George Lucas in Love (1999)reviewed by Benn "Where's the Humanity?" Farrell
"George Lucas in Love" is an absolutely hilarious short film, running under 10 minutes, spoofing the Academy Award Best Picture winner "Shakespeare in Love." However, instead of Shakespeare having trouble finding inspiration for the stage, it is George Lucas, creator of the Star Wars saga, we follow as a student at University of Southern California in 1967, struggling to come up with a screenplay for his senior exit project. We first meet Lucas at his typewriter, attempting to hammer out the infamous phrase, "A long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away…" His stoned roommate is smoking weed, rambling on about a force all around them, thus starting a roller coaster of "familiar" Star Wars characters and themes Lucas has in his life, but doesn't "see" them. Eventually, Lucas meets Marion whose hair is done up like Princess Lea in Episode IV. He falls for her, and after she tells him to "write what you know," Lucas' eyes open up to the campus he's surrounded by. Of course, he comes up with "Star Wars" and ends up with Marion, that is until a surprise twist in the last second. The picture is so funny and well thought out by writers Joe Nussbaum, who also directed, Timothy Dowling and Daniel Shere. As Lucas runs across campus we meet persons who resemble classic Star Wars characters like Han and Chewbacca, who are actually Hal, a classic car enthusiast and his mechanic friend Chuck, who simply grunts like Chewy. Lucas' professor sits on a bench sipping tea. He has a gruff voice and speaks backwards, resembling Yoda. The climactic montage is the funniest, seeing where Lucas gained inspiration for Jabba the Hut, the concept of speeder bikes from Episode VI and the big dual between Luke and Vader in Episode V. The montage, like the entire picture, was a great well written laugh. I must advise anyone who plans on viewing this short, make sure you watch "Shakespeare in Love" first. Director Nussbaum (Sleepover) did a great job making sure his shot selection resembled director John Madden's selections on "Shakespeare…" The opening sequence of "George Lucas in Love" had be laughing out loud, because of how much it resembled its namesake. The music written for the short also resembles both Star Wars pictures and "Shakespeare in Love," emphasizing the spoof comedy. Martin Hynes (The Big Split) portrays the young George Lucas with a reverent wit, very fitting for a youthful version of the self made franchise mogul we know today. Lisa Jakub (Mrs. Doubtfire, Independence Day) also did very well taking this outlandish short as serious as a big budget prestige picture. "George Lucas in Love" is now on DVD, which you can find on the Internet for a hefty price. However, if you're a Star Wars fan, AND you have seen "Shakespeare in Love," you will be happy spending $20-plus to have this 10 minute movie in your collection. Trust me. Benn - Where's the Humanity?
This is the first time I'm reviewing a motion picture with this short a format, but I recently saw "George Lucas in Love," and I HAD to praise it a little.