Sunday 30 November 2014

'Star Wars Episode VII: The Force Awakens' Trailer Breakdown


Unless you've been living in a cave this last few days I'm sure you'll be aware that the first trailer for the new Star Wars film, 'The Force Awakens', has hit the internet.  If by some small chance you've missed seeing it already check it out.


So, lets take a closer look at what we just saw...


The trailer opens on a desert planet, that all things considered is most probably Tatooine.  Yes, there are many other desert planets in the Star Wars universe but based on a few other parts of the trailer its a safe bet.  Add on to that both of the previous trilogies have features Tatooine in their opening films, 'Phantom Menace' and 'A New Hope', and I'm pretty certain it's everyone's favourite desert world.


Here's our first look at John Boyega, one of the rumoured main stars of the new trilogy.  Some people on the web have been saying that this shot shows that or heroes must at some point disguise themselves as storm troopers, similarly to Episode IV, however, this does support reports that John Boyega is playing a Stormtrooper that chooses to switch sides.  As for those people who are saying he can't possibly be a Stormtrooper because he's not a clone, the Clone Troopers were phased out some ten years before the events of 'A New Hope', meaning that the majority of Stormtroopers are in fact normal Imperial citizens.


A new team of heroes means a new set of sidekicks, and despite R2-D2 and C-3PO set to return it looks like this little fella might be joining them as a new mechanical friend.  Rumoured to be Daisy Ridley's characters droid.  It's also worth noting the old rusted pod racer engines in the background, helping to support the idea that we are on Tatooine.


The new upgraded Stormtroopers for the new trilogy.  Despite the Emperor having been killed in 'Return of the Jedi' it would appear that the Empire still exists in one form or another.  It will be interesting to see how closely the new films will take inspiration from the expanded universe here.  Will there be some new leader of the Empire, or will Palpatine have found some way to return from the dead?


It looks like the Stormtroopers are landing in some form of night raid, and if you look very carefully you can just make out buildings with domed roofs and the distinct shapes of moisture vaporators.  Perhaps this is part of how John Boyega ends up on Tatooine.


Our first look at Daisy Ridley, one of the new lead characters, rumoured to be the daughter of Han Solo and Princess Leaia.  Some people are claiming that the device strapped to the side of her speeder bike is a lightsaber, though it looks more like one of the rifles used by the Sand People, natives to Tatooine.


Oscar Issac ronds off our new trio of heroes as a rebel X-Wing pilot and possibly a member of Rogue Squadron.


The new X-Wing fighters in all their glory.  Some reports from Abrams suggest that this shot was mostly achieved using models over CGI, which if true is very, very cool.


One of the new antagonists for the film, an as of yet unidentified Sith sporting a pretty spectacular looking lightsaber.  Obviously, there's the hilt, giving the weapon a more medieval, sword-like appearance. In addition to looking cool, it'll probably present greater defensive options to its wielder.

Crossguard lightsabers have appeared in the extended universe before, but this is a first for the films.  Plus there's something different about the quality of the blade as well, it appears to be more unstable. This might have something to do with the quality of the crystal being used or possibly because the lightsaber itself could be an ancient weapon from long before the Star Wars films.


The trailer ends with a sweeping shot of the new and improved Millennium Falcon in all her glory.  Notice the new rectangular radar dish that has replaced the old circular style one that was ripped off the hull during the assault on the second Death Star during 'Return of the Jedi'.


The final image of the trailer gives us a better close up look at the Falcon as she enters combat with a pair of TIE Fighters above the dune sea of Tatooine.

The Narrator - One last thing to discuss about the trailer that wasn't seen is the voice narrating the action for us.  There has been a lot of fan speculation over the last few days over who it is, with some people even suggesting it's Benedict Cumberbatch despite the fact he isn't in the film.  Because fan girls need him in everything in order to survive I guess.

If you listen closely however, the voice strongly resembles renowned voice and motion actor Andy Serkis, who we know for a fact is in the film playing a 'small bt pivilot part'.  Having recently watched 'Dawn of the Planet of the Apes' it's easy to hear the similarities between the voice in the trailer and Sirkis' growly performance as Ceaser.

Amy.
xx

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