Ignore Your Family This Christmas By Watching This 48-Minute ‘Star Wars: The Force Awakens’ Q&A
Yes, this is theStar Wars: The Force AwakensQ&A you’re looking for. Following a screening of the film for Oscar and various film guild voters, director J.J. Abrams, producerKathleen Kennedy, co-writerLawrence Kasdan, VFX supervisorRoger Guyett, editorsMary Jo MarkeyandMaryann Brandon, cinematographerDaniel Mindel, costume designerMichael Kaplanand co-production designerRick Carterall took the stage for a lengthy chat withThe Hollywood Reporter’s Scott Feinberg. The result: 48 minutes of back and forth from the people responsible for one of the most anticipated movies of all time, all captured on video.
Yes, it’s the holidays and yes, you probably should be spending time with your family and friends instead of hunkering down in the guest bedroom and watching this video. But go ahead and give into your hate. Give into your anger. With each passing moment, you make yourself more susceptible to having a festive time with your loved ones and not indulging in this lengthyThe Force AwakensQ&A.
Star Wars: The Force Awakensis already on the fast track tobecoming one of the biggest movies of all time. The reaction from fans and normal audiences alike has been enthusiastic. Generally positive reviews have led to a extremely healthy 95% score on Rotten Tomatoes. The only thing missing from this line-up is a shelf full of trophies and awards.
And that’s why Disney has been hosting a series of special screenings of the film for voting members of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, aka, the people who vote for the Oscars. If populist genre entertainment likeAvatarandThe Lord of the Rings: The Return of the Kingcan became major Academy Awards contenders, then why notStar Wars? After all, the first one was a major player at the Oscars nearly 40 years ago.According to THR, the response from voters was extremely enthusiastic and you can feel the energy in the room when you watch the Q&A below.
Although there’s a lot of fun stuff to be found in that video, the highlight is surely Abrams defending the use of old-fashioned “wipe cuts” that were so prominent in the original trilogy: “It’sStar Wars, you do the wipes!”
Time will tell if the various awards bodies will awardStar Wars: The Force Awakenswith accolades. Technical nominations for visual effects, sound, editing, and cinematography feel live a given, but Disney obviously wants those big nods – Best Picture, Director, Screenplay, and maybe even a nomination for Harrison Ford. THR notes that this particular screening and this particular Q&A were just one of several assembled for voters in the past few days. They’re craving Oscars like the Sarlacc craves overrated bounty hunters.
And you know what? If a big awards push means more Q&As with the folks who brought this movie to life, then bring on that Oscar campaign. If you want more right now, there isthis 32-minute chat between Abrams and Kasdan. Avoid your family obligations in style!
