill’s disagreements with Johnson over the characterisation of Luke Skywalker. This doc de3lves into the discussions had between the two, and also goes to demonstrate that it is not an aspect that Hamill himself ever seems to quite reconcile with. But there is much here to demonstrate that the creative discussions between Johnson and Hamill undoubtedly led to a stronger, more emotional performance.
You will likely be reaching for the tissues when you see some of the behind-the-scenes footage of Carrie Fisher. One particular moment which captures an alternative take of a scene between Fisher and Hamill is heart-breaking. It is moments like this that give The Director and The Jedi a power and profundity unto itself.
If I have any quibbles with this delightful look behind the scenes of my favourite Star Wars film is that it doesn’t delve into the post-production process at all. You can’t help but feel it is an account that is missing a third act, or it is just that I really wanted to hear some John Williams’ anecdotes. It is a testament to Wonke’s intimate approach and to the charming nature of the people he focuses on; everyone is just such good company, from Johnson himself to the various crew members to the film’s stars. If you did need any more persuasion to get The Last Jedi on Blu-Ray, The Director and The Jedi is just the thing you’ve been looking for. Essential for any Star Wars fan, no matter what you think of The Last Jedi.
Star Wars: The Last Jedi is released on DVD & Blu-ray on Monday 9th April.
