Star Wars

A great deal is written about the Japanese influence on this ‘all American’ classic. But the British contribution is often overlooked. No danger of that here!

For more nuance and detail, check out the 25-minute podcast episode below.

I use the BFI (British Film Institute) rubric to test the 'Britishness' levels of the original 1977 Star Wars movie (A New Hope). The rubric is as follows:

Section A – cultural content

• A1: Film set in the UK or a European Economic Area (EEA) – Up to 4 points

• A2: Lead characters British or EEA citizens or residents – Up to 4 points

•  A3: Film based on British or EEA subject matter or underlying material – 4 points

•  A4: Original dialogue recorded mainly in English or UK indigenous language or EEA language – Up to 6 points

Section B – cultural contribution

• The film demonstrates British creativity, British heritage and/or diversity – Up to 4 points

Section C – cultural hubs

• C1:

• (a) At least 50% of the principal photography or SFX takes place in the UK – 2 points

• (b) At least 50% of the VFX takes place in the UK – 2 points

• (c) An extra 2 points can be awarded if at least 80% of principal photography or VFX or SFX takes place in the UK – 2 points

• C2: Music Recording/Audio Post Production/Picture Post Production – 1 point

Section D – cultural practitioners

• D1: Director – 1 point

• D2: Scriptwriter – 1 point

• D3: Producer – 1 point

• D4: Composer – 1 point

• D5: Lead actors – 1 point

• D6: Majority of cast – 1 point

• D7: Key staff (lead cinematographer, lead production designer, lead costume designer, lead editor, lead sound designer, lead visual effects supervisor, lead hair and makeup supervisor) – 1 point

• D8: Majority of crew – 1 point

Total available points: 35 (I mis-speak at the start of the episode, correcting myself later)

Number of points needed to pass the Britishness test: 18 points

https://www.bfi.org.uk/apply-british-certification-tax-relief/cultural-test-film/summary-points-cultural-test-film

I refer to several books throughout the episode:

• Tales of the Perilous Realm

• by J.R.R. Tolkien

• Star Wars: The Magic of Myth

• by Mary Henderson

• The Making of Star Wars: The Definitive Story Behind the Scenes of the Original Film

• by J.W. Rinzler

• The Hero With A Thousand Faces

• by Joseph Campbell

All this in just 25 minutes!

I discussed the costumes of Star Wars on the ‘From Tailors With Love’ / ‘There Will Be Bond’ channel hosted by Pete Brooker.