Explore Story Structure Through 'Star Wars: Episode VI - Return of the Jedi'

Return of the jediEarlier today the inherent “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” fever grew rampant when lots of new images were released, but if you’re like me, the anticipation for the new films keeps the old ones subconsciously present. Now, ‘Star Wars’ may be known for many things — intergalactic droids, robotic voices, laser beam doohickeys, amongst others — but its structure and dialogue are not typically among the most popular.

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In a new essay from Frame by Frame, the “beats” in “Return of the Jedi” are explored, as is the importance of a well-structured screenplay. These “beats” are emotional changes in characters that are oftentimes simple, but convey monumental feelings crucial to the plot of the story. When Luke Skywalker goes tête-à-tête with his father Darth Vader, there are several moments where the attitude of both characters change; we get an up-close view of the thought processes and internal feelings we normally wouldn’t.

Ever think such brazen lessons could be learned from a masked man who blows up planets and a handless jedi who once kissed his sister? Neither did I. Can you think of any other “beats” in the “Star Wars” universe? Let us know in the comments below.