The discourse, disagreements and disappointments over who might be considered to direct the next "Star Wars" movie seems improbably misplaced and misguided. The adventures of the Skywalker family and their various friends, enemies and lovers was never a directorial showcase. Whether directed by George Lucas or the other two, the films were always, like "Gone with the Wind," a showcase for the producer.
The auteur theory has so infiltrated the consciousness of the mainstream that millions of moviegoers who do not even know its name buy into the idea that the director alone is the author of a movie like the writer is the author of a book.
Madness!
But just look at how many different stories have popped up over the last couple of weeks that focus on big name directors and their big time rejection of themselves as the director of the next "Star Wars" movie. Even the hiring of a hack writer has been overshadowed by the non-hiring of a director.
"Star Wars" as a six movie marathon odyssey from innocence to evil is the work primarily of George Lucas the producer. His name isn't listed as the official screenwriter on them all nor did he direct them all. But "Star Wars" is his baby, nonetheless. As the producer.
The equivalency in the case of "Star Wars" episodes 7, 8 and 9 would therefore be akin to a sequel to "Gone with the Wind." Victor Fleming won an Oscar for directing the original, but in their right mind equates the authorship of "Gone with the Wind" with Victor Fleming.
David O. Selznick is the name you need to know here and if you don't and if you buy into the auteur theory baloney then you probably are hoping desperately that the ambiguity of the "Star Wars" prequels is forgotten and the third trilogy brings back the simplistic black & white world of the original.
Meanwhile, over at the adult table, the feast centers not on who directs the films, but who produces them.
For more from Timothy Sexton, check out:
Why the Star Wars Prequels are Better Than the Original Trilogy
Does it Really Matter Who Authors a Movie?
