The Fall of Skywalker IV: Fix It In Post
Summary
Host Hansi Gartem analyzes the editing of Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker, contrasting its rushed post-production with the meticulous work of Marsha Lucas on the original trilogy. The episode explores how marketing decisions forced early reveals, leading to a condensed narrative that prioritizes pace over emotional depth. Gartem critiques the film’s lack of a strong midpoint and argues that the final cut feels more like a trailer than a cohesive story, while also discussing John Williams’ final score.
Topics discussed
Introduction: The vital role of editors in Star Wars
Marsha Lucas's early career and key creative contributions
Marsha's emotional instincts and later criticism of the franchise
The art of editing and the team behind The Rise of Skywalker
On-set editing and lack of pre-vis in Episode IX
Non-sequential editing and the assembly cut's length
Marketing Palpatine's return and its impact on the edit
Unanswered questions and the mystery of Palpatine's survival
Analyzing the weak midpoint and narrative structure
Rise of Skywalker as a trailer rather than a film
John Williams' final score and thematic reuse
The operatic lightsaber duel and missing music
ADR, reshoots, and the artificial ticking clock
Adam Driver's ADR sessions and the Rey/Kylo kiss
The Force Dyad concept and its inconsistent execution
Marsha Lucas's divorce and Return of the Jedi editing
Erasing Marsha from Lucasfilm history
Conclusion: Marsha's legacy and show credits
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