Andor: Anti-f*scist Art
Just Write・46 minutes read
Trisha Arand defines the end of a period in Star Wars history with the release of Andor, focusing on fan service, filmmaking craft, and political themes. Andor stands out for its departure from fan service, its focus on real storytelling, and exploration of political themes such as anti-imperialism and critiquing capitalism within the Star Wars universe.
Insights
- "Andor" marks a significant shift in Star Wars storytelling by departing from excessive fan service and focusing on real, honest storytelling, praised for its creativity in world-building and tension-building techniques.
- The show is lauded for its overtly political themes, critiquing imperialism, fascism, capitalism, and colonialism within the Star Wars universe, showcasing the Empire's disrespect for cultures it suppresses and exploring the process of becoming a rebel through Cassian Andor's gradual radicalization.
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Recent questions
What are the main themes in "Andor"?
Political critique, anti-imperialism, anti-fascism, capitalism critique
How does "Andor" differ from other Star Wars TV shows?
Focuses on real storytelling, avoids fan service, uses real sets
What technology did "The Mandalorian" introduce?
"The volume" - digital environments on LED screens
What are the criticisms of Star Wars TV shows?
Lack of coherent political themes, focus on marketability
How does "Andor" explore the process of radicalization?
Focuses on Cassian Andor's gradual radicalization, necessity of revolution
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Summary
00:00
"Star Wars Timeline: Andor's New Era"
- Trisha Arand created a timeline of Star Wars media, defining the current exhaustive period.
- The release of Andor marks the end of this exhaustive period and an inflection point in Star Wars history.
- Three trends in Star Wars are discussed: fan service, filmmaking craft, and engagement with political themes.
- The pre-Andor era of Star Wars was criticized for excessive fan service and lack of dynamic relationships.
- The Mandalorian's second season is highlighted for its focus on cameos and fan service.
- Andor is praised for its departure from fan service and its focus on real, honest storytelling.
- Andor's world-building is commended for its creativity and unique environments.
- The show's tension-building techniques are lauded, emphasizing clear understanding of dangers in the story.
- Episode 3 of Andor is highlighted as a master class in tension-building through clear character dynamics and anticipation of danger.
- The show's action sequences are praised for their dynamic elements, such as the use of chains in a fight scene.
13:22
Star Wars TV shows: Technology, themes, criticism
- The Mandalorian utilized a new technology called "the volume" instead of green screens, projecting digital environments on LED screens around actors.
- The technology was developed due to the Mandalorian's reflective helmet causing issues with green screens, now widely used in major productions.
- The show "Andor" stands out for its use of real sets, creating a gritty and authentic feel compared to other Star Wars TV shows.
- Action scenes in shows like Boba Fett and Obi-Wan sometimes suffer from clunky choreography and unconvincing CGI characters.
- "Andor" avoids issues with alien characters and features impeccable production quality, setting it apart from other Star Wars productions.
- Star Wars TV shows have faced criticism for their depiction of iconic locations like Jabba's Palace, lacking the original's atmosphere and mood.
- The political themes in Star Wars TV shows have been criticized for being underdeveloped, with a focus on action rather than meaningful messages.
- Star Wars has taken a stand against racism and homophobia within its fandom, actively promoting diversity and inclusivity.
- The franchise has faced backlash for its lack of coherent political themes in recent movies and TV shows, with a focus on marketability over substance.
- "Andor" is praised for its overtly political themes, exploring anti-imperialism, anti-fascism, and critiquing capitalism and colonialism within the Star Wars universe.
26:55
Empire disrespects Aldani culture, rebels rise.
- The Empire disrespects cultures it suppresses, using a sacred Aldani temple for target practice.
- The Empire jams up the river to use caves for storage, showing racist disdain for the Aldani people.
- Aldani are depicted as simple people vulnerable to manipulation, trading goat hides to mask their smell.
- Mr. J-Hold, the Garrison leader, controls the Aldani population through soft power tactics.
- The Empire aims to destroy Aldani culture through relocation and degradation of religious sites.
- The heroes use a cultural ceremony to sneak into the Garrison, symbolizing victory over the Empire.
- The show explores the process of becoming a rebel, focusing on Cassian Andor's gradual radicalization.
- Andor's reluctance to join the Rebellion stems from fear and desire for personal peace.
- Andor's observations about the Empire's weakness reflect his own desires for comfort and security.
- Andor's rejection of selfishness and acceptance of revolutionary ideals mark his character growth.
40:41
"Rebel's struggle in oppressive Imperial prison"
- Andor is forced to do manual labor for the Empire, with other characters trying to radicalize him to help with the Rebellion.
- Andor is put under the control of Kino in the Imperial prison, who he must convince to join the escape attempt.
- Kino initially resists but eventually agrees after learning he will be transferred to another prison until death.
- The prison setting serves as a metaphor for life under a totalitarian regime, where resistance becomes the only option.
- The show explores the process of radicalization, the necessity of revolution against authoritarianism, and various interlocking systems of control.
